A Korean Drama That Scored Just 2% Ratings Domestically but Claimed No. 1 in 74 Countries
Released in 2023, “Perfect Marriage Revenge” is a romance revenge drama aired on MBN that quickly garnered attention. The story revolves around Han Yi-joo (Jung Yoo-min), who, after experiencing death and returning to life, embarks on a journey of revenge against her husband and family by entering into a contract marriage. The drama unfolds through her complex relationship with Seo Do-guk (Sung Hoon).
Based on the web novel of the same name by author Lee Beom-bae, which won the Grand Prize for Romance in Naver’s 2019 Competition, the drama draws from a beloved source material. First serialized as a web novel in 2020, it was later adapted into a popular webtoon in 2021.
From its initial broadcast, “Perfect Marriage Revenge” gained significant traction domestically, achieving a peak rating of 2.9%, the highest ever recorded for an MBN drama.
However, the drama’s success was not confined to Korea. It resonated strongly with international audiences, topping viewership charts in 74 countries and ranking in the top five across 144 countries.
With its captivating blend of romance and revenge, the drama left a deep impression on viewers. The performances, particularly the chemistry between Jung Yoo-min and Sung Hoon, heightened the emotional intensity of the series, while their nuanced portrayal of intricate emotional dynamics added depth to the storyline.
Far from being a conventional romance drama, “Perfect Marriage Revenge” delves into the complexities of human relationships and profound emotions. Han Yi-joo’s journey of revenge, love, and her evolving relationship with Seo Do-guk became central topics of discussion among fans.
The drama also succeeded in balancing familiar tropes, such as situational drama, romantic comedy, emotional healing, and melodrama, which contributed to its rising popularity. Nevertheless, it faced some criticism for flat villain characters and an unsatisfactory resolution of certain plot points.
Despite these flaws, “Perfect Marriage Revenge” is a drama that continues to be widely discussed. Its global success reaffirms the high quality and international appeal of Korean dramas, showcasing that the Korean drama formula remains highly effective on a global scale. Additionally, the series highlighted the potential of rising stars such as Sung Hoon, Jung Yoo-min, Jin Ji-hee, and Kang Shin-hyo, further solidifying its significance in the industry.
Source: Daum