MBC’s hit show “Rookie Director Kim Yeon-koung 2” has kicked off with a strong start, building on the success of its first season. The series premiere outperformed Season 1’s initial ratings and quickly climbed to the top of non-drama buzz rankings within two weeks, signaling a promising trajectory.
The show debuted on October 11, pulling in a 4.8% viewership rating (based on Nielsen Korea’s nationwide data). The second episode saw a slight uptick to 5.0%, maintaining positive momentum.
For context, Season 1, which wrapped up last November, started with a 2.2% rating and peaked at 5.8% in its finale. “Rookie Director Kim Yeon-koung 2” nearly matched Season 1’s highest rating right out of the gate, raising expectations for its future performance.
The show’s impact extends beyond ratings. According to Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex, “Rookie Director Kim Yeon-koung 2” claimed the top spot in the television (TV)-over-the-top (OTT) non-drama buzz rankings for the third week of October. After dominating Sunday’s non-drama buzz following its premiere, it ascended to the overall number one position in just two weeks. Kim Yeon-koung herself topped the non-drama cast buzz rankings, sweeping both program and cast categories.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time since 2020 that a terrestrial network’s seasonal variety show has clinched the overall top spot in TV-OTT non-drama buzz rankings. Leveraging the popularity of its predecessor, “Rookie Director Kim Yeon-koung 2” has successfully launched, capturing both ratings and buzz.
The most significant change this season is the raised stakes. Season 1 won viewers’ hearts by showcasing the challenges and growth of players seeking a second chance under Kim Yeon-koung’s guidance. The unpredictable outcomes and players’ development created a perfect blend of sports entertainment’s unique excitement and emotion.
In Season 2, Kim Yeon-koung returns as a seasoned director, tackling the ambitious goal of establishing a professional 8th team. This elevates her role and responsibilities, as she must not only lead the team to victory but also build a squad capable of competing at the professional level. Viewers will be keen to see how Kim Yeon-koung’s leadership evolves as she balances player development with the team’s long-term strategy and future prospects.
The growth journey of the newly formed Victory Wonder Dogs is another compelling storyline. Each player selected by Kim Yeon-koung brings their own backstory and aspirations to the court. The show promises to captivate audiences with the players’ determination, fierce competition, and their transformation into a cohesive unit.
Season 2 also ramps up the on-court drama. The second episode, which aired on the 18th, featured a highly anticipated rematch against Japan’s Shujitsu High School, who had previously defeated the Wonder Dogs in Season 1.
Kim Yeon-koung’s support team adds another layer of interest. Seventeen’s Seungkwan, who served as team manager in Season 1, returns as head of publicity. Additionally, Yang Hyo-jin, Kim’s longtime national team colleague, joins as a commentator. Yang not only provides expert analysis but also offers unique insights into Kim Yeon-koung’s mindset, adding a touch of humor with their close friendship.
With its strong start in both ratings and buzz, all eyes are on “Rookie Director Kim Yeon-koung 2” to see if it can surpass its predecessor’s success as it tackles more ambitious goals and fiercer competition.
