'Gugidong Friends' Captures Hearts with Genuine Moments and Top Ratings

'Gugidong Friends' has successfully captured the hearts of viewers with its genuine portrayal of six friends' everyday lives.

The third episode of tvN's 'Gugidong Friends,' aired on Friday, the 24th, featured Jang Do-yeon, Lee Da-hee, Choi Daniel, Jang Keun-suk, Ahn Jae-hyun, and Kyung Soo-jin creating memorable moments together in and around the Gugidong house.

The episode achieved the highest viewership ratings in its time slot across cable and comprehensive programming channels nationwide and in the metropolitan area. tvN's target demographic of men and women aged 20-49 also ranked first in its time slot across all channels, including terrestrial, for two consecutive weeks. (Based on paid platforms including cable, IPTV, and satellite / Nielsen Korea)

Continuing from last week, the 'Dongsa-chin' friends met with fortune teller Go Chun-ja and Lee Da-young. Ahn Jae-hyun was moved to tears by his fortune, which described him as having a lonely fate. Jang Do-yeon comforted him by patting his back, and Kyung Soo-jin offered words of encouragement, saying, "I'll give you lots of love." The fortune-telling session brought the group closer, as they were told they made a good combination due to their similar ages and complementary personalities.

While Jang Do-yeon, Choi Daniel, Jang Keun-suk, Ahn Jae-hyun, and Kyung Soo-jin were having their fortunes read, Lee Da-hee showcased her 'cleanliness fairy' skills by meticulously cleaning the house. She even tidied up the rooms of the other five members, allowing them to experience the joy of having someone else clean for them. In a thoughtful gesture, she also gifted the male members chocolates and handwritten letters for Valentine's Day.

At a restaurant recommended by Jang Keun-suk for Ahn Jae-hyun's energy boost, the five friends bonded over relatable holiday nagging stories. Jang Do-yeon shared an anecdote about asking her mother what it's like to raise a child, only to be told, "Even if you don't get married, if you have a child, I'll help raise them," capturing everyone's attention.

That evening, during an impromptu Jang Keun-suk appreciation session, Kyung Soo-jin expressed, "I thought you were intimidating as a top star, but you're actually mature and down-to-earth. You were a cool celebrity, but now you're a cool man." Jang Do-yeon also shared her admiration, saying, "I hope someone sees me working as hard as you do," which moved Jang Keun-suk to tears.

The next day, Choi Daniel, wanting to try tanning, enlisted the help of Jang Keun-suk and Ahn Jae-hyun to apply tanning cream. However, while the male friends were supportive, the female friends were opposed, leading to a humorous divide. Ultimately, Choi Daniel sided with the female friends and decided to forgo tanning, bringing laughter to the group.

Meanwhile, the 'good sisters' episode featuring Jang Do-yeon, Lee Da-hee, and Kyung Soo-jin added warmth to the show. Lee Da-hee prepared a fruit lunchbox for Jang Do-yeon, who was leaving for work early in the morning. Jang Do-yeon quietly placed a humidifier in Lee Da-hee's room when she heard her coughing at night. It was also revealed that Lee Da-hee had lent her only humidifier to Kyung Soo-jin, who had a cold, further enhancing the heartwarming atmosphere.

In a nostalgic dance rhythm game, Jang Do-yeon delivered an energetic performance, while Kyung Soo-jin shone with precise choreography in a modern dance rhythm game, providing a dopamine boost and serving as a source of vitality for viewers.

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