K-Drama 'How to Become a Building Owner in Korea' Garners Attention Despite Low Ratings

The reviews for the drama 'How to Become a Building Owner in Korea' (hereafter 'Building Owner'), directed by Kim Ji-woon, Jang Jae-hyun, and Jeon Go-woon, have been released. The drama, which marks Ha Jung-woo's return to the small screen after 19 years, recorded its lowest viewership rating of 2.6% nationwide for its fifth episode. This is about one-fifth of the highest rating of 13.1% achieved by its predecessor, 'Undercover Miss Hong'.

tvN's weekend drama 'Building Owner' tells the story of a 'soul-dragging' building owner who gets involved in a fake kidnapping scheme to protect his building and family. The fake kidnapping turns into a real crime, leading to a series of events that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

The drama explores the swirling human desires in the face of money, meeting ironic situations, and painting a picture that crosses between black comedy and thriller. Each episode features unpredictable developments, captivating endings, and the diverse performances of Ha Jung-woo, Lim Soo-jung, Kim Jun-han, Jung Soo-jung, and Shim Eun-kyung, which enhance the viewing experience. Additionally, director Lim Pil-sung's direction adds a cinematic immersion.

Director Kim Ji-woon ('The Spider's Web', 'The Age of Shadows', 'The Good, the Bad, the Weird', 'A Bittersweet Life', 'A Tale of Two Sisters') commented, "The drama reveals the bare face of the real estate republic with unpredictable and thrilling developments, enhanced by the masterful performances of the actors, creating a unique livelihood real estate thriller. Every character in this drama is intriguing."

Director Jang Jae-hyun ('The Priests', 'Svaha: The Sixth Finger', 'The Hypnosis') praised the overwhelming synergy of the actors, saying, "Thanks to the actors who deliver their performances as if paying rent, I came to understand the genre at some point."

Director Jeon Go-woon ('Persona', 'Microhabitat', 'LTNS') shared, "A powerful black comedy that makes you not want to make weekend plans! Thank you for even dispelling my futile desire to become a building owner," cleverly conveying the drama's unfolding situation caused by 'soul-dragging'.

'How to Become a Building Owner in Korea', which is drawing attention with reviews from film directors, airs at 9:10 PM on weekends.

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