Cheaters Everywhere Are Shook: The Legendary 36.8% Rating Drama Finally Lands on Netflix

The groundbreaking drama My Husband’s Woman (also titled My Man's Woman), which stirred intense controversy with its bold narrative and brutally realistic portrayal of infidelity, has recently been released on Netflix, drawing fresh attention.

Aired in 2007, the drama recorded a staggering nationwide viewership rating of 36.8% (according to Nielsen Korea), shocking the nation with its unfiltered depiction of extramarital affairs. Unlike typical melodramas, My Husband’s Woman delved deep into the emotional aftermath of infidelity, focusing on the psychological turmoil and consequences rather than romanticizing the affair.

The story revolves around Lee Hwa-young (played by Kim Hee-ae), a widow who falls for Hong Joon-pyo (Kim Sang-joong), the husband of her high school friend Kim Ji-soo (Bae Jong-ok). The drama does not sugarcoat the affair; instead, it lays bare the devastating emotional whirlwinds and inevitable downfall that follow. One of the most iconic lines—"Do you really think we’d just hold hands after turning 40?"—perfectly encapsulates the drama’s raw and unflinching approach, making it one of the most realistic depictions of adultery in K-drama history.

What made My Husband’s Woman particularly realistic was its refusal to offer a happy ending for the adulterous couple. Instead of finding love, Hwa-young and Joon-pyo spiral into misery. Hwa-young, who was once a successful doctor in the U.S., desperately tries to adapt to Joon-pyo’s world—searching online for ways to steam potatoes just to please him. Yet, Joon-pyo begins longing for his wife Ji-soo, realizing too late that he made a mistake. Their affair ultimately crumbles into an irreparable mess, leaving Joon-pyo haunted by memories of his former life.

The drama’s climax was particularly striking. As their affair is exposed, Joon-pyo loses everything—his family, career, and social standing. His father disowns him, declaring, "Not a single penny for a man who abandoned his devoted wife," while his once-respected position as a professor is destroyed by the scandal. Meanwhile, Ji-soo rebuilds her life, moving forward with newfound independence. Hwa-young, too, is forced to face reality when she discovers that Joon-pyo secretly underwent a vasectomy, eliminating any lingering hopes she had for their future.

My Husband’s Woman was not just another affair-driven drama; it was a harrowing reflection of the real-life consequences of infidelity. Its impact went beyond television—rumors even circulated that business at motels and cafes notorious for hosting illicit rendezvous saw a significant drop after the show aired, proving its cultural influence.

Meanwhile, Netflix has been steadily releasing classic SBS dramas, rekindling nostalgia for 2000s K-drama hits. Alongside My Husband’s Woman, legendary series such as Temptation of Wife, Stairway to Heaven, and All In have also made their way onto the platform, sparking renewed interest among both longtime fans and new viewers.

The resurgence of these old dramas owes much to YouTube and social media, where SBS has actively shared highlight clips and binge-watch compilations through channels like SBS Catch and SBS Subusu. The high engagement on these videos has proven the continued appeal of these dramas, leading Netflix to strike a strategic partnership with SBS in December last year. As a result, not only new releases but also classic dramas, variety shows, and documentary programs are now finding their way onto Netflix, giving them a second life in the streaming era.