This year's drama landscape is dominated by tvN, leaving other broadcasters trailing significantly.
According to Good Data Corp., the drama "Mom's Friend's Son," featuring Jung So-min, topped the actor buzz rankings with 7.70%. Following closely is her co-star Jung Hae-in in second place at 7.48%. The show has also secured the top spot in overall TV-OTT buzz, highlighting its widespread acclaim.
"Mom's Friend's Son" reunites director Yu Je-won and writer Shin Ha-eun from the hit drama "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha." It tells the story of a woman looking to reboot her troubled life and her tumultuous relationship with her mother's friend’s son. Although it faced criticism for its implausible plot, the genuine performances of the lead actors have captivated audiences and contributed to its rising popularity.
In the second position is SBS's "Good Partner," where lead actress Jang Na-ra claims the third spot in actor buzz rankings with 6.07%. The show revolves around divorce lawyers, skillfully blending sensational topics with relatable moments, which has garnered significant public interest. Co-star Nam Ji-hyun also made it to seventh place, showcasing the drama's solid appeal.
On the contrary, MBC is experiencing a downturn, struggling with its dark series "Death to Snow White - Blackout." Despite its famous literary origins, critics highlight its gloomy tone as a barrier to viewer engagement. While it has recently shown a slight rise in viewership, it lacks broader audience appeal, failing to place any actors in the top 10 buzz rankings.
Overall, the importance of buzz metrics continues to grow in the entertainment industry, overshadowing traditional viewership figures. As demonstrated by tvN and SBS, high ratings do not always correlate with buzz, a reality that leaves MBC concerned about its future strategy.