Jun Ji Hyun and Ju Ji Hoon's Kdrama "Jirisan" live up to its hype after achieving a record-breaking viewership rating.
The much-awaited series made its big debut on October 23 but has already shown its dominance after bagging a historic success.
'Jirisan' Viewership Rating
According to Nielsen Korea, "Jirisan" episode 1 is off to a good start as it garnered an average nationwide rating of 9.1 percent.
The thriller mystery series took the first spot across all channels and even broke tvN history as the highest pilot episode rating of any weekend drama.
For years, the title belonged to the 2018 series "Mr. Sunshine" with a record of 8.9 percent viewership rating.
Not only that, but the series is also hailed as the second-highest viewership ratings of any drama that premiered in tvN, with the beloved medical Kdrama "Hospital Playlist 2" at first place with 10.0 percent.
As for "Jirisan" episode 2, Jun Ji Hyun and Ju Hi Hoon's Kdrama achieved another success as the average nationwide rating hit a double-digit of 10.7 percent, which is a massive increase from its premiere.
It is safe to say that fans will see an increasing percentage in viewership rating as the series reigns in the weekend night drama.
IN CASE YOU MISSED: 'Jirisan' Episode 1: Jun Ji Hyun Meets Rookie Ju Ji Hoon + Encounters Challenging Rescue Mission
'Jirisan' Criticized Over Questionable CGI Effects
Despite "Jirisan" becoming a trending topic on social media due to its compelling and interesting storyline, the tvN Saturday and Sunday series gained a mixed reaction from viewers.
One of which is the "Beauty Inside" director Baek Jong Yeol who bravely pointed out the flaws he observed in the newly released Kdrama.
Over his now-deleted Instagram post, he shared a screenshot from the pilot episode stating his opinions towards the thriller mystery series.
"I think there's something wrong with the direction. I guess there must have been a reason behind 'Jirisan.' It's magical the way it can even make all those actors look like they can't act well. I'm sorry if this was done purposely," he said.
The same goes for some netizens who expressed disappointment as the highly anticipated Kdrama fell short in special effects and "amateur directing" despite having a massive budget.
couldn't fall back asleep so I decided to watch jirisan episode 1 and wow, this is BAD 😖 what's with the acting, directing and cgi? it's giving syphilis flashbacks... big budget but empty! im lowkey mad cause i was looking forward to KEH's writing. :( pic.twitter.com/2uS7dbaAs2
— limé🌼 (@dearpatme) October 24, 2021
I am disappointed by the first episode of Jirisan. Direction and editing were both really choppy and amateurish. Certain lines, CGI and BGM were just cringe-worthy. There were lots of scenic panning that felt like they got them from stock footage and inserted them unnecessarily… https://t.co/aIgLmzriJl
— VEN (@kyunevus) October 24, 2021
According to reports, the production cost of Ju Ji Hoon and Jun Ji Hyun's Kdrama is estimated at $27 million or 32 billion won with a roster of the star-studded cast.
Apart from the duo, "Jirisan" cast also includes veteran actor Sung Dong Il, who played the Haedong Branch Office head, Baeksang Arts winner Oh Jung Se, Jo Han Chul, "Youth of May" star Go Min Si as the park ranger rookie.
Another thing that made the drama special is because it was penned by the "Kingdom" writer Kim Eun Hee, who has worked both with Ju Ji Hoon and Jun Ji Hyun.
On the other hand, the tvN series is helmed by Lee Eung Bok, who is the genius behind the blockbuster Kdrama "Goblin," "Sweet Home," and "Descendants of the Sun."
