After "Scarlet Heart: Ryeo" has accumulated 1.1 billion views on China's streaming website Youku, the SBS drama posted strong viewership ratings in Malaysia and Singapore. The historical drama stars an A-list cast that includes Lee Joon Gi, Lee Ji-Eun (aka IU) and Kang Ha Neul.
"Scarlet Heart: Ryeo" reached more than 70 percent share of timeslot among the four Korean entertainment channels in both Singapore and Malaysia, Hello Kpop reported. During the airing of the first nine episodes of "Scarlet Heart: Ryeo," ONE TV Asia has rated the top international paid TV channel in Singapore and Malaysia collectively.
In a released press statement, Senior Vice President and Head, Content, Production & Marketing for Sony Pictures Television Networks Asia, Virginia Lim, stated that extensive publicity efforts have led to the immense success of "Scarlet Heart: Ryeo." The outstanding ratings bear testimony to the SBS drama's strong appeal to fans, especially those who have seen its original Chinese counterpart.
"The extensive promotional and publicity efforts by ONE - including the fan meeting with one of the leading men Kang Ha Neul - undoubtedly further raised awareness and bolster anticipation of the programme here," Lim added. "The thrill of being able to catch the drama at the same time as Korea for the first time ever in Southeast Asia has helped to boost 'Scarlet Heart's' ratings."
Extremely pleased with the positive reception, actor Lee Joon Gi, who portrays 4th Prince Wang So, said that he was extremely grateful that they were able to fulfill the tastes and interests of the fans. He added that when he read the feedbacks and encouraging comments on social media, he has a feeling that he wanted to be a better actor.
The good news apparently comes as a surprise for the entire cast and crew of the SBS historical drama, considering "Scarlet Heart: Ryeo" has been experiencing low viewership ratings in South Korea. The SBS drama only has 5.7 to 9.3 percent viewership rating, as opposed to its KBS 2TV's "Moonlight Drawn By Clouds," who just broke through the 20 percent ratings milestone
Check out SBS's "Scarlet Hear: Ryeo" below: