New Korean Drama Draws Epic 2.8M Viewers on Premiere Night

KBS2’s new weekend drama Please Take Care of the Five Eagle Brothers made a stunning debut, topping the viewership charts with a nationwide rating of 15.5% and over 2.8 million viewers. Premiering on February 1 as the successor to the hit drama Iron Family, the show has quickly established itself as the latest weekend sensation.

Directed by Choi Sang-yeol and written by Koo Hyun-sook, the 50-episode drama follows the story of Ma Gwang-sook (Uhm Ji-won), who becomes the head of a family after her husband unexpectedly passes away just 10 days into their marriage. Set against the backdrop of a traditional brewery, the series introduces five charismatic brothers, each with their own quirks and struggles.

According to Nielsen Korea, Please Take Care of the Five Eagle Brothers secured a 15.5% nationwide rating and 14.7% in the metropolitan area, surpassing initial expectations and positioning itself as a weekend drama powerhouse.

◈ First Episode Highlights

The premiere episode delivered an emotional mix of laughter and tension. Gwang-sook and her late husband Jang-soo (Lee Pil-mo) shared a sweet love story, with key moments like Jang-soo saving Gwang-sook during a robbery and their picturesque wedding preparations.

The dynamic personalities of the five brothers also added charm. The cast includes Choi Dae-chul as the fund manager Oh Chun-soo, Kim Dong-wan as the dance choreographer Oh Heung-soo, Yoon Park as the scholar Oh Beom-soo, and Lee Seok-gi as the former UDT operative Oh Kang-soo. From Kang-soo’s playful salute calling Gwang-sook their “eternal captain” to the brothers’ growing emotional bonds with their sister-in-law, the family chemistry was both heartwarming and entertaining.

On the flip side, the subplot involving a dysfunctional family brought drama and conflict. Chaebol chairman Han Dong-seok (Ahn Jae-wook) and his ambitious family members revealed hidden motives, ranging from financial schemes to strategic marriages, setting up the series for future confrontations.

◈ Viewer Reactions

Fans took to online forums, praising the compelling characters and engaging storyline:

“This could beat Iron Family’s 19.7% record!”

“The family dynamics are perfect for weekend binge-watching.”

“Uhm Ji-won’s performance is phenomenal.”

“Can’t wait for episode 2. The chemistry is gold!”

◈ What’s Next?

The second episode airs tonight at 8 PM KST, promising further development in Gwang-sook’s journey as she navigates her new role and deepens her connection with her five brothers. With dramatic twists, romantic subplots, and unexpected challenges on the horizon, Please Take Care of the Five Eagle Brothers is poised for a successful run.

◈ Re-airing Schedule

For those who missed the first episode, various KBS channels have scheduled re-airings throughout the week, providing plenty of chances to catch up on this family drama packed with heart and humor.