On September 20, KBS2’s new weekend miniseries Walking on Thin Ice premiered, telling the story of Kang Eunsoo (Lee Young-ae), a mother desperate to protect her family, who teams up with her daughter’s duplicitous teacher Lee Kyung (Kim Young-kwang) after they unexpectedly come into possession of a bag of narcotics.
According to Nielsen Korea, the drama’s first episode recorded a nationwide viewership rating of just 3.7%. This marks a stark contrast to Lee Young-ae’s hit drama Jewel in the Palace, which soared to a legendary 57% peak rating back in 2003. Given that this is her first small-screen role in 26 years, anticipation was high, and the letdown was palpable.
Competition has been stiff. tvN’s Bon Appétit, Your Majesty continues its strong run with 15.8%, while JTBC’s A Hundred Memories, starring Kim Da-mi and Shin Ye-eun, pulled ahead at 4.3%. Adding to the pressure, KBS2’s previous weekend drama Twelve ended with lackluster results, making expectations for Walking on Thin Ice even heavier. Unfortunately, its second episode dipped further to 3.4%, showing little traction despite being aired in a prime-time slot.
Writer Jeon Young-shin explained her inspiration: “In the winter of 2021, I came across a news report about drugs being sold not only by students and office workers, but even housewives. The keyword ‘housewife’ struck me deeply, and as one myself, I wanted to explore the struggles of protecting oneself in a reality overflowing with desires but few questions about how to truly live.”
Director Song Hyun-wook noted that while drugs are often used as a central crime device, this drama stands out by placing narcotics in the hands of an ordinary housewife. He highlighted the challenge of making viewers empathize with Eunsoo’s choices, balancing her moral boundaries while stepping into forbidden territory.
Song also praised Lee Young-ae: “She’s the epitome of purity and versatility, and she brings an incredible depth to the character of Kang Eunsoo, capturing both her hidden desires and her fierce determination. This may be the most action-driven and emotionally detailed role she has ever taken on.”
The premiere episode showcased Eunsoo’s life collapsing: her husband (Bae Soo-bin) diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, losing their fortune to risky cryptocurrency investments, and even facing the auction of their home. In the midst of despair, a drug dealer on the run leaves behind a bag of new narcotics in her house. Instead of turning it in, Eunsoo seizes the chance to use it as a lifeline. The shocking twist comes when she realizes her daughter’s art teacher is actually James (Kim Young-kwang), a key distributor, prompting her to propose an uneasy partnership.
The contrast between a mother in an apron cooking meals and the same woman donning nitrile gloves to handle drugs created one of the most gripping visuals of the premiere.
As Walking on Thin Ice continues, all eyes are on whether ratings will recover, and how the unconventional pairing of Lee Young-ae and Kim Young-kwang—separated by a 16-year age gap—will resonate with audiences. With its daring theme and Lee’s acting transformation, the drama remains under close watch.
KBS2’s Walking on Thin Ice airs Saturdays and Sundays at 9:20 PM.
Sources: Daum
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