The K-Version of 'Love Actually' Breaks 19% Ratings, Dominates Amid a Wave of New Dramas

Amid the flood of new dramas, one weekend series continues to reign supreme, proving that traditional weekend dramas are still a force to be reckoned with. Since premiering on February 1, ‘For Eagle Brothers’ has steadily climbed the ratings, and its latest episode has shattered records.

The February 23 broadcast of episode 8 hit 19.3% nationwide viewership, according to Nielsen Korea, marking its highest rating yet. This impressive figure placed it as the No.1 program in its time slot, drawing a staggering 3.53 million viewers.

What makes this even more remarkable is the competition it’s up against. ‘For Eagle Brothers’ more than doubled the ratings of SBS’s ‘Buried Hearts’ (8.1%) and MBC’s ‘Undercover High School’ (6.6%), both of which premiered this month with high expectations. Even when compared to the recently concluded 500-billion-won production ‘When The Stars Gossip’ (2.6%), it outperformed by more than sevenfold, reinforcing the enduring strength of terrestrial weekend dramas.

What’s Driving the Success of ‘For Eagle Brothers’?

The drama’s appeal lies in its perfect blend of family tension, romance, and suspense, wrapped in a compelling story about tradition, ambition, and personal struggles.

Set against the backdrop of 'Doksoori Brewery', a traditional Korean liquor distillery, the series follows the lives of five brothers and their eldest sister-in-law, who becomes the head of the family after losing her husband just 10 days into their marriage. This rich premise provides the foundation for a multi-layered narrative, filled with high-stakes family drama, corporate intrigue, and heartfelt romance.

At the heart of ‘For Eagle Brothers’ is a cast of seasoned actors who deliver nuanced performances. With Ahn Jae-wook making his long-awaited return to weekend dramas after a decade, alongside Uhm Ji-won, Lee Pil-mo, Kim Dong-wan, Yoon Park, and Yoo In-young, the series boasts an ensemble cast that brings depth and authenticity to their roles.

The show is penned by Gu Hyun-sook, known for crafting rich family sagas, and directed by Choi Sang-yeol and Lee Jin-ah, both experienced in helming compelling weekend dramas. The production team has described the drama as the "Korean version of Love Actually", emphasizing its diverse romantic storylines. Featuring seven couples with vastly different chemistry and love dynamics, the drama offers a unique mix of passion, rivalry, and unexpected connections.

Weekend Drama Ratings – February, Week 3

🥇 ‘For Eagle Brothers’ (KBS2) – 19.3%

🥈 ‘Buried Hearts’ (SBS) – 8.1%

🥉 ‘Undercover High School’ (MBC) – 6.6%

🏅 ‘The Witch’ (Channel A) – 3.2%

🏅 ‘When The Stars Gossip’ (tvN) – 2.6%