The weekend television landscape saw a established hit solidify its lead and a promising new drama enter the fray. SBS’s “Would You Marry Me“ achieved its highest ratings yet as it entered the second half of its run, dominating its time slot. Meanwhile, JTBC’s “The Dream Life of Mr. Kim” premiered to a solid start, introducing viewers to a heartfelt story of corporate life and self-discovery.
Would You Marry Me Climbs to New High
The romantic comedy “Would You Marry Me” continues its successful run, securing the number one spot among Saturday miniseries. The drama achieved an average nationwide rating of 7.1 percent for its sixth episode, which aired on October 25. The show also hit a new peak viewership of 9.7 percent during the broadcast, marking its strongest performance so far.
The series was also the most-watched program of any kind on Saturday among the key demographic of viewers ages 20 to 49, scoring an average rating of 2.3 percent in that category. This indicates strong appeal with a younger audience. The show’s success is attributed to its engaging plot and character development.
A Turning Point in the Fake Marriage
The sixth episode featured a major turning point for the main characters. Kim Woo-joo, played by Choi Woo-shik, finally acknowledged his feelings for Yoo Me-ri, played by Jung So-min. The episode centered on Woo-joo’s growing jealousy, which culminated in a direct confession to Me-ri.
He was pictured throwing a straightforward confession, saying, “I guess she likes it.” Woo-joo’s character later admitted, “I guess I like Mary. I don’t like being with another man.” This confession left Me-ri’s character surprised, creating a moment of tension and excitement for viewers.
The drama follows Yoo Me-ri, a passionate designer whose life is upended by her fiancé’s betrayal. In a desperate move for a fresh start, she enters a contest to win a luxury newlywed house. The catch is that she must be married to qualify. This leads her into a 90-day fake marriage pact, which is now evolving into real feelings.
The Dream Life of Mr. Kim Begins Its Journey
On the same night, JTBC’s “The Dream Life of Mr. Kim” premiered to a promising start. The new drama, which stars Ryu Seung-ryong, scored an average nationwide rating of 2.9 percent for its first episode. The series is available for international audiences to stream on Netflix.
The show tells the story of Kim Nak-soo, a department head who has dedicated 25 years to a major corporation. He is seen as a symbol of success, with a strong career and a stable family life. However, his perfect world begins to crumble as he faces sudden challenges at work and home, forcing him to rediscover his identity beyond his corporate title.
Ryu Seung-ryong’s Return to Television
“The Dream Life of Mr. Kim” marks a significant return for actor Ryu Seung-ryong, his first leading role in a television drama in 15 years. At a recent press conference, the actor shared his thoughts on returning to the medium and how the industry has changed.
He remarked, “A lot has changed. The pre-production system is different now. Back then, we would shoot and broadcast on the same day, acting with last-minute scripts and filming all night. Things have improved significantly.”
Ryu Seung-ryong also highlighted better working conditions, noting, “Staff members also benefit from labor laws, ensuring a 52-hour workweek. I, too, was able to manage my time and focus during filming.” He expressed hope that the relatable story would connect with a broad audience, saying, “While the story centers on Mr. Kim and middle-aged life, it reflects our own futures or pasts, and in fact, it is my story too.”
A Crowded Weekend of Drama
The weekend ratings battle features several other notable programs. tvN’s “Typhoon Family” held strong, matching its own high rating of 7.1 percent for its fifth episode. KBS 2TV’s “Our Golden Days” continued its streak as the most-watched program overall on Saturday, earning an average nationwide rating of 13.7 percent.
Other dramas like MBC’s “To the Moon” and KBS 2TV’s “Walking on Thin Ice” are also approaching their finales, keeping the competition intense as “Would You Marry Me” heads into its final stretch and “The Dream Life of Mr. Kim” begins its journey.
Also Read: Would You Marry Me Episode 6 Recap: Woo-joo Confesses His True Feelings As Me-ri’s Ex Returns
