Following a unique broadcasting schedule over the Lunar New Year weekend, tvN’s “Captivating the King,” starring Jo Jung Suk and Shin Se Kyung, achieved its highest viewership ratings to date after airing four episodes.

On February 11, the romance drama deviated from its regular schedule, typically airing only on weekends. It broadcasted one episode on Friday, one on Saturday, and two on Sunday. This change proved successful, as the latest episode scored an average nationwide rating of 6.7 per cent, setting a new personal record for the drama, according to Nielsen Korea.

In comparison, JTBC’s “Doctor Slump” experienced a slight increase, reaching an average nationwide rating of 3.9 per cent for its sixth episode.

“Live Your Own Life” maintained its dominance as the most-watched program on Sunday, achieving a nationwide average of 18.3 per cent for the night. KBS 2TV’s “Korea-Khitan War” and TV Chosun’s “My Happy Ending” were on hiatus for the Lunar New Year holiday.

“Captivating the King” centres around Lee In, a prince whose loyalty to his older brother, King Lee Sun, takes a dark turn when the Qing Dynasty takes him hostage. The king perceives his brother’s loyalty as betrayal, leading to a complex dynamic of love and hatred.

As Lee In assumes the position of king, he grapples with internal sadness and weakness. The plot further unfolds as he encounters an unknown Baduk player, Kang Hee Soo, with whom he becomes enamoured. However, as fate intertwines, Kang Hee Soo transforms into a spy seeking revenge.

The exceptional success of “Captivating the King” over the Lunar New Year weekend calls for congratulations to the cast and crew, marking a significant achievement for the drama in terms of viewership ratings and audience engagement.