With the show’s explosive popularity, it’s hard to say we are surprised.
No 16-episode-long K-Drama had ever topped the popular Gallup Korea‘s “Favorite Broadcasting Video Program” poll for three months in a row before. That is until Queen Of Tears came along.
| tvN
So, Korea’s favorite TV series has broken a new record despite having aired its final episode a whole month ago. And with the show’s explosive popularity, it’s hard to say we are surprised.
Since January 2013, Gallup Korea has been conducting a monthly survey to identify Koreans’ “Favorite TV Programs.” Unlike TV ratings, which measure viewing behavior, Gallup’s survey serves as an “emotional preference” indicator for Koreans, transcending viewing time slots, spaces, channels, and media.
Kim Ji Won as Hong Hae In. | tvN
According to the May 2024 survey results of “Koreans’ Favorite Broadcasting Programs,” Queen of Tears ranked first with a 3.9% preference rate.
Previously, the tvN masterpiece had also secured the top spot in the March and April surveys. This achievement makes Queen of Tears the first 16-episode K-Drama to set the unprecedented record of being number one for three consecutive months.
Kim Soo Hyun as Baek Hyun Woo. | tvN
The poll holders themselves explained the broken record and how unprecedented the survey results are.
‘Queen of Tears’ reached the number one spot just two weeks after it began airing in March. Although its preference rate significantly dropped from 13.1% in April to 3.9% in May, it is highly unusual for it to continue captivating viewers nearly a month after its final episode.
— Gallup Korea
The show’s popularity was obvious when a huge crowd came to watch the finale wrap-up party.
According to Gallup Korea, since January 2013, only eleven K-Dramas, including ‘Queen of Tears’, have surpassed a 10% preference rate. These include:
My Daughter Seo Young (KBS2, weekends, 12.2% in February 2013)
My Love from the Star (SBS, Wednesday-Thursday, 11.5% in February 2014)
Empress Ki (MBC, Monday-Tuesday, 11.8% in April 2014)
Jang Bo Ri is Here (MBC, weekends, 12.1% in September 2014)
Descendants of the Sun (KBS2, Wednesday-Thursday, 12.3% in March 2016)
Goblin (tvN, Friday-Saturday, 12.6% in January 2017)
SKY Castle (JTBC, Friday-Saturday, 13.0% in January 2019)
Reborn Rich (JTBC, Friday-Saturday-Sunday, 16.6% in December 2022)
Extraordinary Attorney Woo (ENA, Wednesday-Thursday, 16.4% in August 2022)
The Glory (Netflix, 14.8% in March 2023)
Song Hye Kyo in “The Glory” | Netflix
Meanwhile, in the May 2024 poll, several series ranked after Queen Of Tears. KBS2‘s Beauty and the Bachelor took second place with 2.8 percent, while MBC’s popular variety show I Live Alone took third with 2.7 percent. Fourth place was occupied by Get on My Back, Sunjae with 2.6 percent, in fifth tied Our Jackpot and You Quiz on the Block with 2.3 percent.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is based on reported news and sources believed to be reliable. However, we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy or completeness. Please consider this news for entertainment purposes only.
Saikat Nandy is an entertainment news writer who covers the latest trends and stories from the world of showbiz, has a keen eye for spotting the most interesting and relevant topics, and delivers them to his audience with flair and humor. He is also a freelance blogger, content writer, and website designer who loves to explore new technologies and creative ideas.
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