Beloved Kdramas such as "The Penthouse 3," "Hospital Playlist 2," and "Vincenzo" proved their influence in the Hallyu world after being included in the Top 5 Most Popular Programs of 2021.
The company, CJ ENM, listed the five hottest programs that aired this year.
The rankings are based on online discussions, comments, news, video engagement and reactions gathered through the content influence index (CPI.)
'Romantic Call Center' Hailed as Most Popular Program of 2021
TV Chosun's "Romantic Call Center" took first place as this year's most popular program as cited by CJ ENM, garnering 32 percent.
The variety show is a real-time karaoke program where Mr. Trot members accept song requests from fans.
Interestingly, "Penthouse 3" came in at second with 15 points.
The SBS Kdrama, which stars Lee Ji Ah, Uhm Ki Joon, Kim So Yeon and Eugene, continued its third and final installment with soaring viewership ratings every week.
Aired on June 4 until September 10, the revenge series had two more additional episodes, capping the finale season with a total of 14 episodes.
IN CASE YOU MISSED: 'Penthouse 3' Star Eugene Talks About Playing Oh Yoon Hee + Share Thoughts Regarding the Character's Tragic Death
For the third most popular program of 2021, the all-time favorite medical Kdrama "Hospital Playlist 2" made it to the annual rankings.
The Kdrama fandom looked forward to seeing the Yulje medical staff and the 99ers share their heartwarming stories and the blossoming romance.
In September, Jo Jun Seok, Kim Dae Myung, Yoo Yeon Seok, Jeon Mi Do, Jung Kyung Ho and the cast bid goodbye, leaving the fans with a stunning finale.
The fourth and fifth place came in a close fight between the blockbuster hit "Vincenzo" and the dance survival program "Street Woman Fighter."
However, it was Song Joong Ki and Jeon Yeo Bin's Kdrama who ranked at fourth place with 11 percent while the reality competition landed in fifth place with 10 percent.
'Street Woman Fighter' Ranked First with Top Content Influence Index (CPI) Score
Mnet's "Street Woman Fighter" once again included at top five, ranking first place.
According to the chart, the reality competition reigned for ten weeks, drawing viewers' attention with its show-stopping performances and visuals.
"Street Woman Fighter" was followed by SBS' "The Penthouse 3" at second, dominating the rankings for eight weeks.
Interestingly, third place is a tie between Mnet's "Kingdom: Legendary War" and "The Penthouse 2" followed by Mnet's "Show Me the Money 10" at fifth.
Will 'Hospital Playlist' Return for a New Sequel?
The beloved medical Kdrama showed a different kind of season as it focuses on the relationship and connection among their families, patients, Yulje staff and lifelong friendship among the 99ers.
As for the much-awaited season 3, "Hospital Playlist," PD Shin Won Ho, gets honest and reveals that the third season is not an "easy decision."
In an interview, the director admitted that he encountered a "lot of concerns and exhaustion" from producing the show since season 1 and is unsure if they will continue to release the third installment.
"I don't think it'll be easy to make a decision on whether we'll continue with this story," he revealed.
