Smashing Start: New Korean Drama Takes No.1 Spot on Debut Night

JTBC’s new weekend drama featuring 84-year-old national actress Kim Hye-ja marks her highly anticipated return.

The follow-up to The Art of Negotiation wasted no time in making its mark. Right out of the gate, Heavenly Ever After posted strong numbers, instantly sparking buzz. Viewers are already speculating that double-digit ratings aren’t far off.

According to Nielsen Korea on the 20th, the JTBC weekend series Heavenly Ever After (directed by Kim Seok-yoon, written by Lee Nam-gyu and Kim Soo-jin, produced by Studio Phoenix and SLL) recorded a 5.8% nationwide rating and 6.8% in the capital region (paid households), ranking No.1 among all non-terrestrial dramas in its time slot. While it didn’t quite match the finale rating of its predecessor The Art of Negotiation (10.3%), the solid start signals strong potential.

At the heart of this story is beloved veteran actress Kim Hye-ja. Now 84 years old with over 60 years of acting experience, Kim returns as protagonist Lee Hae-sook, exuding unmatched presence as she navigates both life and the afterlife. The drama centers around Hae-sook, who lives as a tenacious moneylender in the market and a warm wife at home — until she reunites with her late husband in heaven.

In the first episode, viewers witnessed Hae-sook’s many sides — from intimidating moneylender wielding a knife to a loving woman cooking red bean noodles, and eventually, her peaceful journey to the afterlife. Her husband Go Nak-jun (Park Woong), who lost the use of his legs in a young-age accident, had lived by her side for over 40 years before passing. A year later, Hae-sook follows him — only to find Nak-jun waiting in heaven as his 30-something self (played by Son Suk-ku).

Believing his words, “You’re most beautiful now,” Hae-sook arrives in heaven in her 80s form. But standing before her rejuvenated husband, her shock sets the tone for the drama’s bittersweet charm. A heartwarming and humorous take on an elderly couple rediscovering each other in the afterlife as their past and youthful selves, the story balances laughter and emotion.

Kim Hye-ja flexes her remarkable range, portraying everything from a fierce woman brandishing a weapon, to a curious soul bombarding grim reapers with questions, to a down-to-earth, warm-hearted woman. The series' realistic interpretation of heaven further deepens the immersion. Unique touches — like anti-drifting wristbands from the afterlife, a subway ride across the River of Three Crossings, and a magical heavenly transport system — were praised for their creative flair.

Heaven in Heavenly Ever After defies holy clichés. It features heaven staff reciting endless terms and conditions, soulless administrative procedures, and recommendation booklets — all laced with sharp satire. Elderly challenges are depicted with sensitivity, too: Hae-sook struggles with knee pain and shortness of breath, leading to a translator device being issued for her inner thoughts — a scene that deeply resonated with many viewers.

Many are calling it “The Kim Hye-ja Project.” Director Kim Seok-yoon said, “From the very beginning, we thought about how to create a stage where Kim Hye-ja could fully immerse herself,” which led them to choose an afterlife setting. Writers Lee Nam-gyu and Kim Soo-jin, reuniting after The Light in Your Eyes, also drew attention as part of the “Kim Seok-yoon team” comeback.

Viewer reactions were immediate and enthusiastic. Comments flooded in via Naver open chats: “Son Suk-ku is endlessly charming,” “We’ll hit 10% in no time,” “It’s funny and sad all at once,” “Kim Hye-ja and Son Suk-ku have insane chemistry,” “Casting is a home run,” “Kim Hye-ja’s acting is phenomenal, ratings will only go up,” and “Starting off at 5.8%? That’s impressive.” The show has already earned strong viewer ratings and is gaining traction through word of mouth.

The 12-episode series promises more to come, with new characters joining life in heaven to add layers to the narrative. Actors Han Ji-min, Chun Ho-jin, and Ryu Deok-hwan are set to make their entrances, drawing curiosity about how they will influence Hae-sook’s journey.

Meanwhile, Heavenly Ever After showed solid competitive strength in its timeslot. SBS’s Return to the Palace led with 8.3%, but JTBC’s new series showed formidable buzz and a loyal viewer base. MBC’s Crushology 101 dipped to 1.1%, while tvN’s Resident Playbook hit a personal best with 4.5% nationwide and 5.1% in the Seoul area.

Episode 2 of Heavenly Ever After airs at 10:30 PM on the 20th. As the couple’s bond reignites in heaven and the story of love beyond life and death unfolds, all eyes are on what’s next.

Highlights from Heavenly Ever After:

◆ ‘The Light in Your Eyes’ Creators Reunite, This Time in Heaven

Director Kim Seok-yoon and writers Lee Nam-gyu and Kim Soo-jin reunite after their acclaimed drama The Light in Your Eyes. This time, they blend human drama with fantasy, offering a touching yet lighthearted exploration of the afterlife. The team aimed to present a comforting story that imagines the world beyond death, without taking death itself too seriously.

◆ From Kim Hye-ja to Son Suk-ku, the Cast Speaks for Itself

All eyes are on the impressive cast. Kim Hye-ja reunites with the The Light in Your Eyes team after six years, calling the show one that will “make you laugh and cry.” Son Suk-ku described it as “filled with love and comfort.” Add Han Ji-min, Lee Jung-eun, Chun Ho-jin, and Ryu Deok-hwan to the mix, and expectations are sky-high. In the extraordinary setting of heaven, these actors are expected to deliver deeply moving performances.

◆ It Talks About Death, But It’s Really About Life

Though set in the afterlife, Heavenly Ever After ultimately highlights the meaning of life. Director Kim described heaven as the “next stage” — a continuation of life rather than a final stop. The writers hope to link themes of death and personal growth, creating a story that feels like “life’s turning point.” With its quiet but powerful healing narrative, the drama invites viewers to reflect on life, love, and lasting connections.

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