Viewers seem to like their dramas with a generous helping of history this summer as "Goddess of Fire: Jeonji" easily inherited the number one spot on Mondays and Tuesdays from "Gu Family Book." But since the competition is close behind, there is no guarantee the historical drama will be able to hold on to its lead.
The 32-part MBC series about the first female potter of the Joseon era successfully held the top spot for its first two weeks. According to AGB Nielsen ratings, the drama's third episode achieved 11.4 percent of viewers on Monday and the ratings rose even higher for the fourth episode.
The drama is based on the life of a real historical figure, Baek Pa Sun, Korea's first female porcelain artist. Baek Pa Sun was so talented at making porcelain that she was appointed to the royal court. It's in the royal court that Jeonji, played by Moon Geun Young, falls in love with Crown Prince Gwanghae, played by Lee Sang Yoon. It's a doomed love, as he can never marry her. Kim Bum plays Kim Tae Do, a warrior who loves and is dedicated to protecting Jeonji.
But the competition for this time slot is fierce. Following close behind "Goddess of Fire: Jeonji" was the revenge drama, "Shark," which enjoyed a slight jump in its ratings by Episode 14, reaching 10.4 percent of the viewers nationwide. The 20-episode drama is heating up as Han Yi Soo, played by Kim Nam Gil, escalates his plan for revenge and Jo Hae Woo, played by Son Ye Jin, recognizes him as her childhood love. Will his love for her temper his desire for revenge? At this point it's hard to tell if his need to avenge his father's death will create even more tragedy.
In third place but pretty close is the new drama "Empire of Gold," which reached 9 percent in the ratings by its second episode. The drama spans 20 years and documents the creation of a business empire from the early 90's through the new millennium. Ko Soo plays Jang Tae Joo, a self-made man who faces a power struggle. He loves Choi Seo Yoon, played by Lee Yo Won but her cousin becomes his biggest rival. A battle for control of his empire will follow. It's a juicy drama about the things people want-money, power, love-and what they will do to get them.
There's no clear prediction which drama will win the time slot prize next week as each of these dramas has a lot to recommend it.
