The SBS drama "That Winter, The Wind Blows" and the KBS drama "IRIS 2" have been competing head to head since they first began. Anybody could tell that the $20 million project "IRIS 2" was too big of a match for "That Winter, The Wind Blows". Even though the amount of money invested in the drama does not determine its quality, viewers recognize "IRIS 2" as one of the biggest production work for a drama.
Even for a movie, if $10 million is invested in its creation, the audience can expect a lot from the drama and not be disappointed. Therefore it is only natural for people to be hyped about "IRIS 2" that is being produced with a $20 million in funds. It is almost impossible to ignore "IRIS 2" for the mere reason of the large amount of money invested in it.
In addition, the lineup of actors is almost like a piece of art itself. Top stars like Lee Da Hae, Jang Hyuk, Lee Beom Soo, Oh Yeon Soo, Im Soo Hyang and more are drawing attention in their roles in "IRIS 2". Even the supporting actors are impressive. They include, Kim Young Cheol, Kim Il Woo, Sung Dong Il, Kim Seung Woo and other highly respected actors in the industry. Idols Lee Jun and Yoon Doo Joon were also casted to please the eyes of the younger generations.
Another crucial factor in the popularity of "IRIS 2" is the director Pyo Min Soo. With all the pressure from challenging a drama worth $20 million is not something any director can do. However, Pyo Min Soo is nothing short of adequate to take on the job. People were curious about how he will do this time since he usually directs soft melodramas.
On the other hand, "That Winter, The Wind Blows" didn't seem to have much to compare to "IRIS 2" except the fact that the story was recreated by Noh Hui Kyung and that high profile actors Song Hye Kyo and Jo In Sung were cast.
However, something incredible is happening. SBS drama "That Winter, The Wind Blows" received a lower viewing rate than "IRIS 2" only once when the very first episode was aired. After that one time, "That Winter, The Wind Blows" stands proud with the highest viewing rate each episode. Nobody, including the production crew, expected this to happen.
The viewing rate for "That Winter, The Wind Blows" surpassed 14%, causing the gap between "That Winter, The Wind Blows" and "IRIS 2" to grow. "That Winter, The Wind Blows" easily beating the race against "IRIS 2" the $20 million project.
