Kang Ho Dong and Lee Seung Gi’s variety shows face crisis with endless decline in ratings
Expectations turned into disappointment. The entertainment shows of Kang Ho Dong and Lee Seung Gi, who reunited after 8 years, are recording a decline in viewership ratings for 3 consecutive weeks.
TV Chosun’s “Brother Ramyeon” fell to 1.6%, and SBS’ “Strong Heart League” is on the verge of entering the 1% range. Disappointing chemistry between the two, outdated directing and the production team’s complacent attitude are seen as contributing factors.
The beginning of “Brother Ramyeon” and “Strong Heart League” was spectacular. “Brother Ramyeon” marked the first variety show reunion of Kang Ho Dong and Lee Seung Gi in 8 years since “New Journey to the West”. The audience had high expectations for the synergy between the two, who started with the eldest member – youngest member chemistry on KBS2’s “2 Days & 1 Night”.
“Strong Heart League” garnered attention for its revival after a decade of the top-rated “Strong Heart”. However, after 3 weeks of airing, both “Brother Ramyeon” and “Strong Heart League” are experiencing a decline in viewership ratings. “Brother Ramyeon” started at 2.1% but dropped to 1.9% in episode 2 and recorded 1.6% in episode 3. Similarly, “Strong Heart League” started with 2.9% but fell to 2.2% in episode 3.
The declining ratings of these two programs cannot be solely attributed to Kang Ho Dong and Lee Seung Gi. However, the chemistry between the two was clearly not as good as before. Lee Seung Gi, who previously captivated viewers with his image as a diligent and mischievous maknae (youngest member), now has a negative image due to conflicts with his former agency and marriage issues with his wife Lee Da In. Kang Ho Dong is also facing a crisis as his recent programs achieved sluggish results. They were in their prime together, but now they are in a situation in which they cannot give each other strength.
Source: daum
