According to Nielsen Korea on December 30, episode three of Idol Iwhich aired the previous night, it recorded ratings of 2.9% nationwide and 3.2% in the Seoul metropolitan area, the highest figures to date. This marked a significant leap from previous episodes and stands out as a significant achievement amid the fierce competition in the drama’s Monday-Tuesday timeslot. Word of mouth in online communities and social media is constantly growing, encouraging more and more viewers to tune in live.
Much of the credit for the ratings increase goes to the deepening of the narrative between the protagonists, Maeng Sena (played by Choi Soo-young) and Do Ra-ik (played by Kim Jae-young). Episode three depicted Sena offering her home to protect Ra-ik, her beloved idol, after being cornered as a murder suspect, leading to an intense coexistence alliance.
In a sad reality where everyone turns their backs on him, including his own family, Sena’s promise, I’ll stay by your side until the end, resonated not only with Ra-ik but also with viewers. Choi Soo-young convincingly played a strong and compassionate lawyer, while Kim Jae-young delicately expressed the wounded inner world of a fallen star, elevating the emotional impact of the drama.
The success of Idol I it is not limited to the ENA television broadcast. The series will also be released simultaneously on global OTT platforms such as Netflix, allowing audiences to watch it anytime, anywhere. This increased accessibility has played a key role in driving the steady increase in ratings.
Adding to the momentum, the episode’s ending raised new questions about Ra-ik’s movements and introduced a mysterious woman, Hong Hye-joo (played by Choi Hee-jin), pushing the story into a new phase. The balanced mix of investigative suspense and tender love story heightened anticipation, setting the stage for even bigger audiences in episodes to come.
Sources: Daum
