The latest KBS2 Wednesday-Thursday drama '24-Hour Health Club' is off to a disappointing start with low viewership ratings, failing to engage fans early on. Featuring Jung Eun Ji and Lee Jun Young, the show only managed to secure a 1.8% nationwide rating (according to Nielsen Korea) for its first two episodes, indicating potential challenges ahead.
KBS2 has been encountering a series of setbacks with their Wednesday-Thursday dramas like 'Kick Kick Kick Kick' and 'Villains Everywhere,' which struggled with ratings as low as 0–1%. The pattern seems to continue with the premiere of '24-Hour Health Club,' raising concerns in the entertainment industry. Despite the star power of Lee Jun Young, known for his roles in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' and 'Weak Hero Class 2,' and Jung Eun Ji, recognized for her work in 'Reply 1997,' the show has failed to gain expected viewer interest.
In the recent episode, gym owner Do Hyun Jung (played by Lee Jun Young) and new member Lee Mi Ran (played by Jung Eun Ji) start building a bond. Hyun Jung, facing financial struggles, relies on the payment made by Mi Ran for a total life care program, prompting him to officially start training her.
Despite Mi Ran's physical challenges due to her sedentary lifestyle, their training sessions resonate with viewers, depicting her frustration with her body's lack of cooperation. Mi Ran's determination to fit into a dress for an upcoming event leads to an intense training regime guided by Hyun Jung.
The drama features comedic moments but fails to see a rise in its ratings, as even a romantic gesture by Hyun Jung during a critical moment at a wedding fails to impact the viewership significantly. The consistent decline in ratings for KBS2's Wednesday-Thursday shows is a concerning trend, with '24-Hour Health Club' struggling to break out of the existing pattern despite its theme of personal growth and self-improvement in a society obsessed with appearances.
With ratings already at 1.8% after two episodes, the show faces a challenging road ahead. As viewers await the third episode airing on the 7th at 9:50 PM KST, there is anticipation on whether '24-Hour Health Club' can reverse the declining trend of KBS2's midweek drama lineup.