Jung Eun-ji and Lee Jun-young’s “Pump Up the Healthy Love” in Crisis After 2 Episodes: Ratings Stuck at 1% Range?
KBS2’s new Wednesday-Thursday drama Pump Up the Healthy Love is off to a rocky start. Despite featuring a high-profile cast including Jung Eun-ji and Lee Jun-young, the series has failed to resonate with viewers, drawing a modest 1.8% viewership rating for both its premiere and second episode, according to Nielsen Korea.
The drama, which blends gym-based romance with self-improvement themes, was expected to revitalize KBS2’s troubled midweek slot. However, its performance so far echoes the struggles of previous shows like Kick Kick Kick Kick and Villains Everywhere, which also floundered in the 0–1% range.
Star Chemistry, But Stagnant Ratings
In Episode 2 (aired May 1), the plot thickened as Do Hyun-jung (Lee Jun-young), a gym owner desperate to save his business, took on Lee Mi-ran (Jung Eun-ji), a fitness-challenged office worker, as his most determined client yet.
In a comedic and heartfelt turn, Mi-ran aimed to transform her body before seeing her ex-boyfriend at a wedding. Determined to wear a dream dress that didn’t fit, she threw herself into Hyun-jung’s harsh workout routine.
His promise—“If you can’t fit into it, I’ll refund every penny!”—added dramatic flair, but the episode’s standout moment came when Mi-ran’s dress ripped in front of her ex. Hyun-jung’s chivalrous move to cover her with his jacket offered a swoon-worthy moment that trended online but didn’t boost ratings.
Can the Show Turn the Tide?
Despite its relatable themes of self-esteem and modern beauty standards, Pump Up the Healthy Love hasn’t yet captured the hearts of mainstream viewers. The show’s next episode airs on May 7 at 9:50 PM, and with mounting pressure, the production team is undoubtedly hoping for a turnaround.
If the series can’t break free of KBS2’s midweek curse soon, it may become another missed opportunity in the network’s ongoing struggle to reclaim its prime-time reputation.
