SBS 'The Legend of the Blue Sea' Reigns in Ratings Over 'Weightlifting Fairy,' and 'Oh My Geum Bi'

On Nov. 16, three dramas premiered on the same day and the same time slot in three different major channels. Unsurprisingly or very much expected by fans and viewers, SBS Network raked in the ratings with "The Legend of the Blue Sea."

"The Legend of the Blue Sea" beats other dramas' premiere with a total of 16.4 percent viewership ratings, as reported by Nielsen Korea, as cited by Soompi. KBS Network takes the second place with "Oh My Geum Bi," having 5.9 percent total ratings. Finally, MBC settles in the third place with "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo" with 3.3 percent recorded ratings. As it is, SBS wins the fierce competition for ratings with "The Legend of the Blue Sea."

It comes as no surprise though as "The Legend of the Blue Sea" has since been highly anticipated with Hallyu actors Jun Ji Hyun and Lee Min Ho as its main leads. Also, the drama was written by "My Love From the Star" writer Park Ji Eun which has considerably upped the expectation for the mermaid fantasy drama further. "My Love From the Star" also cast Jun Ji Hyun alongside actor Kim Soo Hyun, the two are also known to be top-notch actors. The drama then became a great hit in South Korea and even outside the country, and it has more or less influenced the hype in "The Legend of the Blue Sea." The 16.4 percent ratings definitely proved how much the drama is awaited by fans.

"The Legend of the Blue Sea" is a fantasy romance drama that follows the story of the last mermaid on Earth named Sim Cheong, portrayed by actress Jun Ji Hyun, and genius swindler Heo Joon Jae, played by actor Lee Min Ho. Meanwhile, MBC's "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo" is a coming-of-age sports drama starring Lee Sung Kyung and Nam Joo Hyuk. KBS' drama "Oh My Geum Bi" is a family drama starring child actress Heo Jung-Eun and Oh Ji-Ho.

While "The Legend of the Blue Sea" is off to a good start, the other two dramas may turn the tables or catch up in the fight for ratings in the coming episodes. The three dramas simultaneously air in their respective channels every Wednesdays and Thursdays, 22:00 (KST).