[Spoiler Alert: Episode Summary]
This article contains plot points and episode summaries from ‘Surely Tomorrow’ Episode 8.
What began quietly has finally broken through. 'Surely Tomorrow' starring Park Seo Joon and Won Ji An is finally gaining momentum and posting its highest viewership ratings yet.
According to Nielsen Korea, Episode 8, which aired on December 28, recorded nationwide ratings of 4.2 percent and 4.4 percent in the Seoul metropolitan area. After debuting in the mid-2 percent range, the drama has steadily built momentum with each episode.
Episode 8 centered on reporter Lee Gyeong Do (played by Park Seo Joon) offering unwavering emotional and practical support to his partner Seo Ji Woo (played by Won Ji An). As Seo Ji Woo prepared for her first day as an executive director at Jarim Apparel and struggled with nerves in an unfamiliar environment, Lee Gyeong Do reinstated his longtime chauffeur, Kim Chung Won, to handle her commute. Bringing back someone who had once been a pillar of support for both characters added a sense of emotional stability.
Gyeon Do’s support extended into everyday gestures as well. Though he complained when Ji Woo asked to reshoot promotional photos she disliked, he ultimately picked up the camera himself. It was a quiet but meaningful way of turning his promise—of helping her build a world she loves—into action. The scene reinforced the drama’s romantic core and resonated strongly with viewers.
Seo Ji Woo’s growth was equally evident. Unlike her earlier, timid self—shrinking under subtle disregard and pressure from senior executives—she began asserting herself, methodically handling her responsibilities as an executive. The contrast with her previously anxious demeanor underscored a clear character development arc, prompting praise for the episode’s narrative focus.
The latter half of the episode shifted to a business trip to Málaga, Spain. While attempting to recruit designer Im Sang A, the two navigated a schedule that blurred the line between professional obligations and personal emotions. A physically demanding search for their accommodation, guided only by vague clues, ultimately served as a device to deepen their bond. A late reveal—that a woman they encountered at a market wearing the same scarf was Im Sang Ah herself—added intrigue heading into the next episode.
The suspense also intensified. Lee Gyeong Do discovered that a substance capable of triggering Alzheimer’s side effects had been found in coffee prepared by his secretary, and he immediately warned Seo. Suspicion surrounding Ji Woo’s husband, Kim Woo Hyung, hardened into near certainty, especially when tied to a past scene involving a consultation with his former physician. The revelation that Kim Woo Hyung was also behind tips related to drug use and an alleged affair further clarified the drama’s central conflict.
Rather than a sudden spike, the show’s ratings growth has been cumulative. Nationwide viewership rose from 2.7 percent in Episode 1 to 3.3 percent in Episode 2, climbed to 3.9 percent by Episode 4, and peaked at 4.2 percent in Episode 8. In a competitive time slot, the drama has maintained a stable upward trajectory.
The reasons behind its growing word of mouth. Park Seo Joon’s return to the romance genre, a reunion love story complicated by the uncomfortable dynamic between a journalist and the wife of a scandal figure, and a structure inspired by literary motifs all combine to set the series apart. Rather than relying on fast pacing or shock value, the drama prioritizes emotional nuance and dialogue, securing a loyal core audience. On Naver Open Talk, it has attracted more than 550,000 participants, ranking second in buzz among currently airing dramas.
That said, the series is not without its polarizing elements. Some viewers cite frequent flashbacks, a deliberately slow tempo, and a narrative built around patience as frustrating. While these aspects may limit explosive ratings growth, they also function as mechanisms for cultivating viewer loyalty.
Ultimately, 'Surely Tomorrow' has quietly established itself in the 4 percent range. More notable than the numbers is the direction of its viewership trend. Whether its restrained focus on emotions and relationships will reach a ceiling—or continue to expand through word of mouth—will be determined in the remaining episodes.
Episode 9 of Waiting for Gyeongdo airs on January 3 at 10:40 PM KST on JTBC.
Below is the episode-by-episode nationwide ratings trend for 'Surely Tomorrow' according to Nielsen Korea.
Episode 1 - 2.7%
Episode 2 - 3.3%
Episode 3 - 3.1%
Episode 4 - 3.9%
Episode 5 - 3.3%
Episode 6 - 3.4%
Episode 7 - 3.3%
Episode 8 - 4.2%
SEE ALSO: Park Seo Joon reveals he gets criticism about his appearance “Not fit for a leading role”
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