JTBC’s newest drama Heavenly Ever After, starring veteran actress Kim Hye Ja and rising star Son Suk Ku, premiered on April 19 to solid ratings, marking a strong start for the series. According to Nielsen Korea, the first episode achieved an average nationwide rating of 5.8%, making it the most-watched show in its time slot across all cable channels.
Meanwhile, tvN’s medical drama Resident Playbook saw its highest ratings so far, with its third episode reaching 4.5% nationwide. The show has been gradually gaining viewers since its debut, suggesting growing interest in its storyline.
Heavenly Ever After’s Promising Debut
Heavenly Ever After tells the story of a retired woman (played by Kim Hye Ja) who unexpectedly reunites with a man from her past (Son Suk Ku), leading to an emotional and heartwarming journey. The drama’s premiere outperformed expectations, securing a strong position in the competitive weekend drama slot.
“The chemistry between Kim Hye Ja and Son Suk Ku is already drawing praise from viewers. Many have commented on the emotional depth of their performances.”
The show’s success comes as no surprise, given Kim Hye Ja’s reputation as one of South Korea’s most respected actresses, known for her roles in Dear My Friends and The Light in Your Eyes. Son Suk Ku, who gained attention through My Liberation Notes and DP, continues to prove his versatility as an actor.
Resident Playbook Continues to Grow
Resident Playbook, a medical drama following the lives of resident doctors, has been steadily increasing its viewership. The latest episode’s 4.5% rating marks a new high for the series, indicating that word-of-mouth may be helping its growth. The drama stars Jung Kyung Ho and Jeon Do Yeon, whose performances have been well-received.
Medical dramas remain a popular genre in South Korea, and Resident Playbook is shaping up to be a strong contender, offering a mix of intense medical cases and personal struggles.
The Haunted Palace Maintains Lead, While Other Dramas Struggle
SBS’s The Haunted Palace, a supernatural thriller, kept its position as the highest-rated miniseries of the night with an 8.3% rating for its second episode. The drama, starring Lee Joon Gi and Kim Ji Won, has been attracting viewers with its eerie atmosphere and gripping plot.
On the other hand, MBC’s Crushology 101 recorded a 1.1% rating for its fourth episode, remaining one of the lowest-rated dramas in its time slot. Despite its youthful romance premise, the show has struggled to compete against stronger contenders.
KBS 2TV’s family drama For Eagle Brothers continued its dominance as the most-watched program on Saturday, pulling in an impressive 18.7% rating. The long-running series has maintained a loyal audience with its mix of humor and heartfelt storytelling.
Viewer Reactions and Online Buzz
Fans of Heavenly Ever After have taken to social media to share their excitement.
“Kim Hye Ja’s acting is just incredible. She brings so much emotion to every scene.” – Twitter user @kdramalover92
“Son Suk Ku’s character is already so intriguing. Can’t wait for the next episode!” – Reddit user u/dramafan2025
Meanwhile, Resident Playbook viewers have praised the show’s realistic portrayal of hospital life.
“The medical cases feel so authentic. Jung Kyung Ho is perfect in this role.” – Naver TV comment
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What’s Next for These Dramas?
With Heavenly Ever After off to a strong start, all eyes will be on whether it can maintain its momentum. The next episodes will likely delve deeper into the relationship between the two leads, which could further boost ratings.
Resident Playbook is expected to continue its upward trend, especially if it introduces more dramatic medical scenarios. Meanwhile, The Haunted Palace will need to keep its suspenseful storytelling consistent to retain its lead.
CREDITS: Nielsen Korea, JTBC News, SBS Entertainment
