MBC is working onerous to regain its popularity as a ‘drama kingdom’.
There was nice disappointment because the manufacturing of “Jungnyeon”, starring Kim Tae-ri, which was thought-about essentially the most anticipated movie, was not scheduled. Dramas starring Kim Nam-joo (52), Lee Je-hoon (39), Kim Hee-sun (46), and Han Seok-gyu (59) have been scheduled one after one other, constructing a strong lineup of Friday-Saturday dramas. Final yr, “Lovers” starring Namgoong Min was the one hit, however this yr, they’re searching for a possibility to rebuild their drama kingdom.
Jeongnyeon is a piece ready in anticipation of the second “Pink Sleeves” (2021) delusion. Producer Jeong Ji-in took cost of directing following Sleeves. Within the Fifties, proper after the Korean Warfare, Sori Hana depicts the beginning and progress of the gifted ‘Yoon Jeong-nyeon’ (Kim Tae-ri) within the Yeoseong Gukgeuk Troupe. It’s primarily based on the Naver webtoon of the identical title. It was initially aired on MBC, however controversy arose when it was modified to tvN. Rumors have even unfold that MBC is contemplating authorized motion towards Studio Dragon, the manufacturing firm of CJ ENM.
An official stated, “Jeongnyeon’s programming had been confirmed by MBC,” and added, “MBC determined to pay greater than 2 billion received per episode, however I perceive that tvN proposed a bigger quantity.” One other official identified, “It disrupted the market order,” and added, “There was even speak of ‘we is not going to work with Studio Dragon sooner or later.’ Because of this we even thought-about submitting a lawsuit.”
MBC drama director Shin Hyeon-chang denied the rumors of authorized motion, however didn’t disguise his disappointment with the manufacturing firm. Jeongnyeon was produced by Studio Dragon, Naver Webtoon subsidiary Studio N, and NPO Leisure. Kim Tae-ri’s company, Managementmmm, was additionally named as a co-producer.
Director Shin instructed Newsis final month that he “doesn’t really feel the identical approach” in regards to the failure to arrange the retirement age and that “I really feel it’s a pity.” “It has nothing to do with Studio Dragon,” he defined, “however we ready for a very long time. We labored on the script for a few yr and put within the workers to do it. There are nonetheless points with the manufacturing firm. We’re at the moment within the technique of sorting issues out legally.”
MBC dramas are on the rise. Following “Lovers”, Lee Se-young’s Friday-Saturday drama ‘The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract” is receiving a constructive response, reaching a peak viewership score of 9% (Nielsen Korea’s nationwide normal).
“Fantastic World”, starring Cha Eun-woo, was aired as soon as per week as a Wednesday drama, however failed to supply outcomes. In December 2022, after “All of the Butlers”, the Wednesday-Thursday drama was abolished, and though it was proven after a yr, it ended with a viewership score of round 1%.
There are not any plans to renew Wednesday dramas but, they usually plan to concentrate on Friday and Saturday dramas. The lineup for the primary half of the yr has already been accomplished. Beginning with “Flowers that Bloom within the Night time” starring Lee Ha-nui, which shall be aired for the primary time at 9:50 pm (KST) on the twelfth, viewers shall be watching “Fantastic World” with Kim Nam-joo and Cha Eun-woo, Lee Je-hoon “Chief Detective 1958”, Kim Hee-sun “Our Home”, and Han Seok-gyu “The Intimate Traitor”. is planning to search out.
The pinnacle of the investigation workforce labored onerous for about two years. It’s a prequel to MBC’s hit collection “Chief Detective 1958” (1971~1984, 1985~1989). It depicts the youth of detective Park Younger-han, performed by Choi Bul-am. Though there have been casting difficulties at first, momentum gained momentum when Lee Je-hoon confirmed his look. “Vincenzo” (2021) Author Jay Park participated as a creator and wrote it along with new author Kim Younger-shin.
After many twists and turns, Our Home was aired on MBC. It’s the story of a psychological counselor, Noh Younger-won (Kim Hee-sun), who collaborates along with her thriller author, her mother-in-law, Hong Sa-gang (Lee Hye-young) after they encounter an incident that threatens her completely satisfied household. The unique title was “Gaslighting”. It was scheduled to air within the second half of final yr, however was canceled after filming about 5 episodes. After the manufacturing firm modified from jpx Studio to Redline Photos, it underwent a number of months of reorganization.
An official stated, “We began filming once more round November of final yr,” and added, “The manufacturing was nearly canceled, however we’re lucky that it was aired on MBC.”
MBC signaled a revival with the return of Lee Joo-hwan, head of the drama division. Director Lee reached viewership rankings of round 50% with ‘Jumong’ (2006-2007). He was energetic throughout the golden age of MBC dramas and was evaluated as ‘the return of an previous man.’
MBC President Ahn Hyeong-jun additionally expressed his belief in Director Lee at a luncheon with reporters final yr.
In his New 12 months’s tackle this yr, President Ahn expressed confidence that the recognition of MBC dramas will reignite. “We is not going to cease on the lover craze,” he stated. “In 2024, not solely the top of the investigation workforce, but additionally excellent actors similar to Han Seok-gyu, Kim Hee-sun, Kim Nam-joo, and Lee Ha-nui will be a part of us. MBC is not going to solely revive the drama kingdom, however will take pleasure in its second heyday.”
