Hero struggles to gain ground

[unreal.livejournal.com]

Now in its second week, MBC’s Hero is facing a tough road with very low ratings even as viewers are praising the drama.

The low numbers are somewhat understandable this week, since IRIS is going strong and You’re Beautiful went out on a high note with an 11.9%. Considering that it entered this three-way fray at the very end, it would have been surprising if Hero drew high numbers. Still, its 3.9% rating for Thursday’s broadcast has to hurt. (Its ratings have been on a downward trend, starting with a 5.4%, followed by a 4.9%, 4.4%, and then the 3.9%.)

Lee Junki has drawn positive criticism for his acting, but contrary to expectations, his name recognition has not had the desired effect. A source with the drama said, “Because the dramas on the other stations are strong, we had expected the early portion to face difficulty. We think that because the plot is entertaining and the acting is good, after You’re Beautiful ends, the viewer ratings will gradually rise.”

On the other hand, the viewers who are watching are responding very positively. Lee Junki’s romantic storyline with Yoon So-yi is starting to develop, as is the battle between top-tier newspaper Daese Ilbo versus Lee Junki’s team of underdogs at Yongdeok Ilbo.

Next week’s ratings should be the determining factor to whether Hero sinks or swims. Unfortunately, I don’t think things look good for the production. On the upside, I did feel a cautious optimism about its story after watching the first two episodes, and hear that things improve afterward.

source: joynews
translation: dramabeans

Comments

[honeebs.livejournal.com]

(http://s427.photobucket.com/albums/pp359/Honee2meb/?action=view&current=images-3.jpg) how is this possible! (http://s427.photobucket.com/albums/pp359/Honee2meb/?action=view&current=Rain_single_stillbelieve28229.jpg)

[cookie-nut.livejournal.com]

I think it's a combination of over-exposure and him not being in a dress. :B

[weerainbow.livejournal.com]

wow, i have to admit to being shocked that it's not more popular! lee junki is awesome! i so have to see this...i'm sure it's probably just because people are already hooked on other shows rather than because this drama's lacking.

[joongified.livejournal.com]

Oh . . it was out already? Crap, I feel stupid.

[distortedinpink.livejournal.com]

But... lee... junki... is so fine.
Come on Korea, at least watch it on mute if you don't like it.

[iheartdarkblue.livejournal.com]

Aww, perhaps it's the timeslot? Didn't this replace HTTG's timeslot, which also received poor viewership ratings?

[visual-jaeho.livejournal.com]

yes, mbc doesn't seem to have any luck when it concerns dramas right now...

[spunspider.livejournal.com]

Noooo, I love him SFM, those pictures of him looking so happy and all those brightly coloured cranes made a good portion of my life. I have to admit the story didn't get me at first but LEE JUN KI, and rebel newspaper sounds kinda intriguing now. But yeah, Iris is such a monster and Christmas has melodrama and popular leads going for it. Poor Lee Jun Ki. If I had more free time I'd start it.

[cynicalsnark.livejournal.com]

It just really sucks that all these dramas' ratings are having their ratings measured when they're up against IRIS. IRIS is just a super-powerhouse right now so it just doesn't seem fair.

:(

[miinolee.livejournal.com]

usually, i'd watch anything his sexy self was in...but...with all the fresh meat...:(
3 questions though....
What is hero about any lol? is it any good?

and is there ashirtless picture of junki floating around the net somewhere? hehehehe

[sequinstilettos.livejournal.com]

I've watched episodes 1-2. The storyline is pretty ineteresting and it's a good drama. but because the hype for it died down after broadcast being delayed so many times and with competition from IRIS as well..

I'll watch anything with junki in it though. he's an awesome actor.

[lonelymoon.livejournal.com]

Hero doesn't have a particularly compelling plot.

[prototypic.livejournal.com]

i watched about two parts of episode one last night - they were the only ones subbed - and it was... okay. junki's looking mighty fine there, but that's all. i prefer him acting in shows like 'time between dog and wolf' or iljimae, actually.