'Brave New World' author reveals, Spoiler for Act 2: "Im Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun... somewhere lacking..."

*This content was translated by AI.

Im Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun have truly ignited 'Brave New World'. With a peak viewership rating of 13.7%, the series has surged vertically, breaking its own highest rating for four consecutive weeks and ushering in a new world of box office success.

SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Brave New World' (directed by Han Tae-seop and Kim Hyun-woo; written by Kang Hyun-ju) is a romantic comedy drama depicting a tense, explosive war-like romance between Shin Seo-ri (played by Im Ji-yeon), a nameless actress possessed by the soul of a notorious Joseon villainess and turned into a 'villainous' character, and Cha Se-gye (played by Heo Nam-jun), a villainous chaebol heir dubbed a monster born of capitalism.

'Brave New World,' beloved for its fresh romantic comedy that twists clichés, continues its terrifying box office momentum by sweeping various metrics. On the 30th of last month, the eighth episode achieved a peak viewership rating of 13.7%, 10.4% nationwide, and 10.7% in the capital area, breaking its own highest rating for four consecutive weeks and securing an overwhelming first place among all mini-series and programs in the same time slot for the week. In particular, the 2049 viewership rating, which indicates topicality, soared to an average of 4% and a peak of 5.1%, proving intense interest (based on Nielsen Korea).

Moreover, even in the fourth week of broadcast, the series topped the 'South Korea's Top 10 Series' on global OTT Netflix and ranked fourth among the top TV shows worldwide, demonstrating formidable global box office power (based on FlixPatrol, as of June 1). Additionally, in the fourth week of May's topicality rankings released by Good Data Corporation's FUNdex, the drama secured first place in the TV-OTT integrated topicality category for two consecutive weeks. Furthermore, in the cast topicality category, Im Ji-yeon, Heo Nam-jun, and Jang Seung-jo claimed first, second, and seventh place respectively, proving their syndrome-level popularity (based on May 25–31).

In episodes 7 and 8, the direct progression of Shin Seo-ri and Cha Se-gye, who ignited a mutual romance, was depicted. Alongside this, the past-life karma of Seo-ri, Se-gye, and Choi Moon-do (played by Jang Seung-jo), previously shrouded in mystery, was revealed, shaking up the living room theater. In particular, the scene where Se-gye asks Seo-ri, "Kang Ga Dan-sim, who are you?" capped off the eighth episode's ending, drawing significant attention to what kind of turbulence the entangled past-life bond might bring to their present-day relationship.

In response to such intense support from viewers, director Han Tae-seop and writer Kang Hyun-ju personally delivered messages of gratitude, drawing attention. Director Han stated, "'Brave New World' was a work created by those who are deeply committed to their craft, striving diligently to give life to the story. Seeing the viewers' enthusiastic response felt like the production team's passion and sincerity were being repaid many times over," expressing deep appreciation.

Writer Kang remarked, "Since all the characters and relationships that serve as the seed of the narrative originated from Korean sensibilities and culture, it was fascinating and unbelievable to see people overseas laughing and crying along in real time. Ultimately, the essence of a drama lies in the human heart, and this seems to be proof of that, giving me great strength as a writer," leaving unique reflections on the global response.

The two also highlighted the most impressive reactions, revealing their affection for the viewers. Director Han said, "Among the numerous responses, the phrase 'I started watching live broadcasts for the first time in years' was the most impressive. Sharing the moment of a live broadcast while waiting for a limited time seems like a wonderful romance. I hope we can continue to share this precious romance of 'Brave New World' with Seo-ri and Se-gye until the final episode, just as we have done so far."

Writer Kang added, "The expression 'kimchi stew cooked deliciously with good ingredients' was impressive. If we can provide fun and warm comfort that can soothe the worries of the day during evening hours, there would be nothing more to wish for," she revealed.

In particular, writer Kang Hyun-ju directly pointed out the viewing points for Act 2, further heightening interest. Writer Kang said, "I believe the strength to live in a rough world ultimately comes from the warmth one person gives. I hope viewers will cheer for the 'growth' and 'redemption' that characters, who are somehow lacking and thus struggle even harder, achieve by meeting each other."

'Brave New World,' reaching a turning point in Act 2, consists of a total of 14 episodes. Episode 9 will air at 9:50 p.m. on the 5th.

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*This content was translated by AI.