Overshadowed by When The Stars Gossip… This Underdog K-Drama Surges to Its Highest Ratings Yet

With only two episodes left, Channel A’s weekend drama Check-in Hanyang has achieved its highest viewership ratings to date, reflecting its growing popularity among viewers. Many doubted its success due to the drama's conflicting premiere date with the highly anticipated Netflix series When The Stars Gossip. Yet, ratings for the past few episodes have proven its prowess as a highly popular Korean drama.

The series, which began with just over a 1% rating during its December debut, has been on a steady rise, reaching a record 3.5% for its 14th episode on February 2, according to Nielsen Korea. This surpasses its previous peak of 3.1% from episode 12.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of the luxurious Yongcheonru Guesthouse, Check-in Hanyang tells the story of youthful romance and the tumultuous growth of Joseon-era interns navigating love, betrayal, and revenge.

In episode 14, Hong Deok-soo (played by Kim Ji-eun) launches her revenge against the corrupt officials responsible for her father’s death, starting with Minister Oh Yeong-rak (Yoon Je-moon). Using Lee Eun-ho (Bae In-hyuk) to her advantage, she manipulates Oh Yeong-rak into possessing the incriminating account ledger, ensuring the information reaches the royal court and Chun Bang-joo (Kim Ui-seong). However, before the minister can act, he is found dead—likely at the hands of the king’s assassins.

Lee Eun-ho, meanwhile, is shocked to discover his father, King Lee Hyun-wi (Han Jae-seok), implicated in the rebellion that claimed the throne 12 years earlier. Confronted with his father’s ambitions, Lee Eun-ho sides with Hong Deok-soo, despite the king’s attempts to imprison him.

Chun Bang-joo continues to maneuver behind the scenes, attempting to exploit Hong Deok-soo by revealing that her close ally, Chun Jun-hwa (Jung Gun-joo), is his son. Torn between loyalty and betrayal, Jun-hwa initially follows his father’s instructions but ultimately triggers further conflicts.

As tensions rise, Jun-hwa violently confronts merchant leader Kim Myeong-ho (Lee Ho-won), escalating their rivalry. His actions mirror the ruthless tactics of his father, hinting at Jun-hwa’s transformation into the very man he once despised.

The episode closes with the unexpected return of Seol Mae-hwa (Kim Min-jung), who Chun Bang-joo had believed dead. She arrives with merchant leader Goo Doo-shim, setting the stage for a power shift within the Yongcheonru Guesthouse.

The cliffhanger has left viewers eager to see how the final episodes unfold. Who will be next on Hong Deok-soo’s revenge list? Will Seol Mae-hwa’s return alter the balance of power? And will Chun Jun-hwa fully follow in his father’s footsteps?

Episode 15: February 8 (Saturday) at 9:10 PM KST

Final Episode: February 9 (Sunday) at 9:10 PM KST

Following Check-in Hanyang, Channel A will air The Witch, a drama adaptation of Kang Full’s popular webtoon. Directed by Kim Tae-gyun (Dark Figure of Crime), the mystery romance series stars Park Jin-young (GOT7) and Roh Jeong-eui (The Hierarchy) and will premiere on February 15 at 9:10 PM KST.

Viewership Ratings Over Time (Nationwide)

Episode 1 (Dec 21, 2024): 1.8%

Episode 2 (Dec 22, 2024): 2.7%

Episode 3 (Dec 28, 2024): 2.2%

Episode 4 (Dec 29, 2024): 3.0%

Episode 5 (Jan 4, 2025): 2.0%

Episode 6 (Jan 5, 2025): 2.7%

Episode 7 (Jan 11, 2025): 2.3%

Episode 8 (Jan 12, 2025): 2.6%

Episode 9 (Jan 18, 2025): 2.5%

Episode 10 (Jan 19, 2025): 3.0%

Episode 11 (Jan 25, 2025): 2.3%

Episode 12 (Jan 26, 2025): 3.1%

Episode 13 (Feb 1, 2025): 2.1%

Episode 14 (Feb 2, 2025): 3.5%