JTBC's weekend drama 'Beyond the Bar' has skyrocketed to the top of weekend TV rankings in both ratings and buzz within just four episodes.
The fourth episode, aired on August 10, recorded a metropolitan area rating of 9% and a nationwide rating of 8.3% (Nielsen Korea, paid households), breaking its own record once again. Its highest minute-by-minute rating reached 10.2% in the metropolitan area, surpassing the symbolic "10% barrier." This is more than double its 3.7% debut rating on August 2. The series has also held the No.1 spot for days on Netflix Korea's 'Today's Top 10 Series,' dominating both TV and OTT platforms.
At the center of soaring ratings is Lee Jin Wook's satisfying retribution
In episode 4, Yoon Seok Hoon (played by Lee Jin Woo) delivers a satisfying "eye for an eye" retribution in a child abuse case.
He becomes involved when he takes on the personal litigation of fund company CEO Choi Cheol Min (played by Do Sang Woo). Choi asks for a quiet resolution after his housekeeper accuses him of child abuse, fearing damage to his company's image. Kang Hyo Min (played by Jung Chae Yeon) visits the housekeeper to confirm the facts. The housekeeper claims to have repeatedly found signs of abuse on the child and even called a doctor to the house to hide the evidence.
However, the case takes a turn when it's revealed that the housekeeper is a habitual offender with a criminal record of fraud and theft, and has been sending blackmail messages demanding money.
In a tense confrontation, Yoon Seok Hoon, who unsually reveals his emotions, pressures the housekeeper, citing defamation, false accusation, and insult charges. He ultimately forces her to sign a statement promising not to file a false report. Disappointed, Kang Hyo Min insists on reporting Choi directly.
Seok Hoon then calmly explains his reasons that Choi's inability to control his anger could put the child in greater danger if provoked. So, he chose a different approach to protect the child.
But things escalate when Choi calls to say the police came while the child was out. When asked whether he inflicted violence, Choi slyly replies, "You already know," hinting he did. Enraged, Seok Hoon rushes to the scene, finds the child in a terrible state, and delivers a long-restrained punch at Choi Cheol Min.
The drama doesn't stop there. When Choi Cheol Min's guardian arrives to intervene, it's revealed that this was all part of Seok Hoo's plan. He had already provided the guardian with information about Choi Cheol Min's embezzlement. Using this leverage, the guardian pressures Choi, who ends up facing the same pain he inflicted on his daughter.
The scene left viewers with a thrilling sense of catharsis, with many praising it as proof that "Justice is alive.' They flooded various online communities and social media after the episode aired and commented: “Wow… those ratings are crazy. This is so good,” “Jung Chae Yeon and Lee Jin Wook look great together,” “I knew this would be a hit,” “Feels so good to see proper punishment in a drama,” and “Now I’m dying to know what happens next.”
What sets 'Beyond the Bar' apart
Set in the law firm Yullim, 'Beyond the Bar' is an office legal drama that deals with both life and emotions through the lens of the law. It follows partner lawyer Yoon Seok Hoon, a principle-driven perfectionist, and rookie lawyer Kang Hyo Min, full of ideals and passion, as they crash and grow through various cases.
Director Kim Jae Hong described the series as “a drama that deals with law but ultimately tells human stories,” exploring love, regret, anger, and other layered emotions behind each case.
Breaking the 10% Barrier and Topping Weekend Mini-Series
After surpassing 8% in just three episodes, 'Beyond the Bar' reached a peak of 10.2% by episode four, securing the No. 1 spot among all weekend mini-series across both terrestrial and cable networks. Combined with its dominance of Netflix’s domestic rankings, the show has achieved the rare feat of simultaneously ruling TV and OTT.
From a modest debut in the 3% range to the top in just four episodes, all eyes are on how far this drama’s upward climb will go.
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