Rising Star Bae In-hyuk Faces Challenges as 'I'll Give You the Universe' Struggles with Ratings

'You Know What?' Reporter Lee So-jung from TenAsia captures intriguing issues in the broadcasting world to stimulate the public's dopamine.

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tvN's Wednesday-Thursday drama 'I'll Give You the Universe' is nearing its finale while maintaining a 1% viewership rating, drawing attention to its lead actor, Bae In-hyuk. Despite being cast as the lead in consecutive romance dramas, Bae's presence in love triangles is often seen as lacking, leaving fans wanting more.

Set to conclude on the 12th, 'I'll Give You the Universe' has remained in the 1% viewership range since its premiere on the 4th of last month, with its highest rating at just 1.9% during the first episode. The drama has failed to generate significant buzz, according to critics.

Bae In-hyuk's previous work, Channel A's 'Check-in Hanyang,' ended with a 4.2% rating in February last year, a respectable figure compared to the channel's average. However, the drama and his character did not leave a lasting impression. With 'I'll Give You the Universe' following a similar pattern, some suggest it's time for Bae to reconsider his career trajectory.

Bae has played the male lead in several works like 'My Roommate is a Gumiho,' 'Cheer Up,' and 'The Contract Marriage of Mrs. Park,' often positioned at the center of love triangles. While he has secured his place in the romance genre, critics argue that his characters' charm is not fully highlighted in these repetitive dynamics. Fans frequently express that "despite being the lead, he often feels like a mere catalyst for conflict."

In 'I'll Give You the Universe,' viewers noted that key romantic scenes were focused on the supporting male lead, Park Seo-ham. Emotional connection scenes with the female lead (Roh Jeong-eui) and close-up shots during heightened emotions were more frequently assigned to Park's character. Meanwhile, Bae's character often explained situations or resolved conflicts, diminishing his presence as the main lead.

A graduate of Seoul Institute of the Arts, Bae In-hyuk has not faced significant criticism for his acting skills. However, recurring dissatisfaction with character development and narrative progression continues to surface.

This dissatisfaction extends beyond his on-screen work. After 'Check-in Hanyang' concluded, co-stars Jung Gun-joo and Park Jae-chan participated in round interviews, but Bae, who was central to the drama, did not. Similarly, he has opted out of post-finale interviews for 'I'll Give You the Universe.' Despite low ratings, these interviews could have been an opportunity to share insights and leave a lasting impression. While there may be reasons like fan meetings or preparing for future projects, his absence is noted in comparison to others who actively express their dedication to their work.

Born in 1998, Bae In-hyuk is approaching his late 20s and is expected to enlist in the military soon. Although he continues to receive casting offers and maintain lead roles, he is yet to have a breakout project that resonates widely with the public. Before 'I'll Give You the Universe,' he made a special appearance in MBC's 'Judge Lee Han-young' as a murderer, attempting to break away from his typical romantic lead image. Despite the brief role, he left a strong impression, showcasing potential for genre expansion.

Whether Bae can transcend his image as a love triangle lead and establish himself with new characters and genres remains a key point of interest. As he approaches military enlistment, the need for a defining project to alleviate fans' concerns grows more pressing.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr