tvN’s new Monday–Tuesday drama Spring Fever, led by Ahn Bo Hyun and Lee Joo Bin, has kicked off its run with an impressive performance, sweeping first place in ratings from its very first episode and signaling a promising trajectory.
The premiere episode, which aired on January 5, recorded an average nationwide rating of 4.8% and a peak of 6.1% on paid platforms. In the Seoul metropolitan area, it posted an average of 4.7% and a peak of 5.8%. Notably, among tvN’s core 20–49 demographic (viewers aged 20-49), Spring Fever ranked No.1 across all channels including terrestrial broadcasters during its time slot, exceeding industry expectations.
Based on a popular web novel that was later adapted into a webtoon, Spring Fever boasts a strong ensemble cast including Ahn Bo Hyun, Lee Joo Bin, Cha Seo Won, Cho Jun Young, Lee Jae In, Jin Kyung, and Bae Jung Nam.
From the opening episode, the drama wastes no time establishing its central romance. Viewers are introduced to Yoon Bom (Lee Joo Bin), once a popular teacher in Seoul, now living in self-imposed isolation in the small town of Shinsu-eup. Her withdrawn demeanor, unexplained past, and recurring nightmares quickly spark curiosity. Scenes of her waking in fear, muttering about enduring the same dream for over a year, vividly portray her emotional scars and gloomy state of mind.
At work, Yoon Bom becomes the subject of gossip among fellow teachers, who speculate about why she abandoned Seoul for a rural town. Flashbacks then reveal her stark contrast with her former self once nicknamed a charismatic storyteller and a sharp moral thinker making her present transformation all the more intriguing.
Her quiet routine is disrupted by the arrival of Seon Jae Gyu (Ahn Bo Hyun), a feared yet enigmatic figure in town. Covered in dragon tattoos and exuding an intimidating aura, he storms into the school over the cancellation of his nephew Han Gyeol’s filial piety award, instantly throwing the teachers into chaos. Despite his rough exterior, Jae Gyu surprises everyone with his logic, manners, and unexpected chivalry, including standing up against casual sexism and showing respect for students’ learning environment.
The tension between Yoon Bom and Jae Gyu deepens through a series of misunderstandings and comedic moments, including a late-night encounter where Yoon Bom mistakes his spicy chicken skewers for a weapon. His quiet acts of kindness and subtle hints that the two may share a past connection add layers to his character, leaving viewers eager for more.
Later, their reunion during a parent-teacher consultation further heightens the romantic tension. Jae Gyu’s effortless confidence and familiar way of addressing Yoon Bom contrast with her visible fluster, cementing their chemistry as one of the drama’s key highlights.
Ahead of the premiere, director Park Won Gook openly expressed his ambition to surpass his previous hit Marry My Husband, which achieved a record-breaking 12% rating. His confidence appears well-founded, as Spring Fever has already secured the top spot from its first broadcast. Ahn Bo Hyun also shared that his trust in the director played a major role in choosing the project, expressing his desire to reclaim the No.1 position together.
With its blend of mystery, romance, and humor, and with the unpredictable Seon Jae Gyu now firmly entering Yoon Bom’s carefully guarded world, anticipation is building for how their relationship will evolve. Episode 2 of Spring Fever airs on January 6 at 8:50 p.m. KST on tvN, with streaming available on TVING and Wavve after broadcast.
Sources: Wikitree
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