Namgoong Min-starrer "Chief Kim" has maintained its lead against "Saimdang, Light's Diary" and "Missing 9" in terms of ratings. In fact, the workplace comedy mustered 17.1 percent viewership for its latest episode aired Thursday.
Korea Herald noted "Chief Kim" episode 14 recorded an increase of 0.3 percent from its Wednesday installment, while Baek Jin Hee's "Missing 9" concluded with rather poor figures.
The MBC drama wrapped up its 16-episode run with 4.2 percent, while "Saimdang, Light's Diary" managed to climb up at 10.5 percent on Thursday. Unlike media predictions, Lee Young Ae's comeback project failed to maintain its reputation due to a slow-paced storyline.
"Chief Kim," on the other hand, slowly grew in terms of viewership for its hilarious portrayal of real-life workplace scenarios. Aside from the cheeky personality of Namgoong Min in the series, viewers also praised Junho for his villainous role.
When asked about the reasons for the popularity of the drama, "Chief Kim" himself cited the primary factor would be its light-hearted and relatable plot. "It's not hard to watch; viewers can enjoy it without thinking much, which I think is why it gained attention," he said.
But aside from these reasons, a culture critic stated the comedy series also tackles socially relevant issues which are appealing these days as per Korea Times.
"A big trend for office dramas now is that they deal with social issues up close like social class, people with power and growing wealth inequality," Kim Hyun Sik said.
He added, "After all, people all receive stress from their superiors in any step of the workplace hierarchy. That is why workplace-related content can appeal not only to those in their 20s and 30s but also 40s and 50s."
Catch the last six episodes of "Chief Kim" every Wednesday and Thursday at 11:00 pm on KBS2.
