If this week's Nielsen ratings are any indication, the viewing public is more interested in romantic fantasy than the story of a super temp or the retelling of the saga of Jang Ok Jung.
The drama "Gu Family Book" won the ratings war this week but only by a slim 0.2 percent. The MBC saeguk about a half mythological creature who wants to become human came in at 13.6 percent. But the KBS drama "God of the Workplace" about a super temp who impresses her office superiors, has obviously picked up some fans. It followed close behind at 13.4 percent.
The slight edge in ratings for "Gu Family Book" may have something to do with the fact that the drama's lead actors, Lee Seung Gi, who plays Choi Kang Chi, and Suzy, who plays Dam Pyung Joon, finally made their first appearance in the third episode. The first two episodes told the story of Choi Kang Chi's parents, how they met, and how they wound up leaving him an orphan.
During this episode, Yoon Seo Hwa, played by Lee Seon Hee, attempts to kill the evil Lee Sung Jae, played by Jo Kwan Woong. Uhm Hyo Sup, played by Park Moo Sol, decides to look after her infant son, Choi Kang Chi. A grown-up Choi Kang Chi meets Suzy, a martial arts master. She saves his life and their romance begins.
Broadcast rights for "Gu Family Book" have already been sold to the Philippines, Hong Kong and Cambodia, with negotiations underway for sales in other countries. While no one will say how much the series has been sold for, it is rumored to be similar to the price negotiated for "The Moon Embracing the Sun."
With such a small ratings advantage, it's hard to predict if "Gu Family Book" will hold its lead. Whichever drama comes out ahead, both now have a significant lead over "Jang Ok Jung" which came in at only 7.9 percent for the time slot. In the most recent episodes, Jang Ok Jung, played by Kim Tae Hee enters the palace with the help of Queen Ingyeong, played by Kim Ha Eun. Jung and Lee Soon, played by Yoo In Ah, meet at the palace. He protects her when she is endangered.
The KBS series "Cheer Up Mr. Kim" held on to its 28.2 percent rating, while KBS "Hello" reached 10.6 percent and SBS "Healing Camp" had 7.0 percent.
