Hello, Love Scout—Goodbye, Squid Game: Episode 4’s Cliffhanger Shoots Ratings Through the Roof

A new Korean drama has taken the Netflix charts by storm, dethroning global hits like Squid Game 2. SBS’s Friday-Saturday drama Love Scout has captured audiences worldwide, climbing to the top of Netflix Korea’s Top 10 series rankings on January 12 and 13.

According to Netflix’s 10:30 a.m. rankings on January 13, Love Scout secured the No. 1 spot, followed by Squid Game 2 at No. 2 and When The Stars Gossip at No. 3. Other notable titles in the Top 10 included Divorce Camp, The Tale of Lady Ok, and When the Phone Rings.

Ratings Soar with Stunning Milestones

Premiering on January 3, Love Scout started strong with a 5.2% nationwide viewership rating (Nielsen Korea). The drama has continued an impressive upward trend, hitting 6.5% for its second episode, 10.5% for its third, and 11.3% for its fourth. Notably, the January 11 episode reached a peak of 14%, securing its position as the top Friday-Saturday drama.

The Story Behind the Success

Love Scout follows the romantic journey of Ji Yoon (Han Ji-min), a sharp and dedicated CEO of a headhunting firm, and Eun Ho (Lee Jun-hyuk), her seemingly perfect secretary. Their story weaves professional intrigue with heartfelt moments, delivering a fresh take on the office romance genre.

Han Ji-min shines in her role as the no-nonsense CEO, showcasing a compelling transformation. Meanwhile, Lee Jun-hyuk brings warmth to his portrayal of Eun Ho, a former corporate HR elite and single father who juggles his professional precision with a nurturing side.

The two leads’ undeniable chemistry has been a major factor in the show’s success, drawing praise from viewers and critics alike. The drama’s fourth episode ended with a heart-racing scene in which a tipsy Ji Yoon touches Eun Ho’s lips—a moment that left audiences eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Beyond Romance

While Love Scout delivers swoon-worthy romantic moments, it also adds depth through its nuanced character development. The drama explores themes of personal growth and resilience, promising viewers more than just a typical office romance.

What’s Next?

The 12-episode series will continue to delve into Ji Yoon and Eun Ho’s evolving relationship, balancing professional dilemmas with personal connections. With its fresh perspective and stellar performances, Love Scout is set to leave a lasting impression on audiences.

Catch new episodes of Love Scout every Friday at 10 p.m. and Saturday at 9:50 p.m. on SBS.

Watch Love Scout's Episodes 3-4 Highlight Clip and Episode 5 Preview.