Sudden 'Love Scout' Episode Cancellation Disappoints Viewers: Here's Why

SBS’s popular Friday-Saturday drama 'Love Scout' has unexpectedly announced a broadcast cancellation, leaving fans disappointed.

According to an SBS statement on January 30, the show will not air as scheduled on January 31. Instead, a special episode will be broadcast at 10 p.m. on Friday, with Episode 9 airing the following day, February 1, at 9:50 p.m. KST. The unexpected schedule shift means a special compilation will be aired instead of a new episode, with the main storyline continuing a day later.

Why Was It Canceled? SBS Explains “Programming Strategy”

SBS cited a “programming strategy” as the reason for the delay, with speculation pointing to the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. Industry insiders suggest the decision may be aimed at mitigating a potential drop in viewership during the holiday by keeping audiences engaged with special programming.

However, the sudden change has sparked backlash from some viewers. Fans expressed disappointment on social media, with reactions such as, “Why cancel at the most exciting moment of the show?”

The frustration comes as no surprise, given that the drama has been riding a wave of success. Episode 8, which aired on January 25, recorded a nationwide rating of 10.9%, a metropolitan area rating of 10.6%, and a peak viewership of 12.3%, making it the top-rated show in its time slot (Nielsen Korea).

'Love Scout' has been praised for blending romance with office drama in a captivating storyline. In Episode 8, the secret office romance between Ji-yoon (Han Ji-min) and Eun-ho (Lee Jun-hyuk) intensified, delighting fans. Despite their professional relationship, the two couldn’t hide their growing affection, creating moments that had viewers swooning. One of the episode’s highlights was Eun-ho protecting Ji-yoon from the pressures of Chairman Woo (Jo Seung-yeon), an investor threatening her position. The scene, filled with tension and emotional depth, captivated audiences and contributed to the drama’s rising popularity.

On-Screen Chemistry Backed by Real-Life Dedication

Behind-the-scenes photos released during the Lunar New Year holiday showcased the strong chemistry between the two leads. Han Ji-min lit up the set with her bright, positive energy, while Lee Jun-hyuk’s meticulous monitoring of his performance demonstrated his dedication to perfecting his role. Their on-screen synergy has earned the drama the nickname “close-care romance,” with fans praising their believable and heartwarming interactions.

The production team also commended the actors for their efforts, stating, “Han Ji-min and Lee Jun-hyuk’s romantic chemistry is always on point. They constantly shared feedback and worked passionately to convey the subtle emotions required for their roles.”

With only four episodes remaining until the finale, the production team teased a dramatic and emotional conclusion. “Ji-yoon and Eun-ho will grow through their mature love and support for each other,” they shared, urging viewers to stay tuned. The show’s final arc will likely be marked by increasing challenges, as hinted at by the looming threats of Chairman Woo’s pressure and CEO Hye-jin’s (Park Bo-kyung) scheming. Ji-yoon’s professional and personal life face new dangers, setting the stage for high-stakes drama.

The effectiveness of SBS’s scheduling strategy remains uncertain. While the move aims to minimize viewership drops during the holiday, some worry that the delay could cause fans to lose interest. However, if the upcoming episodes deliver on the promised emotional depth and conflict resolution, the break could ultimately heighten anticipation.

Fans are eagerly waiting to see how Ji-yoon and Eun-ho’s romance unfolds and how the surrounding conflicts will be resolved. Episode 9, airing on February 1, promises deeper emotions and heightened tension as the story moves toward its conclusion.