Im Sung-han's 'Dr. Shin' Faces Low Ratings Despite Bold Casting Choices

《Tae Yuna's Drama Insights》
Tae Yuna from TenAsia brings you in-depth analysis of dramas based on firsthand observations. In an era flooded with dramas across numerous channels, we aim to be your eyes and ears.

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Renowned writer Im Sung-han, known as the 'Queen of Makjang', has returned after three years with her new drama 'Dr. Shin', only to face disappointing ratings. Her bold decision to cast newcomers in lead roles seems to have created a barrier for initial viewer engagement.

Im Sung-han's First-Ever 1% Ratings 'Humiliation'

The new TV Chosun weekend mini-series 'Dr. Shin', which premiered on the 14th, recorded a nationwide rating of 1.4% for both its first and second episodes, according to Nielsen Korea. This is an unprecedented low in Im Sung-han's career, which began in 1990.

In the past, she achieved high ratings with MBC's 'See and See Again' (57.3%), 'Mermaid Lady' (47.9%), and SBS's 'Heaven's Fate' (44.9%). Even on TV Chosun, her 'Marriage Lyrics, Divorce Composition' series set a new record for cable dramas with 16.6%. Compared to her previous work 'Lady Durian', which started at 4.2% and ended at 8.1%, this 1% rating is a significant setback.

The Risky Newcomer Casting Strategy

The primary reason for the low ratings is attributed to the lead cast's lack of recognition. Im Sung-han took a gamble by casting all lead roles with auditioned newcomers. She criticized established actors for directing writers and directors, stating, "I found newcomers who perfectly fit the image and ensured they wouldn't develop 'actor syndrome' after working on my projects."

However, excluding 'high-nosed' actors resulted in a harsh reality. The unfamiliar faces of newcomers became a hurdle for TV Chosun's main audience, middle-aged viewers, to immerse in the drama. The absence of seasoned actors to stabilize the narrative was a key factor in failing to capture early buzz.

Can Positive Storyline Reviews Lead to a Turnaround?

Despite the low ratings, the storyline itself has received positive feedback. Unlike her previous work 'Lady Durian', which included controversial elements like same-sex relationships between in-laws, 'Dr. Shin' introduces a bold concept of a mother donating her brain to her brain-dead daughter, termed 'mother-daughter brain change'.

While the themes have changed, Im's signature 'quirky' elements remain. The drama features blunt subtitles revealing characters' inner thoughts and unique speech patterns, eliciting chuckles. Viewers commented, "The content is much more mainstream than before, but the moment the subtitles appear, you know it's an Im Sung-han drama," and "The script is much better than previous works, even if the newcomers' acting feels unfamiliar."

Whether Im Sung-han's prioritization of synchronization and attitude over actor recognition will lead to a turnaround through word of mouth, and if 'Dr. Shin', which started with a low 1% rating, can achieve a ratings rebound alongside the growth of its new actors, remains to be seen.

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

Related Topics: Im Sung-han, Dr. Shin, TV Chosun, Ratings, New Actors