For K-drama lovers, June is off to an exciting start as the highly anticipated small screen comeback of Song Joong Ki, "Arthdal Chronicles," has premiered on tvn. And the hype for the fantasy-period drama "Arthdal Chronicles" was well evident on the show's record-breaking ratings.
According to Nielsen Korea, the pilot episode tallied average ratings of 6.7%, the highest first-episode stat for all the cable dramas that have aired since January this year. The previous record-holders were "The Crowned Clown" (5.7%) and "Touch Your Heart" (4.7%).
With this figure, the Saturday-Sunday drama topped the rating race in its time slot (9 p.m. KST), which includes programs on both cable and free-to-air broadcasting networks.
Additionally, the Nielsen data also shows that women in their 40s achieved a whopping average of 9.9% -- peaking at 12.4%. This number is significantly higher than the viewership ratings gathered from audience members aged the 20s to late 30s, which is at 4.9% (peak is at 6%).
"Archdale Chronicles" also became the most-viewed program on the day that it aired, hitting ratings higher than those of variety shows and even current affair programs.
The drama series, which can also be watched on streaming platform giant Netflix, follows the story of ancient mythical heroes. It is set in the fictional city of Arth (previously named Asadal, before the screenwriters decided on its new name to associate it with the word "earth).
Boasting a production budget of approximately 54 billion won (around $45.4 million), this drama is considered as one of the biggest TV projects to premiere this year. Apart from Song Joong Ki, it also stars Jang Dong Gun, Kim Ji Won, and Kim Ok Bin.
Song Joong Ki and Kim Ji Won have previously worked in the globally acclaimed drama, "Descendants of the Sun."
Unlike other Korean TV dramas, "Arthdal Chronicles" will be aired in three different parts, each comprising six episodes. The last part is set to air in September.
Catch "Arthdal Chronicles" weekly on tvN at 9 p.m. KST.
