JTBC’s romantic drama My youth He tells the story of Sunwoo Hae (Joong-Ki song), former child’s star and now florist-novelist, and his complicated meeting with First Love Sung Je Yeon (Chun Woo-Hee), a leader of the guided management team. Together, they sail for persistent emotions, missing timing and rediscovered love.
Preview on September 5, My youth Open with a modest national evaluation of 2.9% (Nielsen Korea, paid families). However, instead of climbing, the assessments slipped: episode 2 at 2.8%, episode 3 at 2.2%, episode 4 at 2.4%and by September 19, episode 5 has collapsed at 1.9%, marking to date the lowest number of spectators of the show.
This strong decline contrasts abruptly with the previous works of Joong-Ki Song like Descendants of the sun (2016), which reached the peak of 38.8%, as well as the dramas hit the dramas Vincenzo AND Richerboth who dominated the assessments and pop culture. The expectations were particularly high for his return to romanticism after nine years, but the public criticized The lack of chemistry between leads and excessively conventional plots, such as the diagnosis of the terminal disease of the cliché of male lead.
The collapse attracted the criticisms towards the Joong-Ki Song himself, with some by doubting his ability to immerse spectators in the sensitive role of a man who rekindles his first love. His frequent references to personal issues, including marriage, on varieties shows have also led some to feel a disconnection between his person on the screen and the image of real life.
However, bankruptcy cannot be attributed only to the actors. Screenwriter Park Si-Hyun, previously praised for the faded narrative in Run (2020) and the director Lee Sang-Yeob, behind blows like Shopping King Louie (2016), Family wife (2018) and Yumi cells (2021-2022), this time they both stumbled in providing a compelling narrative.
Awarded issues is strong competition. My youth Airs alongside the SBS thriller Regina MantisRemoved by Go Hyun-Jung, which has risen to a 7.5% evaluation and continues to build a buzz for its compelling plot. With the rival series earning momentum every week, My youth He faces an uphill battle to recover the public on Friday evening.
It remains to be seen if the drama can overcome his collapse and save his reputation, but for now, the long-awaited return of Song Joong-Ki has been in the shade by one of the steep decisions in the recent history of the drama K.
Sources: Daum
