The weekend K-drama ratings race delivered big numbers for two popular shows. JTBC’s “The Apartment Job“ ended its run with its best performance yet, while tvN’s “Spooky in Love” also hit a new personal record. Both dramas gave viewers plenty to talk about.
According to Nielsen Korea, the final episode of “The Apartment Job” pulled in an average nationwide rating of 7.7 percent on August 16. This marks a major jump from episode 11, which scored 5.4 percent just one day earlier. The 12-episode series finished strong, proving that audiences stayed engaged until the very end.
The Apartment Job Ends on a High Note
“The Apartment Job” started with modest numbers. The premiere earned 4.6 percent, but the show quickly found its footing. Episode 2 jumped to 5.4 percent, and the drama kept building momentum throughout its run.
The series stars Ji Sung, Ha Yoon-kyung, Moon So-ri, and Park Byung-eun. It tells the story of a chaotic crime comedy set inside an apartment building. The show blends dark humor with social commentary, following characters caught up in a high-stakes apartment president election that requires 10 billion won.
Fans responded positively to the show’s unique mix of genres. One viewer called it “a must-watch for all K-drama fans” and praised the acting and storyline. The drama also performed well on Netflix, ranking second in Indonesia’s Top 10 TV series list.
The finale’s 7.7 percent rating represents a significant achievement for the JTBC weekend drama. The show improved steadily from its early episodes, with episode 4 reaching 6 percent before the finale pushed past that mark.
Spooky in Love Sets New All-Time High
“Spooky in Love” also had a big night. The romance drama scored an average nationwide rating of 7.3 percent for episode 10. This beats its previous episode 9 rating of 6.1 percent.
The numbers get even more impressive when looking at peak viewership. The episode reached a high of 8.2 percent nationwide and 8.3 percent in the Seoul metropolitan area. The drama also took first place in its time slot across all cable channels.
“Spooky in Love” has been climbing the ratings ladder since its debut. The first episode started at 3.0 percent, but the show quickly gained attention. Episode 2 jumped to 5.3 percent, and the numbers kept rising. Episode 4 hit 5.8 percent, and episode 6 reached 6.0 percent. The show even became Netflix Korea’s number one series after its record-breaking ratings.
The drama stars Park Eun Bin and Yang Se Jong in the lead roles. The show follows a supernatural romance with fantasy and horror elements. It airs on Saturdays and Sundays and is set to conclude with its final week of episodes.
Major Plot Twist Drives Spooky in Love’s Ratings Surge
Episode 10 delivered a dramatic turning point that likely attracted more viewers. Park Eun Bin’s character, Cheon Yeo Ri, told Yang Se Jong’s character, Ma Kang Wook, that they should break up.
The episode showed the couple enjoying a romantic trip to Singapore. Kang Wook helped Yeo Ri with a business challenge at Reina Hotel, and they shared sweet moments together. However, trouble began brewing when Kang Wook’s grandmother strongly opposed their relationship. She warned Yeo Ri that staying together could put Kang Wook in danger.
Fearing for his safety and remembering painful past experiences, Yeo Ri made the difficult choice to push him away. In the episode’s closing moments, she met Kang Wook and said, “Should we break up? Let’s call off the engagement”. Kang Wook was left stunned by her unexpected decision.
This emotional cliffhanger created a major turning point for the couple and likely contributed to the show’s record ratings. The drama has consistently ranked first in its time slot among viewers aged 20 to 49 across all channels, including public broadcasters.
Love on the Menu Continues Its Dominance
While both dramas performed well, KBS 2TV’s “Love on the Menu” remained the most-watched show of the night. The series scored an average nationwide rating of 14.8 percent for episode 8. This marks an increase from episode 7’s 14.2 percent.
“Love on the Menu” has been a ratings powerhouse throughout its run. The show’s consistent performance shows that weekend drama viewers have multiple strong options to choose from.
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What the Ratings Mean
Both “The Apartment Job” and “Spooky in Love” proved that compelling storytelling and strong performances can drive ratings growth. “The Apartment Job” finished its run with its best numbers, giving the cast and crew a satisfying sendoff. “Spooky in Love” continues to build momentum as it heads into its final week, with the recent plot twist generating even more interest.
The shows’ success also highlights the growing competition in the K-drama space. With strong performances on both cable and streaming platforms, Korean dramas continue to attract large audiences both domestically and internationally.
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