Song Joong Ki’s long-awaited return to television has not gone as planned. Even after three years away from the small screen, his latest drama My Youth—co-starring Chun Woo Hee—has disappointed audiences, with ratings dropping from a modest 2.9% at its premiere to just 1.5%. Compared to competitors like Bon Appétit, Your Majesty (starring Yoona and Lee Chae Min) or Tempest (starring Jeon Ji Hyun and Kang Dong Won), My Youth has been largely overshadowed.
Many viewers argue the show leaned heavily on nostalgia for Song Hye Kyo, Song Joong Ki’s ex-wife and co-star in Descendants of the Sun. From styling Chun Woo Hee to resemble Song Hye Kyo to evoking the memory of the once-iconic “Song-Song couple,” the drama seemed to bank on familiarity rather than originality. Unfortunately, this strategy failed to resonate, as the script has been criticized as outdated and cliché, relying on overused tropes of tragic romance and terminal illness. The chemistry between the leads has also been labeled underwhelming, leaving many to drop the series midway.
Now at 40, Song Joong Ki is seen as less fitting for youthful romance roles. Critics and fans alike have suggested he should transition into more mature, layered characters rather than recycling his “prince charming” image. Furthermore, his promotional interviews—which often focus on marriage, family, and fatherhood—feel disconnected from the drama’s storyline, making it harder for viewers to invest emotionally in his project.
Since the success of Reborn Rich in 2022, Song Joong Ki has primarily pursued films, but Hopeless, My Name Is Loh Kiwan, and Bogota all underperformed at the box office. Meanwhile, peers like Kim Soo Hyun continue to dominate the industry. By contrast, Song Hye Kyo has flourished since their divorce, with her hit drama The Glory earning critical acclaim and awards, and her recent film Dark Nuns also performing well in theaters.
Once celebrated for his looks and the legendary chemistry with Song Hye Kyo, Song Joong Ki now seems to be struggling to maintain relevance outside the shadow of their past. Many netizens argue his career relied heavily on the “Song-Song couple” image, and without it, his star power has faded significantly. Meanwhile, Song Hye Kyo’s consistent success highlights the widening gap between their current paths—she continues to evolve and thrive, while he faces mounting challenges to reclaim his former glory.
Sources: kenh14
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