Namkoong Min Seeks Ratings Boost Amidst Fierce Weekend Drama Competition

Reporter Tae Yuna from TenAsia provides an in-depth analysis of dramas based on firsthand observations. In an era flooded with dramas across numerous channels, we aim to be the eyes and ears for our readers.

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Actor Namkoong Min is eyeing a chance to boost his struggling ratings as new weekend dramas 'Casino' and 'Seocho-dong' hit the screens, sparking fresh competition. While facing formidable actors like Choi Min-sik and Lee Jong-suk poses a challenge, the fact that 'Casino' was released on OTT platforms three years ago could be an opportunity.

Namkoong Min and Jeon Yeo-bin's drama 'Our Movie' has reached its halfway point. With six episodes remaining out of a 12-episode series, the ratings have yet to see an upward trend. Despite Namkoong Min's confidence, the highest rating was 4.2% for the first episode, and it has lingered in the 3% range up to the sixth episode. Even the anticipated fifth episode failed to see a rebound.

The drama's buzz has also been on a downward trend. According to Good Data Corporation's FUNdex for the first week of July, 'Our Movie' ranked 9th in the TV-OTT non-drama integrated buzz category, dropping four places from the previous week. Namkoong Min, who was 9th in the cast buzz last week, fell out of the top 10 within a week.

This decline in numbers reflects the waning public interest in the show. Despite its poignant terminal illness theme, the drama's engagement and romantic excitement have been lacking, according to some viewers.

In this scenario, 'Our Movie' is set to face off against 'Casino,' which begins airing on the 4th. 'Casino' is a crime action drama depicting the intense psychological battle between the fallen legend of the Philippine casino world, Cha Moo-sik (played by Choi Min-sik), and the relentless detective Oh Seung-hoon (played by Son Seok-gu). Originally a Disney+ original drama, it gained popularity and critical acclaim upon its release in 2022.

Repackaged as an MBC special series after three years, 'Casino' maintains its 19+ rating but has adjusted some expressions to meet broadcast standards. While the lack of novelty might be a drawback, as many viewers have already seen it, those who missed it due to Disney+'s access barrier can now enjoy its proven quality on TV. This presents both an opportunity and a challenge for 'Our Movie.'

'Our Movie' will also compete with the new tvN weekend drama 'Seocho-dong,' which shares the Saturday time slot. A follow-up to 'Mysterious Seoul,' 'Seocho-dong' portrays the joys and sorrows of five associate lawyers working in the Seocho-dong legal district. The drama stars Lee Jong-suk, Moon Ga-young, Kang Yoo-seok, Ryu Hye-young, and Lim Sung-jae.

With 'Mysterious Seoul,' which held the top weekend drama ratings, having concluded, it remains to be seen how many viewers will switch to 'Our Movie.' However, given 'Seocho-dong's' star-studded lineup, if there is no viewer attrition, it may be difficult for 'Our Movie' to see a ratings increase.

The production team of 'Our Movie' highlights the aftermath of Jeon Yeo-bin's straightforward confession to Namkoong Min and the conclusion and truth of the film 'White Love' as key points in the latter half. As Namkoong Min and Jeon Yeo-bin's romance is set to intensify, all eyes are on whether 'Our Movie' can overcome its slump and shed its title as the lowest-rated show.

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