With only two episodes left, KBS TV's drama department head Jung Sung-Hyo opened up about the extreme popularity of "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds." The historical drama star Park Bo Gum and Kim Yoo Jung as Crown Prince Lee Yeong and Hong Ra-On, respectively.
The Monday and Tuesday drama posted strong viewership ratings since it premiered on Aug. 22. The 15th episode of "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds," which aired on Oct. 10, Monday, recorded a national TV rating of 17.9 percent, ruling over SBS's "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo."
"Moonlight Drawn by Clouds" apparently brought an unexpected success to its entire cast and crew members. It is said that many did not expect the immense success of the said historical drama since its theme is quite different from the massive pan-Asia hit "Descendants of the Sun."
Unlike "Descendants of the Sun," "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds" was not shot entirely in advance - a technique intended to win the loyalty of viewers at home and abroad throughout simultaneous broadcasts in South Korea and mainland China. Despite that, the historical drama successfully reached the 20 percent rating milestone.
The 20 percent viewership ratings is an impressive leap from the 10 percent initially expected by KBS and Park's management agency Blossom Entertainment, according to industry sources, as cited by Korea Portal.
"We didn't know the drama would create a syndrome," Jung said in a statement obtained by The Kpop Herald. "There's a high degree of correlation between the actor and the character, and I think it was possible because Park Bo-gum has expressed his new character very well, rather than reproducing his earlier image."
In the historical drama, the "Reply 1988" actor portrays the keen, splendid and mischievous prince, Lee Yeong, who is detested by most of his servants for being eccentric. He has an affinity towards arts and music.
The irrefutable fame of "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds" is an uplifting news for the entire broadcast industry. Without a single product placement, the historical drama has made a profit through advertising and license exports in several Southeast Asian countries.
Before the end of the 18-episode historical drama, the advertising revenue is expected to reach almost 7.3 billion won ($6.58 million) in total. Check out KBS 2TV's "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds" below: