The $20 million blockbuster KBS drama "IRIS 2" is disappointed a lot of viewers who have been anticipating for its action.
According to Nielsen Korea, the viewing rate for the 7th episode that aired March 6 was 9.4%. The SBS drama that began at the same time received 13.3% and ranked number 1.
In "IRIS" season 1, the viewing rate was over 40% and hot stars like Lee Da Hae, Jang Hyuk and Lee Bum Soo were casted by Pyo Min Soo and Kim Tae Hoon PD, gaining an incredible amount of attention in the drama industry. So then, what is the problem that is holding "IRIS 2" back?
There are 3 possible problems.
* "IRIS" Season 1 is Restricting "IRIS 2"
Back in 2009, "IRIS" season 1 was the hottest drama with over a 40% viewing rate. Various scenes from season 1 became hot topics, like the "candy kiss" scene. The sweet romance between Lee Byung Hun and Kim Tae Hee.
Problem is that it seems as though "IRIS 2" is following the footsteps, almost imitating, "IRIS" season 1.
Double spy Baek San's (Kim Young Cheol) escape from jail resembles the scene where the scientist from season 1 escapes. Also, the part where the main male character appears in Japan after he is torn away from the main female character is the same as well.
The complaint that says "IRIS 2" features a repetitive story where "only actors change roles" is growing more and more among viewers.
* Too Many Famous Idols
Another complaint the viewers made is that the premature acting by the idols are making it difficult to concentrate on the story.
Idol stars who appear in "IRIS 2" are B2ST Yoon Doo Joon, MBLAQ Lee Jun, and AJAX Hyung Kong.
The character Seo Hyun Woo, who is played by Yoon Doo Joon, is a very talented NSS secret agent. He also secretly begins to love Ji Soo Yeon (Lee Da Hae). Yoon Doo Joon appears on screen just as much as the main characters.
In the 7th episode,Seo Hyun Woo confesses his love for Ji Soo Yeon and even gets into a fist fight with Yoo Joong Won (Lee bum Soo).
As much as the idols are appearing on screen, they are lacking in performance. They all seem to lack in a strong basic foundation of acting, which is hurting a huge project like "IRIS 2".
Some viewers even responded with comments like, "Whenever idols appear, I have to switch the channel."
* Do NSS Secret Agents Only Eat Bread? Too Much Marketing
Another thing that is tiring out the viewers is the over-marketing of products. From smartphones to automobiles, not to mention a language application that is used in the car to learn English, there is just too many marketing involved in the drama.
In every episode of "IRIS 2", bakery, automobiles and smartphones appear. There are also scenes where burger patties and bacon are being cooked. Viewers are complaining, "Is all this marketing really necessary?"
Marketing is something dramas cannot leave out. They need to make up for all the cost that goes into making the work. It is the only way to market the products effectively and naturally. Viewers seem more accepting of the marketing in dramas lately.
However, "IRIS 2" shows too much marketing which is making the viewers very uncomfortable. It seems like a time to really think about what all this marketing is doing for the success of the drama.
