‘Jeongnyeon’, Breaking The Highest Viewership Rating Of 18% Nationwide, Ending With A Beautiful Ending

Written On: November 18, 2024

Last Updated: November 18, 2024

tvN’s weekend drama Jeongnyeon has left an unforgettable mark on the K-drama world. The series, which features Korea’s first female-led national opera as a central theme, concluded with its highest ratings yet. According to Nielsen Korea, the final episode recorded an average of 17.1% viewership in the metropolitan area, peaking at 18.8%, and 16.5% nationwide, reaching a peak of 18.2%. These impressive numbers secured its position as the top program in its time slot across all channels, including terrestrial networks.

Set in the 1950s, Jeongnyeon tells a powerful story of resilience and growth, centered around traditional Korean music. The drama follows Jeong Nyeon (Kim Tae-ri) and Yeong-seo (Shin Ye-eun) as they reinterpret the legend of Asadal and Asanyeo in a traditional music play. Jeong Nyeon, overcoming her personal struggles, takes on the role of Asadal and emerges as a breakout star in male roles.

Stellar Performances and Unique Storytelling

The cast delivered exceptional performances that captivated audiences. Kim Tae-ri and Shin Ye-eun, supported by Ra Mi-ran, Jung Eun-chae, and Kim Yoon-hye, brought depth and nuance to their roles. The actors spent 15 minutes of their usual 60-minute episodes on traditional Korean music performances, increasing it to 30 minutes in the final episode. These performances added authenticity and emotion, earning widespread acclaim.

What set Jeongnyeon apart was its complex character development. Even secondary roles were portrayed with depth, avoiding the typical one-dimensional villain or background tropes. These well-rounded characters played key roles in Jeong Nyeon’s personal and artistic growth, enhancing the overall narrative.

Cultural Impact and Global Attention

Jeongnyeon didn’t just dominate local viewership; it also became a global sensation. It topped multiple rankings, including:

• Kinolights’ Integrated Content Ranking for online video services.
• Good Data Corporation’s TV-OTT Popularity Index.
• Gallup Korea’s ‘Programs Preferred by Koreans in October.’

The drama also garnered over 1 million YouTube views, making it the most-watched domestic drama on the platform.

Internationally, Jeongnyeon maintained a leading spot in Disney Plus’s global TV show rankings. Major outlets like Forbes highlighted the show, praising its focus on pansori, a traditional Korean music genre. Forbes noted that the true star of the series was not just the cast but also the rich cultural heritage it presented.

Also Read: Jeongnyeon Episode 9 & 10 Plot & Summary

A Fitting Finale

The final performance, centered around Ssangtapjeonseol (The Legend of Two Towers), brought the story to a powerful close. Jeong Nyeon’s transformation into Asadal symbolized her artistic breakthrough and personal victory. The drama’s balance of traditional elements and modern storytelling resonated deeply with viewers, leaving a lasting impression.

To celebrate the series, CJ ENM has released an OST LP featuring key songs, including:

• Chewolmanjeong by Seo Yong-rye (Moon So-ri).
• Saetaryeong by Lee Nal-chi.
• Tears of Mokpo sung by Jeong Nyeon.

The LP has already sparked interest among fans eager to relive the drama’s musical highlights.

A Milestone in Korean Entertainment

Jeongnyeon is more than a drama; it’s a cultural milestone. Its success has elevated traditional Korean music and storytelling to global audiences. By blending historical themes with modern emotions, it has set a new standard for what K-dramas can achieve.

The journey of Jeong Nyeon and her peers will remain a source of inspiration for viewers everywhere.

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Kavita Mishra

Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.