The SBS medical drama, "Yong Pal" continues to rack up double-digit ratings. According to Nielsen Korea, the August 13 episode of the series recorded 16.3 percent in nationwide viewership. This is an increase of 1.5 percent from ratings yielded by the previous episode. With ratings of 16.3 percent, "Yong Pal" is now the highest rated weekday series of 2015.
"Yong Pal" incorporates a mix of action and medical horror, which could have cross-gender appeal. Joo Won is credible in the role of Kim Tae Hyun, a seemingly corruptable surgical resident, who is thrust into the realm of high-end medical service.
The role serves as a follow-up for Joo to the lackluster musical series, "Tomorrow's Cantabile." The 28-year-old previously portrayed a conflicted physician in the 2013 KBS2 series, "Good Doctor." He fully flexed his acting chops as Park Shi On, a mentally disabled man who is gifted as a diagnostician and surgeon.
Audiences and critics have noted that he has carried he bulk of early episodes, as Han Yeo Jin (Kim Tae Hee) is slowly introduced.
MBC's vampire period series, "Scholar Who Walks the Night," experienced an increase in ratings. "Scholar Who Walks the Night" recorded 7.4 percent in nationwide viewership, increasing 0.5 percent from its previous episode.
On August 13, representatives for the production company responsible for the drama confirmed the addition of a new writer to the team. Screenwriter Ryu Yong Jae previously worked with Lee Joon Gi on "Time Between Dog and Wolf." Ryu was also responsible for the script of the hit tvN drama, "Liar Game," which starred Kim So Eun.
The KBS2 drama, "Assembly," continues to struggle with ratings. "Assembly" recorded 4.7 percent in viewership.
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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, Viki 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).
