Will it be able to regain its former glory?
When it comes to South Korean entertainment, whether it’s K-Dramas or entertainment programs, tvN has been one of the most recognized names for his lineup of international hits, including Queen of tears, Marry my husband, A crash landing on you, AND Take the block quiz.
Which show “paved the way” for tvN to become one of the top K-Drama channels?
But in 2025, tvN struggles to gain ground. In addition to the significant underperformance of When the stars gossipso are tvN’s entertainment programs “in a groove”, according to the news MyDaily.
While his longtime fan favorites please Fantastic Saturday AND Take the block quiz are holding the fort, some of the channel’s newer programs have failed to generate buzz and are seeing a decline in ratings.
For example, Nice guyspremiering in December 2024, it cast some of Korea’s most adored TV characters Lee Yi Kyung and Olympic heartthrob Oh Sang Wook. Yet, even under the direction of the Producer Yoo Ho Jin who is best known for the mega hit 2 days 1 nightthe show failed to gain momentum. Seven episodes in Nice guys stands at a mere 1.5% of viewers. Despite some of the highest profile guests, such as BTS‘S Jinthe show failed to win over audiences.
[#오늘의방탄] #GoodBoys
Handsomez was perfect in a different way!🤣
Exploring the architecture of Jeju Island, as beautiful as Jin😊Today’s #Seokjin #jin #Jin #BTS #BTS #Hamsome teamwork is good #Ranking of the answer pic.twitter.com/NoCgIt838d— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) January 12, 2025
In fact, even high-profile cast members from the K-Pop and K-Drama world with more dedicated fandoms have not been able to restore tvN to its former glory.
Rented in Finland stars familiar names like STAR‘S Cha Eunwoo and actor Lee Je Hoonbut achieved an insignificant viewership rating with an average of 2%. Spin-off of Green Bean and Red Bean: Coffee shop operation also characteristics ESO‘S DO and best friend Lee Kwang Soobut despite the good start, the percentage of spectators has since dropped to 3%.
MyDaily noted that tvN’s collapse could stem from a lack of innovation. Most shows feel redundant with premises and plots that have all been done and seen before. Since the channel has many new entertainment programs scheduled to premiere soon, the news outlet wondered whether tvN will be able to win back the hearts of viewers.
Meanwhile, some Korean viewers noted that tvN’s difficulties may not be entirely the production giant’s fault. In a post discussing the MyDaily version at “flop” shows, viewers mentioned two main reasons: South Korea’s state in the midst of its political turmoil and, of course, YouTube.
- “Given the state of South Korea… no one cares that rich celebrities and their comfortable lives are paid to travel abroad and ‘get well.’
- “I mean, I like how Nice guys tries to explain things about Korean culture. It’s a bit like MBC‘S Those who cross the line.“
- “This whole ‘get well abroad’ thing is boring now… I never liked the concept in the first place.”
- “I usually leave TVN programs in the background, like white noise. But some of these shows are really unappealing. Even the people who play them are completely uninteresting.”
- “TBH… I don’t understand why anyone would watch celebrities get paid to travel outside of Korea to ‘get better’ or whatever. Haha. I watch the GBRB one, but only on YouTube.
Read more about When the stars gossipHere is the viewer rating here.
Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin’s K-Drama reaches an all-time low in ratings
