Top 10 Strategies to Increase Ratings for Korean Dramas

Cameo refers to a brief appearance by a celebrity, often a well-known actor or singer, in a specific scene of a drama. These surprise guest appearances are a major fan draw in many Korean dramas. Producers often release a list of cameo appearances ahead of time, building anticipation and excitement among viewers. This tactic serves a dual purpose: boosting the rating while keeping production costs low, as the stars don’t require substantial paychecks, yet their presence adds significant appeal to the show.

A prime example of this strategy's success is the hugely popular series "Descendants of the Sun," which featured cameos from A-listers like "Crazy Horse" Yoo Ah In, best friend of lead actress Song Hye Kyo; "King of Betrayal" Lee Kwang Soo, best friend of lead actor Song Joong Ki; and the charming Lee Jong Hyeok, who left fans swooning. More recently, Lee Jong Suk made a quick appearance in the drama "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo" to support his fellow YG Entertainment actors Lee Sung Kyung and Nam Joo Hyuk.

One of the most effective strategies to boost a drama's rating is through promises made by the lead actors, creating excitement and anticipation among fans. These promises often include outdoor fan signings, performing popular dance moves, or even offering behind-the-scenes studio tours. These events provide fans with an opportunity to show their unwavering support for their idols while producers benefit from a significant surge in viewership.

For example, in the series The K2, stars Ji Chang Wook and Yoona fulfilled their promise of treating fans to coffee once the show hit a 5% rating, while Park Bo Geum and Kim Yoo Jung, along with the cast of "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds," held a fan signing event after reaching a 20% rating milestone. Such promises not only delight fans but also significantly boost ratings, making the show more popular and relatable to the audience.

With 24 hours in a day, TV networks have carefully crafted strategies to determine the time slots that attract the largest and most focused audience. The prime time slot, typically from 8 PM to 10 PM, is when the majority of viewers are free and eager to enjoy their favorite TV shows after a long day of work.

For instance, MBC used the prime time slot to air highlights from previous episodes of The King in Love, starring Yoona, before the new episode premiered. The network claimed the goal was to give viewers a deeper understanding of the show, but in reality, it was a strategy to boost the ratings of a series that had been struggling. Similarly, KBS aired a recap of the previous episode of School 2017 for two hours during prime time, while SBS featured special segments of Falsify between 4 PM and 6 PM before the new episode aired at 10 PM. These tactics were all aimed at pushing the ratings into double-digit territory, proving how vital the prime time slot is for a drama’s success.

Right after a kiss scene, a sudden accident is one of the most effective ways to grab the audience's attention. It’s no surprise that accidents are a recurring theme in many Korean dramas. Even if the incident doesn’t directly affect the main storyline, directors often find a way to include it to heighten the drama’s suspense. These accident scenes are typically used to conclude episodes, sparking curiosity and anticipation for the next one.

While hundreds of dramas and screenwriters make their way onto South Korean television each year, there is one name that stands out when we talk about 'golden screenwriters': Kim Eun Sook. Born in 1973, this petite powerhouse has become one of the most influential figures in Korean cinema, known for producing hits that guarantee high ratings. Her works include iconic shows such as Lovers in Paris, Secret Garden, On Air, City Hall, The Gentleman’s Dignity, The Heirs, Descendants of the Sun, and the more recent success, The King.

Another pair of famous names in the industry are the Hong Sisters, Hong Jung Eun and Hong Mi Ran, who have penned numerous beloved dramas that have gained international fame. Their works include My Girl (2006), Hong Gil Dong (2008), You’re Beautiful (2009), My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (2010), The Greatest Love (2011), Big (2012), and The Master's Sun (2013).

There are many other famous writers whose scripts have not only propelled the careers of actors but also skyrocketed ratings to unimaginable heights, proving that a strong script is key to a drama’s success.

One of the key factors behind the impressive ratings of Korean dramas is the ensemble of talented and famous actors. A show featuring top-tier stars can significantly contribute to maintaining high ratings. For instance, the drama "The Legend of the Blue Sea" captivated audiences, even though its plot sparked some debate. However, the undeniable star power of Lee Min Ho and Jun Ji Hyun kept the ratings consistently above 10%. Similarly, the drama "The Heirs," with its classic storyline of a rich heir and a poor girl, featured a star-studded cast including Lee Min Ho, Park Shin Hye, Kim Woo Bin, and Kim Ji Won, making it a major contender in the fierce ratings race.

"Goblin" (also known as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) was a massive success at the end of 2016 and into 2017, achieving an impressive 18.7% rating on tvN. Even years after it aired, audiences continue to praise the performances of the lead actors, the brilliant script by Kim Eun Sook, and the direction by Lee Eung Bok, along with the unforgettable soundtrack.

If you're a true fan of K-dramas, you're probably familiar with the classic tropes: the prince and the poor girl, the terminally ill lead, or the love that’s forbidden by family but ends in a "happy ending." Recently, however, producers and writers have broken away from these familiar formulas, introducing fresh and innovative storylines that spark intense curiosity among viewers. Themes such as time travel, fantasy, and war have become popular, creating unique dramas. For example, the alien concept in 'My Love from the Star,' featuring Kim Soo Hyun and Jun Ji Hyun, became an Asian sensation, with an average rating of 24% per episode and a stunning 28.4% rating for its finale.

In late 2019 and early 2020, 'Crash Landing on You' became a global hit. Airing on the tvN cable network, it recorded a final episode rating of 21.7%, making it the highest-rated drama on the network, surpassing even 'Reply 1988' and 'Goblin.'

Kissing scenes are like a secret weapon to boost the ratings of Korean dramas, and almost every drama uses them to great effect. A large portion of K-drama fans are young, idealistic viewers, and romantic scenes always hit the right emotional notes. Producers have recognized this and have skillfully incorporated kissing scenes to skyrocket ratings.

In fact, many dramas have proven the explosive power of a well-timed kiss scene, pushing ratings to new heights. Shows like 'Reply 1988,' 'Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo,' and the massive hit 'My Love from the Star' with Joen Ji Hyun and Kim Soo Hyun have all seen their ratings soar after intense kissing moments. Some dramas even add more romantic scenes whenever ratings dip, hoping to boost viewer interest. While it may be a 'classic' trick, it's undeniable that kissing scenes remain one of the most effective tools for increasing ratings in Korean television.