MBC has chosen to broadcast the next episode of "W" as opposed to this year's Rio Olympic Games. The on-going fantasy drama stars Lee Jong Suk, 26 and Han Hyo Joo, 29.
On Aug. 9, Tuesday, MBC initially released an official statement, through different local media groups, announcing the potential cancellation of this week's episodes in order to broadcast the Rio Olympic Games. However, many fans flocked to MBC's social media sites and online communities to express their disapproval and frustrations.
On Aug. 10, Wednesday, MBC then officially announced that the seventh episode of "W" will not be put off and will air on its regular broadcast time, stressing that the magnitude of the drama's popularity made it changed the official's mind.
While many are glad about the announcement, it is worth noting that the network has not yet confirmed their plans for "W's" episode eight.
"For August 11, 'W' is second in priority," Soompi quoted a representative from MBC as saying before a group of local reporters. "The first program to air will be the relay games. Since a lot of important matches are taking place on August 11, we have not yet finalized the schedule."
Many might be bummed about the possible delay of the highly anticipated "W" episode 8, but it was actually a smart move for the show's general rating. Fans believed that the viewership rating of "W's" 7th episode will be the basis of whether the 8th episode will air or not.
Meanwhile, "W," which premiered on July 20, was the most discussed TV program in the first week of August, according to analytics company, GoodData Corporation, as cited by The Kpop Herald. With a total points of 25, 751, the 16-episode fantasy drama ranked the No. 1 spot among all Korean TV dramas for three successive weeks.
"W" was then followed by Kim Rae Won and Park Shin Hye's "Doctors" (SBS) and MBC's variety show, "Infinite Challenge." Check out the latest episode of MBC's "W" below:
