New K-drama Defeats “Squid Game 2”, Surges to Netflix’s No.1 & Breaks 13.3% Peak Viewership in Just 5 Episodes
There is a K-drama that has risen to the top spot in South Korea’s top 10 series, beating out global hits such as “Squid Game 2”. That drama is none other than the SBS Friday-Saturday drama “Love Scout”, which is currently airing with great popularity through word of mouth.
“Love Scout” has only aired for three weeks but has already proven itself to be a “dark horse” in the weekend drama lineup. The drama needed just three episodes to break into double-digit ratings. Episode 3, in particular, saw a dramatic leap in viewership, recording an impressive 10.5%—a rare and remarkable growth for a Korean drama.
It has since confidently assumed 1st place Netflix’s Top 10 Series in Korea on the 12th and 13th, defeating even top series like “Squid Game 2”, “The Tale of Lady Ok” and “When the Stars Gossip”
Initially, Episode 1 recorded a modest rating of 5.2%, which grew slightly to 6.5% in Episode 2. However, within just one week, fueled by strong word-of-mouth recommendations, the drama surpassed the double-digit mark, reaching 10.5% in episode 3 and 11.3% for episode 4. The 4th episode even recorded a peak viewership rating of 14%.
According to Nielsen Korea on Jan 18th, the previous day’s broadcast of “Love Scout” (episode 5) recorded a 10.9% metropolitan area viewership and 10.7% nationwide, claiming the top spot in its time slot. It also achieved a peak viewership of 13.3% and a 2049 (viewers aged 20~49) target audience rating of 3.9%, placing it not only at the top of its time slot but also as the highest-rated program across all weekly broadcasts.
The 201% increase in just two episodes is attributed to the drama’s unique storyline, a role-reversal dynamic between the male and female leads, and the explosive chemistry between Han Ji Min and Lee Joon Hyuk. While the setting remains a typical office romance, “Love Scout” flips the usual trope. Instead of the archetypal domineering male CEO, this time, the role belongs to Han Ji Min. Her character, Ji Yeon, is a powerful, strict, talented, and wealthy CEO—yet hilariously clumsy and disorganized.
Meanwhile, the male lead takes on the role of a perfectionist secretary who excels at work, handles household chores with ease, and is also a warm-hearted single father. This refreshing role reversal sets “Love Scout” apart, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar theme. Moreover, although the drama is a romantic comedy, its dialogues are grounded and realistic, avoiding overly cheesy or overly sentimental lines—a definite plus for viewers.
Of course, the most crucial element of any romance drama is the chemistry between the leads. Han Ji Min and Lee Joon Hyuk managed to ignite sparks with just a few scenes together (despite their characters initially disliking each other). By Episode 3, their chemistry reached its peak with a scene where the secretary shields the female CEO with his daughter’s pink cartoon-printed umbrella. While romantic umbrella scenes are a common trope in Korean dramas, the whimsical choice of a pink, playful umbrella added a charming and memorable twist.
The exceptional pairing, combined with their dazzling visuals, has quickly turned Han Ji Min and Lee Joon Hyuk into one of the most “shippable” on-screen couples. Fans even hoped the two might date in real life, only to discover that Han Ji Min recently confirmed a relationship with a younger boyfriend. Still, this hasn’t dampened viewers’ enjoyment of the drama, as the two actors have delivered an outstanding collaboration.
“Love Scout”, which boasts a total of 12 episodes, airs every Friday at 10 PM and Saturday at 9:50 PM (KST).
