TV Chosun’s latest Monday-Tuesday drama No subsequent life made a flashy debut with a plush cast and bold scenes. However, its premiere only achieved ratings in the range of 1%.
According to Nielsen Korea on November 11, the first episode of No subsequent lifewhich aired the day before, recorded 1.5% for the first part and 1.9% for the second based on paid platform households nationwide.
Kim Hee-sun shed her glamorous image to play a troubled woman with curly hair, baggy T-shirts and mismatched sneakers, playing her role with emotional depth. Han Hye-jin delicately captured the loneliness behind her refined appearance, while Jin Seo-yeon brought complexity to her character’s emotional contradictions.
Writer Shin Yi-won presents the lives of three 41-year-old women facing different challenges: Jo Na-jung tries to return to work after a career break, Goo Ju-young battles infertility despite having everything, and Lee Il-ri struggles with the disconnect between love and marriage. Director Kim Jung-min sensitively captures their emotional nuances with exquisite imagery.
During the press conference on November 10, the lead actresses shared the warm atmosphere on the set. Han Hye-jin said: “It was amazing working with these women. We chatted a lot before filming. Hee-sun is bold and a great leader. Seo-yeon is deeply affectionate.“
Kim Hee-sun added: “Seo-yeon did our group chat and took care of our health. Hye-jin kept me grounded when I was panicking. This bond is the greatest treasure I got from this project.” Jin Seo-yeon jokingly commented: “I was worried about the chemistry at first, but everyone was so amazing and confident in their own beauty. There was no jealousy. I love my face, and so do they. We had no problems. Filming was a lot of fun.“
When asked how young viewers might relate to the drama, Kim Hee-sun said: “It will feel like an early lesson. It covers real issues like career breaks, parenting, and being a golden lady who wants both love and work.” Han Hye-jin mused: “Marriage can make people narrow-minded and selfish. But through understanding and respect, it can become something beautiful. This drama made me reflect on myself.“
No subsequent life airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10pm on TV Chosun and is also available on Netflix. It competes directly with tvN Nice to not meet youwith Lee Jung-jae and Lim Ji-yeon.
At the press event, Kim Hee-sun jokingly said, “If our ratings exceed 5%, the six main actors will offer free hugs and a coffee truck!” He cheekily added: “What was that show called again? Nice to not meet you? Do you really identify with their melodrama (Lee Jung-jae and Lim Ji-yeon)?“
With its blend of powerful acting, sharp writing and grounded direction, No subsequent life now it faces the challenge of increasing its ratings in upcoming episodes. Episode 2 will air Nov. 11 at 10 p.m.
Sources: wikitree
