'Gugidong Friends': A New Era of Reality TV with Unscripted Sitcom Charm

'Gugidong Friends' is redefining reality TV by creating an unscripted sitcom experience.

tvN's 'Gugidong Friends' captures the essence of modern adults who enjoy solitude but dislike loneliness. Featuring stars like Jang Do-yeon, Lee Da-hee, Choi Daniel, Jang Keun-suk, Ahn Jae-hyun, and Kyung Soo-jin, the show offers genuine laughter and has quickly become a favorite among viewers.

The second episode, aired on the 17th, achieved an average rating of 3.1% and peaked at 4.0% in the Seoul metropolitan area, securing the top spot among cable and general programming channels during its time slot. It also ranked first nationwide and in the metropolitan area among tvN's target demographic of viewers aged 20-49, across all channels, including terrestrial networks, according to Nielsen Korea.

Additionally, the show is experiencing a meteoric rise in popularity, ranking second in the non-drama category and first in the Friday segment of the Good Data Corporation's FUNdex for the third week of April. In terms of cast popularity, Jang Do-yeon ranked third, Choi Daniel fifth, and Jang Keun-suk ninth, showcasing the cast's growing appeal.

The show's digital cumulative views have reached 130 million, marking the highest viewership for any tvN variety show launched this year. Notably, a segment featuring Choi Daniel buying a suit with Lee Da-hee garnered nearly 4.1 million views in just two days, while a clip of the male cast members doing morning exercises reached 3.5 million views, further fueling the show's buzz. The relatable moments shared by the 'housemate friends' resonate with viewers, drawing both empathy and engagement.

The third episode of 'Gugidong Friends' is set to air on April 24 at 8:35 PM.

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