KBS Joy’s “Sorry Not Sorry,” which has drawn attention as Jeon So Min’s first project after leaving “Running Man,” has fallen into a slump with seven consecutive episodes recording a 0% viewership rating. The ratings have hovered between 0.3% and 0.5%, failing to attract significant attention despite the drama’s well-received storyline.
Set in a fictional suburban area beneath the so-called “Heaven City,” the series follows Ji Song Yi (played by Jeon So Min), a woman forced to live as a fake housewife after a sudden breakup and saddled with a hefty mortgage on her would-be marital home. Balancing multiple jobs to survive, the drama intertwines relatable urban survival themes with romance, creating buzz among viewers.
Notably, the drama has gained attention for its cost-effective production. With a budget of 140 million won (5,570 USD) per episode and a total of 1.7 billion won (approx. 67,740 USD) for 12 episodes, it exemplifies value-for-money content. According to the network, the production costs are significantly lower than those of competing dramas, with the budget for one of their episodes equivalent to producing 12 episodes of “Sorry Not Sorry.”
Furthermore, the involvement of popular actors like Choi Daniel, a favorite in Japan, and Jeon So Min, well-received in Southeast Asia, has allowed the production team to recover roughly half the costs through overseas sales.
In the seventh episode, aired on January 23, the story delved deeper into Ji Song’s entanglements. The episode showcased her drunken skinship with divorce attorney Cha Hyun Woo (played by Choi Daniel), further complicating the love triangle involving younger man Kim Ian (Kim Moo Jun). Hyun-woo also revealed his painful past, confessing that his ex-wife had gone on a trip with another man on his birthday. This emotional moment struck a chord with viewers as Hyun Woo and Ji Song shared a heartfelt connection.
At the press conference, Jeon So Min expressed her hopes, stating, “This project is an opportunity to connect with viewers who are familiar with my approachable variety show image while also showcasing my acting capabilities.” However, the drama has yet to achieve the success she envisioned.
A representative from KBS N commented, “Amid the challenges of high production costs in the drama market, this series is a result of collaborative efforts by the cast and crew. To revitalize Hallyu content, creative solutions are necessary to produce quality dramas and variety shows at reasonable costs.”
Meanwhile, “Sorry Not Sorry” airs every Thursday at 9 PM (KST) on KBS Joy and has five episodes remaining in its 12-episode run.
