The weekly viewership ratings of Korean dramas (from March 2 to March 8) were full of variables: "The Wife's Temptation" claimed the top spot for an eighth consecutive week; "Boys Over Flowers" experienced a drop in ratings due to unstable broadcasting following a car accident involving the female lead; "East of Eden" concluded, but with a regrettable ending; "Glory of Bar Family" was forced to halt its broadcast to make way for the new drama "Anyone Can Fall in Love"; and "Cain and Abel" fell out of the top ten due to poor reviews.
Since its premiere, SBS's "The Wife's Temptation" has sparked significant controversy, receiving both praise and criticism simultaneously. To satisfy viewers, it was extended by nine episodes, and it is predicted that it will remain the champion until its conclusion. KBS's "Boys Over Flowers" has consistently maintained high viewership ratings, but unfortunately, it has created a "terrifying" atmosphere. Since its broadcast began, the actors in the show have repeatedly suffered from car accidents and other incidents, casting a shadow over this popular drama. Even the female lead, Goo Hye-sun, was not spared, which has had a certain impact on the viewership ratings.
MBC's "East of Eden" aired its final few episodes this week, rising from sixth place last week to fourth place this week. Regrettably, the ending was not perfect. The male protagonist Dong-chul, played by Song Seung-heon, and Yeong-ran, portrayed by Lee Yeon-hee, finally got married after numerous trials, but Dong-chul suddenly died from a gunshot wound, transforming the story into a great tragedy. Before the audience could recover from their happiness, they were plunged into sorrow. Dong-chul's unexpected departure resulted in a viewership bonanza before the show's conclusion, with the final episode achieving a rating of 30.1%. Enthusiastic viewers engaged in extensive discussions, and some even created three alternative endings—"Bible Version," "Family Version," and "Career Version"—to seek comfort due to their dissatisfaction with the original ending. It seems that the dramatic twist in "East of Eden" can also be considered a successful move, as tragic elements often evoke greater appreciation and reflection.