'Health club romance,' a fresh concept that launched KBS2's Wednesday-Thursday drama '24-hour health club,' will conclude tonight (5th) with its much-anticipated final episode. However, unfortunately, the ratings failed to surpass the 1% mark. The stellar performances of lead actors Lee Jun-young and Jeong Eun-ji were insufficient to reverse the declining ratings curve.
The '24-hour health club,' which first aired on April 30, recorded a 1.8% rating (Nielsen Korea nationwide household standard), indicating a disappointing start below 2%. This figure marked the highest rating the show would achieve. It also recorded a 1.8% rating for its second episode, but the ratings continued to decline, eventually settling in the low 1% range. The 11th episode, broadcast on the 4th, even recorded a low of 0.7%.
'24-hour health club' depicts the comic romance that ensues when former world bodybuilder Do Hyun-jung (played by Lee Jun-young) meets Im Mi-ran (played by Jeong Eun-ji), who has lost her will to live due to heartbreak, at a rundown health club. The unique genre of 'muscle growth romance,' the meeting of youth stars, and the themes of health and love all garnered attention, but it failed to generate significant buzz.
From the early broadcasts, the lack of a clear message and a wavering emotional line made it difficult for viewers to engage. The 'heart-thumping' romance between Mi-ran and Hyun-jung, along with the emotional shifts that stimulate dopamine, did not lead to a rebound in ratings. Although 'Netflix's son' Lee Jun-young was prominently featured, the limitations of terrestrial drama were clear.
In this situation, the final episode is set to air on the 5th. In the 12th episode, which will be broadcast on the 5th, the 'Hyun-ran couple' will enjoy a sweet date in a corner of the health club, confirming each other's feelings and giving the viewers one last thrill.
In particular, Hyun-jung has prepared yet another romantic event for Mi-ran, hinting at a legendary confession that 'the fat I wanted to lose looks cute.' On the other hand, Mi-ran finds herself in a dilemma regarding her relationship with Hyun-jung in the face of a career opportunity in Hawaii. Attention is focused on whether they can lift the trophy of a 'happy ending.'
Above all, expectations are rising for the ratings figures of the final episode. Given that it recorded the lowest ratings before its conclusion, it is essential to achieve a strong finish. Many are curious about what ratings result '24-hour health club' will accept at its finale.
Meanwhile, KBS 2TV's Wednesday-Thursday drama '24-hour health club' (directed by Park Jun-soo and Choi Yeon-su / written by Kim Ji-soo) was co-produced by CJ ENM STUDIOS, Bon Factory, Monster Union, and KeyEast. The final broadcast will air at 9:50 p.m. on the 5th.
[Photo] Provided by KBS, OSEN DB
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