tvN’s new Monday-Tuesday drama Spring feverled by Ahn Bo Hyun and Lee Joo Bin, began its run with an impressive performance, taking the top spot in the ratings from its first episode and signaling a promising trajectory.
The first episode, which aired on January 5, recorded a national average of 4.8% and a peak of 6.1% on paid platforms. In the Seoul metropolitan area, it averaged 4.7% and peaked at 5.8%. In particular, among tvN’s main demographic groups between 20 and 49 years old (viewers aged between 20 and 49 years), Spring fever ranked first among all channels, including terrestrial broadcasters during its timeslot, exceeding industry expectations.
Based on a popular web novel later adapted into a webtoon, Spring fever boasts a strong ensemble cast that includes Ahn Bo Hyun, Lee Joo Bin, Cha Seo Won, Cho Jun Young, Lee Jae In, Jin Kyung, and Bae Jung Nam.
From the opening episode, the drama wastes no time in establishing its central love story. Viewers are introduced to Yoon Bom (Lee Joo Bin), once a popular teacher in Seoul, who now lives in self-imposed isolation in the small town of Shinsu-eup. His withdrawn demeanor, unexplained past, and recurring nightmares quickly arouse curiosity. The scenes in which he wakes up in fear, muttering that he has endured the same dream for more than a year, vividly portray his emotional scars and dark state of mind.
At work, Yoon Bom becomes the subject of gossip among his fellow teachers, who speculate about why he abandoned Seoul for a rural town. Flashbacks then reveal her stark contrast to her once-dubbed self as a charismatic storyteller and keen moral thinker, making her current transformation even more intriguing.
His quiet routine is disrupted by the arrival of Seon Jae Gyu (Ahn Bo Hyun), a feared but enigmatic figure in the city. Covered in dragon tattoos and exuding an intimidating aura, he storms into the school for the cancellation of his nephew Han Gyeol’s filial piety award, immediately throwing the teachers into chaos. Despite his rough appearance, Jae Gyu surprises everyone with his logic, his manners, and his unexpected chivalry, including resistance to casual sexism and respect for the students’ learning environment.
The tension between Yoon Bom and Jae Gyu deepens through a series of misunderstandings and comedic moments, including a late-night encounter where Yoon Bom mistakes his spicy chicken skewers for a weapon. His quiet acts of kindness and subtle hints that the two may share a past connection add layers to his character, leaving viewers wanting to know more.
Later, their reunion during a parent-teacher conference further increases the romantic tension. Jae Gyu’s easy confidence and familiar way of addressing Yoon Bom contrast with his visible agitation, cementing their chemistry as one of the drama’s highlights.
Before the premiere, director Park Won Gook openly expressed his ambition to surpass his previous success Marry my husbandwhich achieved a record score of 12%. His confidence appears well founded, as Spring fever has already secured the top spot since its first broadcast. Ahn Bo Hyun also shared that his trust in the director played an important role in choosing the project, expressing his desire to claim the No. 1 position together.
With its blend of mystery, romance and humor, and with the unpredictable Seon Jae Gyu firmly entering Yoon Bom’s carefully guarded world, anticipation grows for how their relationship will evolve. Episode 2 of Spring fever airs January 6 at 8:50pm KST on tvN, with streaming available on TVING and Wavve after the broadcast.
Sources: Wikitree
