Stuck in 0% Ratings at Home, but Exploding with Global Popularity in the U.S. and Beyond!

The KBS Joy drama 'Sorry Not Sorry' is making waves internationally despite underwhelming ratings in South Korea. Starring Jeon So-min, the drama is currently airing in 60 countries, with particularly strong viewership in North America and Europe.

According to the K-content platform KOCOWa+ on February 6, the show’s first episode ranked No. 1 in popularity across both the U.S. and Europe. In India, it reached No. 4 on the weekly charts of Korean content platform Channel K, and in Peru, it secured the No. 10 spot in the mini-series category on TV 360 by Bitel. The show has also entered the top rankings on OTT platforms in Taiwan, Vietnam, and other markets, proving its global appeal.

Set in the fictional city of Cheonpo, 'Sorry Not Sorry' follows Ji-song (played by Jeon So-min), who pretends to be a married woman while entangled in a chaotic love triangle. Premiering on December 5, 2024, on KBS Joy, the drama blends comedy and romance, which has captivated audiences overseas.

Jeon So-min’s star power, built through her appearances on the global hit variety show 'Running Man', has been a key factor in the drama’s success abroad. The production team noted that Jeon has solidified her status as a “global rom-com queen,” with her natural acting and strong character portrayal leaving a lasting impression on international viewers.

However, the show’s performance in South Korea has been less promising. When it premiered in December 2024, it recorded a modest nationwide viewership rating of 0.3% (Nielsen Korea). Since then, it has fluctuated between 0.4% and 0.5%, failing to break past the 1% mark. With only four episodes left, the possibility of reversing its domestic ratings slump seems unlikely.

Despite the local setback, the drama’s overseas success highlights new opportunities for Korean content. Even without significant traction on domestic networks, 'Sorry Not Sorry' demonstrates how K-dramas can thrive on global OTT platforms and international channels.

As the show approaches its finale, fans and industry watchers are eager to see how the story will wrap up and whether its international popularity will continue to grow.