Roh Jeong-eui Faces Another Flop: “The Witch” Ends with Harsh Criticism, But Romance Projects with Bae In-hyuk & Lee Chae-min Await

Actress Roh Jeong-eui’s latest drama “The Witch” wrapped up amid harsh reviews, marking another commercial disappointment after Netflix’s “Hierarchy.” Since “Our Beloved Summer,” she has yet to secure a standout hit, with some viewers lamenting her “bad luck in projects.” However, she aims for a fresh start this year with romantic comedies “Bunny and Her Boys” and “I’ll Give You the Universe,” co-starring Lee Chae-min and Bae In-hyuk.

“The Witch” Struggles with Low Ratings

The final episode of “The Witch,” aired on the March 16, recorded a 2.6% viewership rating, underwhelming compared to its predecessor “Check-in Hanyang,” which ended at 4.2%. Despite its unique premise, an original webtoon by Kang Full, and high-profile cameos, the drama failed to maintain public interest. Repetitive plotlines and a sluggish second half led to criticism of its pacing, with viewers calling it “boring” and causing ratings to stagnate.

Beyond the show’s overall directing issues, its abrupt ending drew severe backlash. The long-winded buildup resulted in an underwhelming conclusion, prompting comments like, “It feels unfinished” and “Such a waste of the lead actors.” Many had high hopes for Roh Jung-eui’s character transformation, making the disappointment even greater.

A String of Disappointments

This setback follows her role in the mystery school drama “Hierarchy” which received poor reviews for being “contrived and overly sensational.” With no notable hits since “Our Beloved Summer,” concerns over her project choices have grown.

New Romance Projects — Can She Bounce Back?

However, hope remains. On April 4, she will return with MBC’s “Bunny and Her Boys,” a lighthearted romantic comedy about a college student, Bunny (played by Noh Jung-eui), navigating love after a disastrous first relationship. Unlike the dark and heavy tone of “The Witch, “this drama will showcase her bright and youthful charm.

Among her four male leads, Lee Chae-min reunites with her after “Hierarchy.” While that show flopped, their on-screen chemistry gained positive attention, raising anticipation for their second collaboration.

Later this year, she will star alongside Bae In-hyuk in tvN’s “I’ll Give You the Universe,” a romance about in-laws with misunderstandings learning to raise a child together.

With 15 years in the industry, Roh Jung-eui has steadily built her filmography. However, given her recent struggles, industry insiders believe she now needs a breakthrough role that truly highlights her unique charm.