K-Drama Ratings Plummet: Park Jinyoung & Kim Minju’s Show Faces 0% Audience Share

The K-drama “Still Shining,” starring GOT7’s Park Jinyoung and IZ*ONE’s Kim Min Ju, is experiencing a curious disconnect between its international streaming success on Netflix and its domestic television ratings in South Korea. Despite garnering attention from global audiences, recent reports indicate the series has plummeted to a 0% audience share within its home country, sparking questions about viewing habits and the evolving media landscape.

The discrepancy isn’t a reflection of the show’s quality, but rather a symptom of shifting viewership patterns. Whereas “Still Shining” is finding a dedicated audience through Netflix’s on-demand platform, traditional television viewership in South Korea is demonstrably declining. The series, which premiered on JTBC on March 20, 2026, follows Yeon Tae Seo (Park Jinyoung), a subway train operator and Mo Eun Ah (Kim Min Ju), who unexpectedly move in together a decade after their breakup. The premise, described as a story about young people becoming “the light in one another’s lives,” has resonated with international viewers, but hasn’t translated to the same level of engagement on linear television.

A Decade Later: Reuniting on Screen

Park Jinyoung and Kim Min Ju’s reunion on screen is a significant draw for fans who followed their careers both individually and during their time in the groups GOT7 and IZ*ONE, respectively. The drama marks a return to acting for both artists after a period focused on music. Park Jinyoung previously starred in “The Witch” and “Our Unwritten Seoul,” earning praise for his nuanced performances, particularly in the latter. As he explained in a press conference on March 5, 2026, he approached the role of Yeon Tae Seo as an “ordinary guy,” focusing on how the character endures difficulties while maintaining a sense of calm. Kim Min Ju, having transitioned from her idol career, is taking on a more substantial acting role with “Still Shining.”

The Plot Thickens: A Second Chance at Love

The narrative of “Still Shining” centers around the rekindling of a first love. Spoilers reveal that Mo Eun Ah, finding herself in need of a place to stay, ends up moving in with Yeon Tae Seo, who clearly still harbors feelings for her. The drama explores the awkwardness and lingering emotions that surface as they navigate their shared living space and confront their past. A recent preview showcased a tender moment between the two, with the former couple embracing as if erasing a decade of separation. The show’s appeal lies in its slice-of-life approach and its exploration of relatable themes of second chances and enduring affection.

Streaming vs. Traditional TV: A Growing Divide

The 0% domestic rating for “Still Shining” underscores a broader trend in South Korea: a decline in traditional television viewership. More and more viewers are opting for on-demand streaming services like Netflix, Viki, and others, allowing them to watch content at their convenience. This shift has significant implications for broadcasters like JTBC, who rely on television ratings for advertising revenue. While “Still Shining” may be performing well on Netflix, the lack of viewership on JTBC impacts the network’s overall financial performance. The drama’s success on the streaming platform highlights the growing importance of digital distribution for Korean dramas, even as traditional television struggles to maintain its audience.

Nuance in Performance: Actors’ Approaches

Both Park Jinyoung and Kim Min Ju have spoken about the challenges and rewards of bringing their characters to life. Park Jinyoung emphasized the importance of portraying Yeon Tae Seo as a consistent and relatable figure, working closely with the director to achieve the desired tone. He also noted that revisiting his younger self through the role brought back memories of his own experiences. The actors’ dedication to their roles is evident in the subtle emotional depth they bring to the characters, contributing to the drama’s overall appeal.

What’s Next for “Still Shining”?

The next two episodes of “Still Shining” aired on March 20, 2026, at 8:50 p.m. KST. The series is currently available for streaming on Netflix, where it continues to attract viewers. The focus now shifts to monitoring the show’s performance on the platform and assessing its potential for international recognition. While the domestic television ratings remain a concern, the drama’s success on Netflix suggests a viable path forward for Korean dramas in the global market. Further episodes will likely explore the deepening connection between Yeon Tae Seo and Mo Eun Ah, as they navigate their rekindled romance and confront the challenges of their past. The production team will likely analyze viewership data from Netflix to inform creative decisions and marketing strategies for the remainder of the series.

The future of Korean dramas may increasingly rely on the success of streaming platforms, as traditional television viewership continues to decline. “Still Shining” serves as a case study in this evolving landscape, demonstrating the potential for Korean content to thrive in the global digital market, even as it struggles to maintain a foothold in its domestic television market.