"Producer" experienced a surge in ratings with episodes 3 and 4 following an anticlimactic premiere. While it initially received negative feedback from viewers and critics, the series revitalized its image through an infusion of romance and high powered cameos. "Producer" recorded 11 percent in viewership for episode 4, increasing 0.8 percent from its prior episode, according to the May 24 statistics released by Nielsen Korea.
Episode 4 followed the recasting progress of "2 Days, 1 Night," the variety show which is featured within the subplot of "Producer." Baek Seung Chan (Kim Soo Hyun) utilized his connection with Cindy (IU), loaning her a KBS umbrella in a random act of kindness, to convince her to join the reboot of "2 Days, 1 Night."
Even though episode 4 included cameos by top stars including 2NE1's Sandara Park, the best scenes of the episode were those which highlighted the budding relationship between Seung Chan and Cindy. Here are 4 reasons Kim Soo Hyun and IU are becoming our new favorite K-Drama couple.
1. They are adorable as the Umbrella Couple.
Seung Chan initially loaned the umbrella to Cindy to help her escape a night of cold rain, but she discovered that the accessory provided the same anonymity as sunglasses. The umbrella becomes a symbol of his ability to not only protect her from the harsh elements of nature but also the judgemental stare of anti-fans. "Producer" has been criticized for product placement, but the common bond between the emerging couple is a nondescript, umbrella.
Cindy becomes disenchanted by the filming process of "2 Days, 1 Night" and the fact that none of the male idols selected her as a partner. When she is at her lowest point, Seung Chan uses his hand and the umbrella to provide comfort.
2. Kim Soo Hyun's portrayal of Seung Chan combines sweet innocence with heartfelt charm.
Seung Chan is innocent in his interactions with Cindy, seemingly uncaring of the fact that she is a famous K-pop idol. His repeated demands for the loaned umbrella, which come without any hint of romantic interest, initially shocks Cindy.
For fans of Kim Soo Hyun, the character serves as a return to the simplicity of Song Sam Dong in "Dream High." While Do Min Joon of "My Love From The Star" delivered otherworldly romance to Jun Ji Hyun's Cheon Song Yi, Sam Dong was a hopeless romantic who struggled to win the heart of Go Hye Mi (Suzy).
3. "Producer" provides IU with her best love line since "Dream High."
IU demonstrate strong acting skills in the 2013 series "You're the Best, Lee Soo Shin" and in "Pretty Man" but "Producer" has already given her one of her best love lines since "Dream High." Viewers have already started to support the burgeoning romance of the Umbrella Couple, which has the same adorable appeal as the Milky Couple of "Dream High."
4. K-Drama ice princesses rarely get the guy or receive a happy ending.
Cindy was billed as an ice princess and her aloof attitude definitely meets the criteria. She receives romance advice from internet forums and self-loathingly joins an anti-fan cafe whose users repeatedly bash her. Cindy deserves romance and a happy ending with a guy who is supportive of her career.
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About the writer: Adrienne Stanley is a contributing writer for Kpopstarz, KDramastars, MTV Iggy and CJ Entertainment's KCON blog. Her passions include a love of K-pop and Asian drama. When she is not writing she is hanging out on Twitter (@retrogirladdy).
