JTBC’s Friday drama 'Shining' is facing an uphill battle after recording ratings in the 0% range, a painful milestone. Despite launching with the much-hyped “visual powerhouse” pairing of Park Jin Young and Kim Min Ju, the series has struggled to gain traction in viewership.
Premiering on March 6, 'Shining' initially drew attention for its emotional direction and the performances of its young cast. However, according to Nielsen Korea, episode 6, which aired on March 20, recorded a nationwide rating of 0.9% among paid households. This marked a decline from episode 5’s 1.1% and represents the first time a JTBC Friday drama has fallen below the 1% threshold since the network introduced the standalone time slot. After debuting at 2.1%, the drama has steadily declined, ultimately landing in the 0% range.
A Reunion Romance Rekindled After 10 Years
Despite the disappointing ratings, the drama’s narrative has continued to resonate with viewers. Episodes 5 and 6 focused on the long-awaited reunion romance between Yeon Tae Seo (Park Jin Young) and Mo Eun Ah (Kim Min Ju), leaving a lasting emotional impression.
In episode 5, Tae Seo becomes a quiet pillar of support for Eun Ah, who has nowhere to stay in Seoul, offering her a place in his home. His heartfelt words—encouraging her to take care of herself after enduring hardships—begin to open her heart. Regaining a sense of stability, Eun Ah chooses to end her relationship with her former lover, Bae Sung Chan (Shin Jae Ha), signaling a fresh start. A particularly memorable moment came when Eun Ah, half-asleep, was drawn to Tae Seo’s voice and fell into his embrace, sending viewers’ hearts racing.
Episode 6 sees the two finally confirm their feelings and decide to reunite. Now living as working adults—Tae Seo as a subway train operator and Eun Ah having put her dreams in Tongyeong on hold to move to Seoul—they share quiet, everyday moments after work, portraying a more mature romance. However, their happiness is short-lived. News of Tae Seo’s grandmother collapsing, along with the sudden appearance of Eun Ah’s father’s former lover Park So Hyun (Kim Ji Hyun), introduces new tension and looming conflict.
Kim Min Ju’s Breakthrough as a Melodrama Lead
Much of the drama’s potential turnaround hinges on Kim Min Ju’s performance. Formerly a member of IZ*ONE and long praised for her visuals, Kim Min Ju is proving her expanded acting range through Shining, firmly establishing her presence as a leading actress.
Her character, Mo Eun Ah, is a layered figure who hides deep emotional scars behind a bright and candid personality. In front of Tae Seo, she exudes the freshness of a young girl reunited with her first love, while also portraying the struggles of youth when faced with harsh realities. From the excitement of new love to heartbreak and eventual reunion, Kim Min Ju delivers a wide emotional spectrum through stable dialogue delivery and expressive eyes, enhancing the drama’s immersion.
Her performance, often compared to the gentle breeze of a cool night, amplifies the show’s lyrical tone. Alongside her strong chemistry with Park Jin Young, her ability to convey emotional depth challenges the stereotype of being “just a visual,” marking a significant step in her acting career. Whether her broadened appeal can draw in a steady audience in the remaining episodes remains a key point of interest.
Kim Ji Hyun Adds Emotional Weight to the Story
Veteran actress Kim Ji Hyun also plays a crucial role in anchoring the drama. Portraying Park So Hyun, the former lover of Eun Ah’s father, she enriches the narrative with her restrained yet powerful performance.
In a recent episode, So Hyun approaches Eun Ah after experiencing a sudden loss. Instead of offering empty comfort, she extends a quiet hand, saying that they are the only ones who can truly understand this shared grief. Her willingness to confront sorrow head-on brings both solace to Eun Ah and a deep emotional resonance for viewers.
With her calm voice and subtle facial expressions, Kim Ji Hyun conveys the weight of grief with striking realism. Her nuanced acting adds warmth and maturity to what could otherwise be a light youth romance, elevating the overall quality of the series.
Can ‘Shining’ Turn Things Around?
Episodes 7 and 8, set to air on March 27, promise to intensify both the romance and the conflicts. Previews hint at a more passionate relationship between Tae Seo and Eun Ah as they navigate love as adults, from tender shared moments to secret dates after work.
However, new obstacles loom. A tense misunderstanding is teased as Eun Ah spots Tae Seo with Im Ah Sol (Park Se Hyun), while Tae Seo is set to encounter Bae Sung Chan visiting Eun Ah. These intersecting perspectives are expected to complicate their rekindled relationship.
With its shocking 0% ratings, Shining now faces a critical turning point. Whether the drama can rebound with its compelling storyline and the striking on-screen chemistry of Park Jin Young and Kim Min Ju - and what fate awaits their love story a decade in the making - remains to be seen.
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