K-Pop idol dramas promise a peek into the glamorous yet challenging world of idols, but many fail to win over viewers, often stuck with ratings below 1%. Dramas like Idol: The Coup and Let Me Be Your Knight showcase real idols and realistic struggles, yet they struggle to attract audiences. This article explores the reasons behind their low ratings, the challenges in production, and why broadcasters keep making these dramas despite poor viewership.
Ratings Reality for Idol Dramas
K-Pop idol dramas often face disappointing viewership. Idol: The Coup, aired on JTBC in 2021, featured idols like Hani from EXID, Exy from WJSN, and Solbin from Laboum. It told the story of Cotton Candy, a struggling girl group facing disbandment. Despite a realistic portrayal of the industry, its ratings ranged from 0.4% to 0.8%, with the lowest at 0.4% for episodes 7 and 10.
Similarly, SBS’s Let Me Be Your Knight, also aired in 2021, followed a popular idol group, Luna, and a doctor treating their leader’s sleepwalking. Starring idols like Lee Jun-young from U-KISS, Kim Jong-hyun from NU’EST, Yoon Ji-sung from Wanna One, and Kim Dong-hyun from AB6IX, it performed slightly better, with ratings between MPA1.6% and 2.1%. However, these numbers are still low compared to successful dramas.
Another example, KBS2’s Imitation (2021), based on a popular webtoon, featured idols like Jung Ji-so, ATEEZ members, SF9’s Chani and Hwiyoung, and T-ARA’s Ji-yeon. Despite its star-studded cast, it averaged below 1%, peaking at 1.3% and dipping to 0.4%. These dramas highlight a trend: idol dramas rarely break out of the 0-2% rating range.
Why Ratings Are Low
Several factors contribute to the low ratings of K-Pop idol dramas, as noted by viewers, critics, and industry experts.
Korean netizens have called idol drama storylines “boring” and “predictable.” Many dramas focus on similar themes: behind-the-scenes struggles, dorm life, romantic relationships, or the pressure to succeed. This repetition makes plots feel stale, failing to keep audiences engaged.
“The problem is these dramas are so boring… Even if it has a good storyline, this kind of acting couldn’t guarantee the success of the drama,” said a netizen.
Idol dramas often cast real idols, who may lack acting experience. Viewers have criticized the acting skills of some idol-actors, noting that their performances don’t meet the expectations of seasoned drama fans.
“Bad acting… The script and cast are the main reasons,” commented another netizen.
Idol dramas tend to target a niche audience, mainly young K-Pop fans, which limits their appeal. General viewers, including older audiences, may not connect with stories about idol life.
“There are several recent dramatarget a specific audience, not all viewers at all ages. I think the age target of their audiences is the problem,” a netizen explained.
The K-Pop industry’s global popularity doesn’t always translate to drama success. While fans enjoy idol performances, they may find fictional idol stories less exciting.
“Even fandom of idols think watching performances is more exciting than TV series,” a netizen remarked.
Some viewers find the focus on unsuccessful idol groups unrelatable or depressing. For example, Idol: The Coup’s realistic portrayal of Cotton Candy’s struggles was praised but also called “too minor” or “depressing” by some.
“Why do we have to watch the life of an unsuccessful idol group and their love stories?” asked a viewer.
Production Challenges forμαν
Creating idol dramas comes with unique challenges that impact their quality and reception.
Idol dramas often rely on idol-actors, who may prioritize music schedules over filming. This can lead to rushed productions or inconsistent performances. For instance, Hani’s real-life experience with EXID added authenticity to Idol: The Coup, but her limited acting experience was a drawback for some viewers.
Producing realistic K-Pop settings—dorms, practice rooms, music shows—requires significant budgets. However, idol dramas often receive less funding than mainstream dramas, leading to lower production quality. Imitation’s low-budget feel was noted by some fans, despite its strong cast.
Idol dramas must balance authenticity with entertainment. Too much realism, like Idol: The Coup’s focus on failure, can feel heavy, while overly glamorous portrayals may seem unrealistic. Finding this balance is tricky.
Casting well-known idols can draw attention but also raises expectations. If the drama doesn’t deliver, as with Idol: The Coup’s 0.751% premiere rating, it struggles to recover.
Why Broadcasters Keep Making Idol Dramas
Despite low ratings, idol dramas continue to be produced for several reasons.
Idol dramas serve as a platform for idols to transition into acting. Many idols, like Lee Jun-young or Hani, use these roles to build their acting careers without the pressure of starring in high-profile dramas.
“First of all, there are lots of idol group members who want to start their acting career. Idol dramas can be a gateway to begin acting without having much pressure of getting criticized,” said a drama official.
K-Pop’s global popularity encourages broadcasters to tap into its fanbase. Even if ratings are low domestically, international streaming platforms like iQIYI or Netflix can attract overseas viewers, as seen with Idol: The Coup and Let Me Be Your Knight.
Idol dramas are relatively low-risk investments. They require smaller budgets than historical or action dramas and can rely on idol star power to generate buzz, even if viewership remains modest.
Some idol dramas, like You’re Beautiful (2009) and Dream High (2011), achieved high ratings (over 10%) and became cultural hits. Broadcasters hope to replicate this success, banking on the potential for a breakout hit.
“You’re Beautiful” became a hit drama with its rating exceeding 10%, and its OSTs were loved a lot by audiences,” noted a report.
Idol dramas can generate revenue through merchandise, OSTs, and fan events. For example, Dream High’s soundtrack, featuring songs by IU and Suzy, was a major success.
Past Successes vs. Current Struggles
Earlier idol dramas like You’re Beautiful and Dream High succeeded due to fresh storylines, broad appeal, and strong casts. You’re Beautiful featured Jang Geun-suk, Park Shin-hye, and Jung Yong-hwa, blending humor and romance. Dream High starred Kim Soo-hyun, Suzy, and IU, appealing to teens with its school setting and aspirational themes.
Modern idol dramas, however, face a saturated market. With K-Pop’s growth, fans have access to real idols through social media and reality shows, reducing the novelty of fictional idol stories.
“The difference between actual idol members and idol members in the drama is also a problem,” said an industry expert.
Viewer Reactions
Viewers have mixed feelings about idol dramas. Some appreciate their realism, while others find them underwhelming.
“It’s too minor. Even JTBC’s idol dramas are depressing,” said a viewer about Idol: The Coup.
“I’m sad because the drama is so realistic,” another commented.
“The female idols are surprisingly good at acting,” a fan praised Idol: The Coup’s cast.
“The drama deserves better. The story is great. Plottwist after plottwist. I really enjoy it,” a viewer wrote on AsianWiki.
Also Read: Heavenly Ever After and Resident Playbook Hit Record-High Ratings in Latest Episodes
To know the latest developments about K-Pop idol dramas, keep an eye on Top K-News.
