New Breakout K-Drama Surges to 1.46 Million Viewers in Just 2 Episodes, Marking an Epic Debut

The latest JTBC weekend drama is making waves with an unprecedented ratings jump. In just one episode, its viewership nearly doubled, establishing itself as a rising powerhouse among weekend series.

The drama in question is The Art of Negotiation, starring Lee Je-hoon. Directed by Ahn Pan-seok and written by Lee Seung-young, the series follows a legendary corporate M&A (mergers and acquisitions) expert and his elite team as they navigate high-stakes deals.

After debuting at a modest 3.3%, the drama pulled in 1,462,000 viewers for its second episode, skyrocketing to a nationwide rating of 6.1% and 6.3% in the Seoul metropolitan area, according to Nielsen Korea’s paid platform data.

On the same night, KBS2’s weekend drama For Eagles Brothers retained its top position with a peak rating of 19.6%, while The Art of Negotiation surged into second place among weekend dramas. Its rapid rise has sparked discussions about whether it could become the next breakout hit. Meanwhile, Channel A’s The Witch recorded 3.1%, and tvN’s The Potato Lab trailed behind at 2.0%.

Viewers are raving about the drama’s gripping tension and stellar performances:

- “6% already? Amazing!”

- “Doubling the ratings in two episodes—can’t wait for what’s next!”

- “Lee Je-hoon is insanely good.”

- “High-stakes corporate battles with a human touch—absolutely compelling!”

- “If it’s this good at Episode 2, the ratings will keep climbing.”

The latest episode focused on Yoon Juno (Lee Je-hoon) and his M&A team as they attempted to sell off Sanin Construction, a key asset of the Sanin Group.

Juno strategically set a high bid price at the request of Chairman Song Jae-sik (Sung Dong-il), securing a competitive starting point. However, complications arose as Sanin Construction’s CEO, Lee Hoon-min (Yoon Je-moon), was closely aligned with Juno’s corporate rival, Ha Tae-soo (Jang Hyun-sung).

To assess the risks, Juno and his team visited Choryeol Apartment, a redevelopment project stalled due to resident opposition. Among them was Seo Chun-nyeon (Kim Young-ok), who refused to relocate due to a family grave on the property. Recognizing this as a key obstacle, Juno sought a solution.

Meanwhile, the bidding war intensified, with Sanin Construction’s expected sale price hovering around 6.5 trillion KRW ($4.5B). However, competitor Bium D&I stunned everyone by offering 7.9 trillion KRW ($5.5B). Seizing the opportunity, Juno negotiated an even higher price, securing a final deal at 8.5 trillion KRW (~$5.9B).

By addressing the Choryeol Apartment redevelopment risks, Juno not only maximized the sale price but also strengthened his position within Sanin Group. In a final twist, he hinted at an upcoming hostile takeover, mentioning Jumbo Pharma in a cryptic phone call, leaving viewers eager for his next move.

Why This Drama Stands Out: Key Highlights

Director Ahn Pan-seok’s Signature Storytelling:

Known for his nuanced storytelling in Something in the Rain and One Spring Night, Ahn Pan-seok masterfully blends corporate intrigue with deep character studies. The Art of Negotiation goes beyond business deals, exploring the psychology and power struggles behind high-stakes negotiations.

Lee Je-hoon’s Transformation:

Lee Je-hoon’s portrayal of Yoon Juno marks a bold new direction in his career. As a sharp yet empathetic negotiator, his performance balances cold calculation with human warmth, captivating both audiences and critics.

Can The Art of Negotiation Keep Climbing?

With its high-energy pacing, intricate corporate battles, and stellar performances, the drama is poised for continued success. All eyes are now on Episode 3 to see if it can maintain its explosive growth.

JTBC’s The Art of Negotiation airs next on March 15 at 10:30 PM KST.

JTBC Weekend Drama Ratings (Nielsen Korea, Nationwide)

Episode 1 (03.08): 3.3%

Episode 2 (03.09): 6.1%