KBS 2TV just revealed the pros and cons of producing "Descendants of the Sun" and Uncontrollably Fond," both of which aired simultaneously in South Korea and mainland China. The two shows were completely pre-produced before airing.
On Aug. 11, Thursday, the head of KBS TV's drama department, Jung Sung-Hyo, told local reporters that practicing entirely pre-produced dramas are seemingly not suitable for the romance genre, insinuating the dull execution of "Uncontrollably Fond." The 20-episode drama, which premiered on July 6 with a nationwide rating of 12.5 percent, is not faring well with the viewers.
"I think romance dramas will be better off without advance production," The Kpop Herald quoted Jung as saying during a meeting with local reporters at a restaurant in Seoul. "Like 'Winter Sonata,' I think it will be better filming live even if it calls for all-nighters."
"Winter Sonata," which aired on KBS 2TV in 2002 for 20-episode, is widely considered to be the Korean TV drama that propelled the Hallyu wave all through Asian nations, most outstandingly in Japan and the Philippines.
Early this year, "Descendants of the Sun," which starred Song Joong-Ki and Song Hye-Kyo, strengthened the Hallyu wave in Asian countries, surpassing 30 percent in nationwide viewership rating.
Many analysts ascribed the series' prosperity to the fact that it was entirely pre-produced before airing, which apparently made it possible to undergo prior screening in China ahead of its premiere. Traditionally, Korean dramas are produced on an episode-by-episode basis, leaving some squirm space for alterations.
"Descendants of the Sun" was also considered unique among other Korean drama since it portrayed a love story between a soldier and a doctor. A large portion of the hit drama was also devoted to portraying natural disasters and armed conflict in a foreign country.
"Uncontrollably Fond," on the other hand, is already past its halfway point with 12 out of 20-episode having gone on air. Starring Kim Woo Bin and Bae Suzy, the on-going drama's highest viewership rating is 14.0 percent.
"Everyone must have waited a long time for a new drama, and looked forward to ['Uncontrollably Fond'] all the more for the wait," Kim posted a message on his fan café on Aug. 1, as cited by Soompi, referring to the drama's flop. "I'm worried that I was not able to meet your expectations."
Check out the latest episode of KBS 2TV's "Uncontrollably Fond" below: