Song Joong Ki's Rocky Return to Romance

After a nine-year hiatus, Song Joong Ki's highly anticipated romantic drama 'My Youth' has hit a bumpy road right out of the gate. The series debuted to dismal ratings, scraping just 2.9% and 2.8% nationwide for its first two episodes, falling drastically short of expectations and failing to compare to his previous successful projects.

Stiff Competition from Gripping Thrillers

On the same day, SBS’s 'Mantis: The Murderer’s Outing' launched with an impressive 7.1%, highlighting a shift in audience preference towards thrilling and intense narratives over lighter romances. This stark contrast in viewership raises questions about the current state of romantic dramas in South Korea.

Is His Marriage Impacting His Role?

Adding fuel to the fire, BNT News Korea reports that netizens are linking Song Joong Ki's status as a married man and a father of two with the drama's struggles. Viewers are expressing difficulty in accepting him as a romantic lead, especially given his frequent mentions of his wife on variety shows, which some feel disrupts the fantasy of the role.

Mixed Reactions from Fans

However, reactions on the popular forum theqoo suggest that not everyone agrees with this sentiment. Some fans argue that the real issue is a decline in Song Joong Ki’s public image rather than his marital status. "His image on female-centric platforms isn't as strong anymore,” they point out, emphasizing that the problem lies more in the show's execution than in his personal life.

The Drama's Fate Hangs in the Balance

Commenters also noted that the drama itself has yet to capture the audience's interest, stating, "The drama isn’t engaging, so the low ratings are expected. It could still pick up if the story improves, but his acting style has changed, and perhaps he's not suited for wide-eyed innocence anymore." Combined with the less favorable Friday night slot on JTBC and the audience’s craving for more intense stories, 'My Youth' faces a challenging path ahead.

The Story Premise

Centered around a former child actor who has lost his spark and now works as a florist and novelist, 'My Youth' explores themes of rekindled love and lost youth as he encounters his first love once more. Whether the series can win over viewers remains to be seen.