Perfect Crown is already proving to be a ratings powerhouse, dramatically reshaping the weekend drama landscape just days after its premiere.
The MBC drama, starring IU and Byeon Woo Seok, premiered on April 10 with an impressive 7.8% nationwide rating (Nielsen Korea).
By episode two, the number surged to 9.5%, placing the series on the brink of double-digit ratings—a rare feat for a newly launched weekend drama.
Set in a fictional 21st-century constitutional monarchy, the story follows a wealthy woman trapped by her “commoner” status and a prince who has everything in name but nothing in reality. Their romance unfolds as they challenge social hierarchy and redefine their destinies.
The arrival of Perfect Crown has caused a noticeable shift in viewership across competing time slots.
Phantom Lawyer, previously leading the weekend ratings race, saw a sharp decline. After recording 9.5% in episode 8, the drama dropped to 6.7% in episode 9—coinciding with Perfect Crown premiere—and continued at 6.6% in episode 10.
Similarly, Mad Concrete Dreams experienced a dip. Its Saturday episode fell from 2.8% to 2.0% when competing directly, though it rebounded to 3.1% in a non-overlapping time slot.
Industry insiders are already referring to Perfect Crown as a “ratings predator”, as it rapidly absorbs audience share from competing dramas.
The strong pre-broadcast buzz—driven largely by IU and Byeon Woo Seok’s casting—has clearly translated into real viewership, signaling a potential long-term dominance.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스
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