‘Ratings Curse’? Concerns Mount Right After New K-Drama Premiere

Following the historic failure of its predecessor, KBS’s latest sitcom 'Villains Everywhere' has quietly entered the scene with a modest 2.7% viewership rating.

Premiering on March 19, the new 24-episode comedy-drama, led by Oh Na-ra and So Yu-jin, centers around two sisters and their wildly unpredictable family, blending chaotic humor with heartfelt moments. However, given the disastrous performance of the previous drama, 'Kick Kick Kick Kick,' all eyes are on whether KBS can bounce back.

A Slightly Better Start, but Still a Rocky Road

According to Nielsen Korea, 'Villains Everywhere' drew 312,000 viewers nationwide, recording a 2.7% rating. While this marks a 0.6% increase from 'Kick Kick Kick Kick', which debuted at 2.1%, concerns remain.

The previous drama, which ended on March 13, saw record-low ratings—plummeting to 0.3% by its 10th episode, making it one of the lowest-rated terrestrial dramas in Korean TV history. KBS is now under immense pressure to reverse the trend with its latest release.

Mixed Reactions from Viewers

Audience responses to 'Villains Everywhere' have been divided:

✔️ “Finally, a sitcom that actually feels like a sitcom!”

✔️ “I haven't laughed like this in a while.”

But on the flip side:

❌ “Had to turn the volume down… it’s too much.”

❌ “I was expecting more.”

❌ “Hard to stay focused.”

❌ “Oh Na-ra is carrying the entire show.”

With 'Kick Kick Kick Kick' setting a painfully low bar, 'Villains Everywhere' was expected to wipe away KBS’s sitcom humiliation. However, its lukewarm reception suggests that winning back viewers will take more than just a higher rating.

A Sitcom with a Message: Will It Resonate?

Director Kim Young-jo acknowledged the intense pressure of following such a flop.

"The low ratings of 'Kick Kick Kick Kick' were tough on everyone. Even the cast felt anxious—it was beyond nervousness, it was fear," he revealed.

To set itself apart, 'Villains Everywhere' leans into relatability, aiming to reflect modern realities with a strong female-driven narrative.

"This drama signals the end of the patriarchal era," Kim explained, emphasizing its focus on sisterhood.

Unlike traditional sitcoms, each episode is 20 minutes long and airs back-to-back—a format designed to cater to modern audiences who prefer fast-paced storytelling.

Episode Recap: The First Chaotic Days of ‘Villains Everywhere’

Episode 1 kicks off with Oh Na-ra’s character’s husband, Seo Hyun-chul, navigating a series of hilarious misfortunes on his way to an important meeting—only to face an even bigger crisis when his promotion is at risk. His daughter’s innocent mix-up with a bottle of alcohol leads to a wild plot twist, involving blackmail and an explosive revelation at a corporate birthday party.

Episode 2 shifts focus to a battle for personal space, as the husbands feel overshadowed in their own homes. After storming out, their wives celebrate their absence with a drunken night out, leading to hilarious chaos at a playground—featuring questionable fashion choices, wild swings, and sheer comedic madness.

With its bold humor and eccentric characters, the show is setting up its "villainous sisters" as the ultimate scene-stealers.

Can ‘Villains Everywhere’ Turn the Tide?

Despite its slow start, KBS hopes that 'Villains Everywhere' will gain momentum in the coming weeks. With 22 episodes remaining, can the show break free from its predecessor’s shadow and climb the ratings?

The series airs every Wednesday and Thursday at 9:50 PM KST.