Drama 'Shining' Struggles with Low Ratings Despite Captivating Romance

The drama 'Shining', starring actors Park Jin-young and Kim Min-ju, is facing challenges as it records ratings in the 0% range.

On the 24th, JTBC's Friday series 'Shining' released some unreleased cuts from episodes 5 and 6. The 6th episode, which aired on the 20th, recorded a viewership rating of 0.9%, a drop from the 5th episode's 1.1%.

In the drama, after a separation at the age of twenty, Yeon Tae-seo and Mo Eun-ah have been living their own lives until they unexpectedly meet again in Seoul. Initially using their past as classmates as an excuse to meet, they realize that their feelings had not disappeared over the decade but had layered like fallen leaves, leading them to choose to reunite.

As their relationship feels more poignant after such a long time apart, the newly released photos capture moments of a more mature romance between the two.

Yeon Tae-seo, now a subway driver, and Mo Eun-ah, a manager of a traditional Seoul guesthouse, are shown immersed in their busy lives, a stark contrast to their youthful days at nineteen. The photos reveal an awkward atmosphere as Yeon Tae-seo offers his home to the displaced Mo Eun-ah and prepares food for her, while she quietly observes him.

A pivotal scene that captures their transition into a romantic relationship also draws attention. Mo Eun-ah, returning to retrieve forgotten belongings, finds Yeon Tae-seo calling her name in his sleep, leading her to embrace him. The two, holding each other tightly as they sleep, realize that time, once paused, has begun to flow again.

As Yeon Tae-seo and Mo Eun-ah officially start dating, a deeper, sweeter connection is evident. Even while eating grapes, Yeon Tae-seo can't take his eyes off Mo Eun-ah, and despite knowing they'll meet again soon, Mo Eun-ah gazes at Yeon Tae-seo from a taxi, showing their genuine desire to cherish every moment together.

The rekindled romance between Park Jin-young and Kim Min-ju, reigniting after over a decade, can be seen in the back-to-back episodes of 'Shining' airing on the 27th at 8:50 PM.

By Se-yoon Jung, TenAsia Reporter yoon@tenasia.co.kr