According to the June 19 report from Nielsen Korea, SBS' melodrama "Mask" topped nationwide ratings with its eighth episode. The series recorded 11.8 percent of viewers, increasing 0.8 percent.
"Mask" continues to captivate viewers through its use of implausible plot devices. It appears as though romance is blooming between the arranged couple, but Ji Sook is reluctant to accept Min Woo's advances. Episode eight opens with Ji Sook (Soo Ae) tentatively revealing her true identity to her husband, Min Woo (Joo Ji Hoon).
Her plans to come clean are foiled by Seok Hoon (Yeon Jeong Hun). He aggressively reminds her of what is at stake, should she back out of his nefarious plan. Seok Hoon later engages in a cruel and vengeful act which demonstrates the lengths to which he is willing to go, in order to succeed.
The MBC series "Warm and Cozy" recorded 8.2 percent in nationwide viewership for its twelfth episode. While this was a decrease from its high, the series increased 0.4 percent from ratings recorded on June 17. The Hong Sisters' have a knack for throwing in melodrama when things seem like they are going well.
Episode 12 included several twists including a failed confession involving Gun Woo (Yoo Yeon Seok) and Jung Joo (Kang Sora). The potential for romance between the couple is great and certainly not the most tragic love story in the series. Female diver Hae Sil (Kim Hee Jung) narrowly escaped death and landed safely in the arms of hotelier Jung Geun (Lee Sung Jae). However, the return of Gun Woo's father could spell their end of the tentative relationship.
The KBS2 series "Masked Prosecutor" placed last with ratings of 4.8 percent.
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About the writer: Adrienne Stanley is a contributing editor for KDramastars. She is also a contributing writer for Kpopstarz, 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).