Ratings for the SBS medical drama, "Yong Pal" continue to surpass those of any other weeknight drama in 2015. According to the August 11 report issued by Nielsen Korea, the series recorded 20.4 percent in nationwide viewers, an increase of 2.4 percent in viewership from its fifth episode.
The hit series has drawn attention with its record-breaking numbers. As noted in an article published by Yonghap News, the last weeknight Korean drama to surpass 20 percent in ratings was the 2014 Hallyu hit, "My Love from the Star." While 2015 delivered popular series like "Pinocchio," there have been several star-powered flops. By contrast, "Yong Pal" marks a successful turn for Korean drama viewership amongst domestic audiences.
Through its combination of action sequences with medical horror and romance, "Yong Pal" continues to draw in audiences. Joo Wan portrays the title role of the gang doctor, Kim Tae Hyun, who is blackmailed into serving within the complex world of VIP medical care.
Kim Tae Hee is Han Yeo Jin, an heiress who is marked for death by her brother, due to her knowledge of his past discretions. When she emerges from a chemically-induced coma, she reaches out to Tae Hyun to escape from the trappings of her bizarre life.
MBC's supernatural period drama, "Scholar Who Walks the Night" recorded 7 percent in nationwide viewership, as the death of the king was marked by the escalation of the plot to thwart Gwi.
Meanwhile, KBS2 political series, "Assembly" yielded 5.7 percent in ratings.
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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).
