In the South Korean TV drama market, the 8 PM slot on KBS2 on weekends has established itself as more than just a broadcast time; it's a brand. Dramas aired in this time slot have earned the title of "national dramas," securing a viewership that spans generations. Rather than relying on specific actors or sensational topics, their hallmark is capturing universal emotions that allow the whole family to sit together and share laughter and tears. This tradition has built strong viewer trust, encapsulated by the phrase "a drama you can trust and watch," which has directly led to a formula for guaranteed ratings. Even amidst the onslaught of OTT platforms and diversified viewing patterns, the power of this time slot remains potent, which is why every new series premiere draws the keen attention of the broadcasting industry.
Considering the recent drama market environment, a 10% viewership rating is considered a "huge hit," indicating how high the bar has become. This is because we have entered an era of infinite competition where numerous channels and platforms vie for viewers' time. In this climate, KBS weekend dramas have surprisingly showcased their power by recording high ratings that often exceed 20%. The predecessor, <Beauty and Mr. Romantic>, also concluded successfully with a peak rating of 21.9% (Nielsen Korea, national). Therefore, the 13.9% rating for the first episode of <The Gilded Days> is interpreted with some complexity. While it would be considered a successful start for any other drama, the reality is that it's seen as a somewhat disappointing figure given the weight of the KBS weekend drama crown. Paradoxically, this proves the high expectations viewers have for this time slot.
The biggest pillar of anticipation for <The Gilded Days> is undoubtedly the presence of writer So Hyun-kyung. The mere fact that this is the comeback project after seven years for a "star writer" who created syndromes with every work she penned, such as <My Daughter Seo-young> and <My Golden Life>, breaking the 45% viewership barrier, was enough to excite drama fans. In particular, <My Daughter Seo-young>, despite being over a decade old, is still remembered by many as a "life-changing drama," showcasing her exceptional ability to craft deep narratives and delicate emotional lines for her characters. So Hyun-kyung's works are not just high in ratings; they spark social discourse and leave a lasting impression on viewers, raising expectations that this new series will also be more than just a simple family drama.
Behind the success of weekend dramas lies a unique, familiar formula. The image of a large, three-generation family living together, from grandparents to grandchildren, provides warmth and a sense of stability. The appearance of a wealthy chaebol family, who seems to have everything, in contrast to the main family's cozy two-story house, serves as a device that satisfies both the need for dramatic conflict and the viewers' fantasies. Although somewhat typical patterns like birth secrets, unexpected accidents, and love overcoming class differences are repeated, viewers willingly immerse themselves in the stories of new characters unfolding within this familiar framework. This is because the comfort derived from a predictable plot perfectly meets the demands of viewers seeking relaxation on a weekend evening.
<The Gilded Days> also faithfully follows this basic format. However, a notable point of differentiation is the weight and depth of the father character, 'Lee Sang-cheol,' played by actor Cheon Ho-jin. Having already shown fantastic chemistry with writer So Hyun-kyung in <My Golden Life> and winning the Grand Prize at the year-end acting awards, Cheon Ho-jin's presence firmly anchors the drama. The series begins with Lee Sang-cheol retiring from the job he dedicated his life to, which signals not just an individual's retirement but a major turning point for all family members connected to him. His retirement becomes the starting gun for a narrative where his children step out from their parents' shadow to find their own "gilded days."
Through Lee Sang-cheol's retirement, the drama sheds light on the reality of the current parent generation, who "have retired but still need to work to make a living." The image of a father who dedicated his life to his family but is now at a loss as to how to live his own life after retirement is expected to resonate with many middle-aged and older viewers. This is not just Lee Sang-cheol's personal story but reflects the universal concerns of our parents' generation, who live in an era of increased life expectancy but find it difficult to secure a stable post-retirement life. How he will portray his second life as "the individual Lee Sang-cheol," not just as a father and husband within the family fence, is a key point to watch.
With their parents' retirement, the three siblings also face their own life challenges. The eldest, Lee Ji-hyeok (Jung Il-woo), is a competent assistant manager at an architectural firm but defies family expectations by declaring he will not marry. The second, Lee Ji-wan (Son Sang-yeon), is a fitness trainer seeking a new path amidst an uncertain future. The third, Lee Soo-bin (Shin Soo-hyun), has a modern job as a creator but shows a realistic side by registering with a marriage agency to dream of a stable life. The stories of these three siblings represent a portrait of the "880,000 Won Generation," which has to give up on many things like employment, marriage, and homeownership in a fiercely competitive society. Their struggles to find happiness in their own ways will offer deep empathy and warm comfort to younger viewers.
Another axis that drives the narrative alongside the family story is the relationship among Lee Ji-hyeok, Ji Eun-o (Jung In-sun), and Park Seong-jae (Yoon Hyun-min). As university seniors and juniors, they harbor one-sided crushes on each other, which forms the drama's romance line and creates a sense of excitement. In particular, the 'secret' held by the female lead, Ji Eun-o, will act as the drama's central mystery, stimulating viewers' curiosity. What this secret is, and how the relationship between the three will change and develop because of it, will be a crucial point to watch in the future development of the plot.
For actress Jung In-sun, who plays the lead role of Ji Eun-o, this project holds significant meaning. Although she has built solid acting skills since her child actor days, the works she starred in as an adult actress have unfortunately not achieved great success in terms of ratings. However, joining a KBS weekend drama with guaranteed stable ratings, and a work by writer So Hyun-kyung at that, is a golden opportunity for her to earn the title of a "ratings hit-maker." If she can portray the character of Ji Eun-o with her own charm and win the love of the audience, she will have established an important stepping stone to leap further as an actress.
Planned for a total of 50 episodes, <The Gilded Days> has only just taken the first step of its long journey. The first two episodes merely served to introduce the main characters and sow the seeds of conflict. The success or failure of the drama will depend on how it intricately weaves together the second chapter of the retired parents' lives, the growing pains of the "N-po generation" children, and the tangled web of love and secrets surrounding them. It remains to be seen whether <The Gilded Days> can overcome its somewhat disappointing initial ratings and, true to its title, movingly depict the journey of each character toward their own "gilded days," thereby upholding the reputation of KBS weekend dramas. It is a long-running story that will be worth following.
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