South Korean Cable TV Networks Pose Threat To Major Broadcasters With Consistent Success In Drama Ratings
Cable networks in South Korea such as TvN and JTBC are slowly gaining more power in terms of viewership ratings that it has pushed national television stations to step up their game and regain their spots as the major broadcasters in the country.
TvN and JTBC are raking high viewer ratings for shows that appeal to peoople for their familiar and relatable concepts. TvN's drama series "Reply" became a huge hit when it first premiered in 2012. It's successor "Replay 1997" stormed the public with a theme that befits viewers of all ages.
The latest installment, "Reply 1988," which aired its final episode on Jan. 16, was constantly a hot topic in major drama forums and news websites for the intriguing development of the story.
The mystery show "Signal" which assumed the time slot for "Reply 1988" is also gaining a huge following of its own. Korea Times reported that the show garnered an average rating of 7.3 percent. It peaked at 8.3 percent in Saturday's rating, which was considered "too high" a rating for a cable channel.
TvN has another ace drama which is "Cheese in the Trap." The series is based on the titular webtoon starring Park Hae Jin, Kim Go Eun and "Roommate" star Seo Kang Joon.
Meanwhile, JTBC is also racking up high numbers for its breakthrough entertainment show "Please Take Care of My Refrigerator." The said variety show features artists and their meal plans as well as content of their refrigerators.
JTBC is becoming a prominent competitor in the variety department with shows such as"Non-Summit" and "Hidden Singer," which has been picked up for a Chinese version. The cable company also ensured success when it hired national emcee Yoo Jae Suk to host their music show "Finding Sugar Man."
The cable companies in South Korea began sprouting in 1995 according to Life in Korea. The networks then were mostly specialty channels that singly deal with entertainment, sports, shopping tips and music. It would then be considered high for these channels to rake in a rating of two percent.
These days, there are even more cable channels than there are local channels in South Korea. in for the race like Onstyle who made hits with its own reality TV shows focusing on the ways of life, behind-the-scenes, and fashion statements of Korean artists such as the Jung sisters Jessica and Krystal, Girls' Generation subunit TaeTiSeo, and Girls' Generation themselves, respectively.
A channel called Onstyle was received well by viewers for its fashion and lifestyle-driven content like the reality show "Jessica & Krystal." The network's latest venture is its first ever drama starring Choi Minho entitled "Because it's the First Time." The storyline talks about teenage friendships and family struggles while growing up.
Major South Korean broadcasters such as KBS saw the rise of these cable channels and swiftly took action by securing top actors. Song Joong Ki sealed a deal with the network immediately he got out of the army, and he is set to star in the February-slated drama "Descendants of the Sun." The drama will also star renowned actress Song Hye Kyo. "Descendants of the Sun" is pegged as the most anticipated drama for 2016 by a poll in Good Data, K-Drama Stars noted.