This time, it’s due to two of her works achieving drastically different ratings. While one drama soars to the top with record-breaking ratings, the other faces controversy and dismal results despite high production costs and expectations.
The two dramas in question are KBS2’s weekend drama “Iron Family” and tvN’s weekend drama “When the Stars Gossip”.
First, let’s examine the controversial “When the Stars Gossip”, which despite a 50 billion KRW production budget, is struggling to gain traction. Written by Seo Sook-hyang, the drama is set in a space station and features a romance between its characters. Its star-studded cast includes Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin, and the project took three years to be released. However, the result has been nothing short of disappointing.
Premiering with a nationwide rating of 3.3% (according to Nielsen Korea), the drama saw a sharp decline. By its third episode, ratings plummeted to the 2% range, hitting a low of 1.8% in the fifth episode. Although the sixth episode saw a slight recovery to 2.9%, it remains far below expectations. Critics and viewers alike have lambasted the drama for its weak storyline, outdated dialogue and unnecessary bed scenes.
Compared to last year’s tvN weekend drama “Queen of Tears”, which started with a 5.9% rating and concluded with 24.9%, “When the Stars Gossip” is a major letdown. Given that tvN’s weekend dramas generally exceed expectations, this failure is a significant blow to writer Seo Sook-hyang’s career.
In stark contrast, writer Seo Sook-hyang’s other drama, KBS2’s weekend drama “Iron Family”, is thriving. The drama recorded a nationwide rating of 19.0% on January 19, securing the top spot across all channels. With an estimated 3.484 million viewers, the series is on the verge of surpassing the coveted 20% rating milestone.
“Iron Family” focuses on warm, heartfelt stories of familial conflict and reconciliation, resonating with viewers across generations. Its relatable plot and outstanding performances by the cast have won the hearts of viewers, solidifying KBS’s reputation for delivering hit weekend dramas.
Despite being penned by the same writer, the two dramas’ contrasting results can be attributed to differences in themes and approach. “Iron Family” taps into traditional family values that resonate deeply with Korean viewers, securing a stable audience base. In contrast, “When the Stars Gossip” struggled to establish relatability with its unconventional space setting and unrealistic premise.
While “When the Stars Gossip” disappointed with its underwhelming narrative and controversies, “Iron Family” offered stability with a solid script and likable characters. This case highlights the importance of choosing the right subject matter and execution style, even for a skilled writer like Seo Sook-hyang.
This situation underscores that a drama’s success isn’t solely dependent on the writer’s skill. A harmonious combination of script quality, innovative themes, direction, casting and alignment with audience preferences is essential.
Writer Seo Sook-hyang’s previous works include “Pasta”, “Don’t Dare to Dream”, “Wok of Love” and “Miss Korea”.
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