tvN Drama 'Siren' Faces Declining Ratings Amid Criticism of Unconvincing Plot and Delivery

《Tae Yuna's Drama Insight》
Tae Yuna from TenAsia brings you in-depth analysis of dramas based on firsthand observations. In this era of drama overflow, we aim to be your eyes and ears.

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The tvN Monday-Tuesday drama 'Siren', starring actress Park Min-young, is struggling with declining ratings for two consecutive episodes after its premiere. Critics point to the unconvincing plot that hinders immersion, along with disappointment in Park Min-young's dialogue delivery.

'Siren' is a fatal romance thriller about an irresistibly charming insurance fraud suspect and a man who delves into the truth behind the deaths surrounding her. Park Min-young takes on the role of Han Seol-ah, a chief auctioneer with a mysterious demeanor, marking a bold transformation from her previous 'rom-com queen' image.

At the production presentation, she revealed that she "only drank water and alcohol" to portray the character's sharp sensitivity, drinking 3 liters of water daily during filming, which drew attention. In the drama, Park Min-young's sharply defined collarbone and jawline contribute to Han Seol-ah's edgy and cold aura.

Despite her efforts, the ratings continue to decline. The third episode, aired on the 9th, recorded a nationwide household rating of 4.1%, dropping from the premiere's 5.5% and the second episode's 4.6%, marking a new low.

The declining ratings are attributed to the unconvincing plot and lack of realism. Director Kim Chul-kyu's stylish direction is notable, but critics argue that the image-focused cuts disrupt the narrative flow. The handling of the insurance murder theme is seen as contrived, and the portrayal of insurance investigator Cha Woo-seok (played by Wi Ha-joon) conducting solo undercover investigations like a detective detracts from the genre's appeal.

Additionally, there is criticism of Park Min-young's dialogue delivery. Known for her 'precise diction' in numerous works, her low voice tone and pronunciation set for the mysterious atmosphere in 'Siren' are seen as detrimental. Viewers have commented, "The pronunciation is unclear, making the dialogue hard to hear," "The voice is overly forceful, hindering immersion," and "I've never thought her pronunciation was bad, but it sounds awkward here."

Park Min-young's excessively thin appearance also raises health concerns. Her extreme diet for the role, driven by passion for acting, makes her look more pitiable than fatal on screen. Fans express concern, saying, "Passion for acting is great, but health should come first," and "She looks too frail to deliver her lines comfortably."

However, there are positive views on the work. Park Min-young's attempt to break away from familiarity and challenge a new genre is acknowledged. Director Kim Chul-kyu's unique visual style is also praised for enhancing the drama's quality. It remains to be seen if 'Siren', struggling to secure early viewers, can overcome the diction controversy and gain public empathy to set the stage for a turnaround.

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