A New Korean Drama Shakes Up Netflix Charts, Surpassing a 10.7% Ratings Hit Overnight

Amid a flood of high-profile new Korean dramas, JTBC’s latest weekend series, “Heavenly Ever After,” has taken the spotlight, rising to No.1 on Netflix Korea in a matter of days. After just two episodes, the show is already dominating buzz and viewership.

Episode 2, which aired on April 20, recorded 6.1% nationwide and 7.2% in the Seoul metropolitan area, making it the top non-terrestrial drama in its time slot.

According to FlixPatrol, a global content ranking site, “Heavenly Ever After” climbed to No.1 in Netflix Korea's Top 10 Series as of April 22 — overtaking SBS’s mega-hit “The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection” (귀궁), which had been holding strong with a peak rating of 10.7% since its premiere on April 18.

What’s more, the show isn’t just trending in Korea. It’s the only Korean drama currently ranked in Netflix’s global Top 10, a rare feat for a brand-new series. Many credit its rise to a compelling story, strong direction, and outstanding performances.

Directed by Kim Seok-yoon and written by Lee Nam-gyu and Kim Soo-jin, the drama takes on the heavy topic of death and the afterlife — but infuses it with humor, warmth, and fantasy. It explores a fictional world where heaven and hell overlap, imagined through the lens of love and loss.

The show marks the return of veteran actress Kim Hye-ja, whose performance is already being praised as iconic. Director Kim even referred to the series as his “Kim Hye-ja Project.” In the role of Lee Hae-sook, Kim plays a feisty woman in her 80s who enters the afterlife as a naïve newcomer to heaven — while also portraying her as a tough, love-struck wife in her earthly past.

Son Suk-ku transforms for the role of Hae-sook’s devoted husband, Go Nak-joon, a charming and slightly mischievous man who joins her in the afterlife. Their sweet and often hilarious chemistry blends melodrama with comedy, elevating the emotional core of the series.

In Episode 2, Han Ji-min made her official entrance as the mysterious character Som-i, who appears to bring disruption to the central couple’s reunion in heaven. Her pure smile hides a deeper, unknown backstory — adding suspense to future episodes.

Lee Jung-eun also drew praise for her role as Lee Young-ae, a stylish and emotionally complex character who shares a poignant bond with Kim Hye-ja’s character. Her tearful final scene, running after the newly departed Hae-sook, left viewers deeply moved.

Also appearing is Chun Ho-jin as the charismatic “Center Director” of the afterlife, delivering a mix of gravitas and comedic timing. The episode ended with a teaser of Ryu Deok-hwan, playing a priest, who closed with the deadpan line: “Wow, you’re really taking your time getting here, huh?”

Despite launching one day after The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection, Heavenly Ever After quickly pulled ahead in Netflix viewership, signaling a shift in the Korean drama landscape. As cable and streaming dramas gain momentum, the monopoly once held by major broadcasters is clearly waning.

With the first three-way encounter between Kim Hye-ja, Son Suk-ku, and Han Ji-min happening in Episode 2, fans are eager to see what twists await as the couple’s “second marriage” in heaven unfolds — especially with Som-i calling out, “Nak-joon ssi…”

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