MBC’s newest romantic comedy “Crushology 101” premiered on April 11, 2025, with modest ratings, scoring only 1.3% nationwide according to Nielsen Korea. The show, starring Roh Jeong Eui, Lee Chae Min, and Jo Joon Young, entered a tough time slot as the popular drama “Buried Hearts” dominated viewership ahead of its finale .
Meanwhile, “Buried Hearts”, starring Park Hyung Sik and Heo Joon Ho, remained unbeatable, pulling in 13.4% ratings for its penultimate episode. The political thriller also topped viewership among viewers aged 20 to 49, securing a 3.5% rating in that demographic .
Premiere Struggles for “Crushology 101”
Adapted from a popular Kakao webtoon, “Crushology 101” follows Ban Hui Jin (nicknamed Bunny), a college student who swears off love after a painful breakup. However, her resolve is tested when four different men enter her life, each bringing new romantic complications .
Despite high expectations, the drama’s debut failed to make a strong impact. Industry analysts suggest its lighthearted tone may have struggled against the intense finale week of “Buried Hearts”, which has been a ratings leader since its premiere .
“We guarantee that viewers will laugh and smile a lot while watching Bunny’s romantic story unfold,” said Roh Jeong Eui during a press conference .
The Cast and Storyline
The drama marks Roh Jeong Eui’s first leading role in a TV series after her breakout performance in Netflix’s “Hierarchy”. She reunites with co-star Lee Chae Min, who plays Hwang Jae Yeol, a charming design major who slowly breaks down Bunny’s defenses .
Other key characters include:
Cha Ji Won (Jo Joon Young): A wealthy heir with a gentle demeanor.
Cho Ah Rang (Kim Hyun Jin): A campus idol who admires Bunny.
Jin Hyun Oh (Hong Min Ki): Bunny’s ex-boyfriend who returns unexpectedly .
Adding to the excitement, former Golden Child member Choi Bomin and GHOST9’s Lee Jin Woo make special appearances, playing influential figures in Bunny’s past and present .
Competition from “Buried Hearts”
While “Crushology 101” focuses on youthful romance, “Buried Hearts” delivers a gripping tale of betrayal and political intrigue. The story follows Seo Dong Ju (Park Hyung Sik), a loyal aide secretly plotting to take over a powerful conglomerate. His clash with Yeom Jang Seon (Heo Joon Ho), a ruthless political manipulator, has kept audiences hooked .
The final episode of “Buried Hearts”, which aired on April 12, was extended by five minutes, reflecting its strong viewer demand .
Can “Crushology 101” Recover?
With its first episode attracting only 1.3% ratings, “Crushology 101” faces an uphill battle. However, early viewer reactions have been positive, praising the chemistry between the leads and the show’s humorous yet emotional tone .
