Actor Namkoong Min Addresses Low Ratings of SBS Drama 'Our Movie'

Reporter Tae Yuna from TenAsia brings you the latest insights from the drama scene, ensuring you don't miss a beat in the flood of new shows.

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"If there isn't a significant turnaround by episode 5, it will be my responsibility."

This was actor Namkoong Min's reaction to the initial ratings of the SBS drama 'Our Movie.' Despite lacking dopamine-inducing scenes, he was confident in the show's artistic value as a traditional melodrama. While ratings are just one objective measure, it's undeniable that 'Our Movie' has seen a significant drop compared to his previous works and currently holds the lowest ratings among weekend dramas. More concerning than the low ratings are the mixed reviews from viewers.

Premiering on the 13th, 'Our Movie' tells the story of a film director with no future, Lee Jae-ha (played by Namkoong Min), and an actress living her last days, Lee Da-eum (played by Jeon Yeo-bin), as they navigate a love that cannot be postponed. Namkoong Min and Jeon Yeo-bin portray a director in a slump and an aspiring actress with a terminal diagnosis, respectively.

The drama was met with both anticipation and concern before its release. Given Namkoong Min's return to SBS after three years, following his award-winning performances in 'Stove League,' 'The Veil,' and 'Lovers,' expectations were high. However, there were worries about the show's ability to succeed as a traditional melodrama in the competitive Friday-Saturday slot. Namkoong Min was well aware of these concerns.

At the production press conference, Namkoong Min stated, "If you're asking about competitiveness, it's nonexistent. There are no provocative scenes or dopamine-inducing moments." He added, "If ratings are based on provocative content, it might be tough. However, if the outcome of a non-provocative work is good, it means we've achieved something great, so I'm confident." He emphasized, "I'm not sure about the ratings, but the work itself turned out as well as I imagined."

As he feared, the initial ratings for 'Our Movie' were disappointing. Starting at 4.2% for the first episode, it dropped to 3.0% by the second episode. This is the lowest rating for an SBS Friday-Saturday drama since 'The Resurrection of Seven' ended in May last year. As of the 14th, it ranked last among weekend mini-series, behind 'Labor Attorney No Moo-jin' (4.6%), 'Unknown Seoul' (7.4%), and 'Good Boy' (6.2%).

The show's performance on OTT platforms is also lackluster. As of the 16th, 'Our Movie' ranked 12th in 'Today's TOP 20' on Wavve, where it is available. In comparison, 'Labor Attorney No Moo-jin' ranked 4th, and 'Good Boy' ranked 7th. 'Unknown Seoul' ranked 2nd on TVING.

Perhaps due to the dismal ratings, Namkoong Min posted on his social media on the 15th, "Despite the current low ratings, I am very confident. Please keep watching until episode 5. If there isn't a significant turnaround by then, feel free to criticize me harshly. It will be my responsibility." His statement drew attention to 'Our Movie,' with many praising his willingness to take responsibility and his confidence in the drama.

However, viewer opinions on the show are divided. Many feel that the drama lacks the excitement needed for a significant ratings boost. The melodramatic theme of a terminal illness and the slow-paced narrative are seen as barriers to entry. Additionally, there is negative feedback regarding Jeon Yeo-bin's performance. Her character is supposed to be in her 20s, but at 37, her bold and lively acting style is perceived as awkward. Her line in episode 2, "Everyone~ you think you have a lot of days to live, right?" while shouting alone in front of Namkoong Min, was criticized for disrupting the immersion.

Some viewers commented, "I changed the channel during the shouting scene," "The voice change felt artificial and out of place," and "Am I the only one who finds Jeon Yeo-bin's acting awkward?" The overall evaluation of the drama is mixed, with some finding it soothing and healing, while others find it dull and uninteresting.

As Namkoong Min mentioned, 'Our Movie' has just begun, and there is still potential for a turnaround. His confident statement could serve as positive publicity. His previous work, 'Lovers,' also struggled until episode 4 but saw a surge in ratings with the start of a war in episode 5. However, 'Lovers' was a 21-episode series, while 'Our Movie' is only 12 episodes long. By episode 5, it will be halfway through the series. Will there be a significant turnaround by then, as Namkoong Min hopes? We look forward to seeing if his confidence is justified.

Reporter Tae Yuna from TenAsia youyou@tenasia.co.kr