Doh-gung Soars to 23.7% Ratings, Tops Netflix Despite Acting Critiques

Doh-gung, the Netflix original historical drama, made an impressive debut, skyrocketing to the top of Netflix Korea’s charts just one day after its release. As of today, it has maintained its number one position for three consecutive days, surpassing popular SBS drama Kim Manager, which attained a viewer rating of 23.1%. Despite ongoing discussions regarding the acting quality, the show is demonstrating strong performance, achieving viewer ratings of 23.7% and capturing significant attention.

Released on the 17th, Doh-gung quickly topped the Netflix Korea TOP10 series chart on the 18th, holding its lead throughout the weekend and remaining in first place until the 20th. In the rankings as of the 20th, the cast of Doh-gung, led by Nam Joo-hyuk, has continued to garner international acclaim, placing fourth in Netflix's global TV series category with entries in the top ten across 81 countries and regions. Notably, the show has achieved top positions in markets such as Korea, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, while also performing well in major Asian markets and the Middle East.

One contributing factor to Doh-gung's success is its high-quality production team. The script is penned by renowned writers Kwon So-ra and Seo Jae-won, who previously worked on acclaimed projects like The Guest and Goblin, while director Choi Jung-kyu, known for his work on The Devil Judge, leads the series' direction. Furthermore, the character of the adorable "Kkeomuksal" has sparked a wave of fan art and memes since the show’s release.

Amid mixed reactions to the acting, lead actor Nam Joo-hyuk addressed concerns regarding his performance during a press event on the 21st. Responding to comparisons of his lighter tone with the more traditional acting styles of co-stars Jo Seung-woo and Jang Young-nam, Nam explained, "If Koo-cheon had adopted a heavier tone like other characters, it wouldn’t have fit with Doh-gung. I aimed to create a more realistic dialogue style based on the character's unexpected presence in the palace." He expressed appreciation for both positive and critical feedback, stating, "I acknowledge the varied opinions and accept them humbly. Positive reviews are always welcome, and I appreciate all evaluations, including the critical ones."

Jo Seung-woo, confident about the project, previously noted during a press conference on the 8th, "There was no reason not to take part in this work." The actor returns to the small screen after a hiatus of three years, having previously marked a successful comeback with a peak rating of 23.7% in 2013's Ma-ui.

Viewer responses have been varied, but Doh-gung is undeniably attracting attention. Critics have praised the combination of occult themes with traditional historical narratives, viewing it as a refreshing approach. However, some feel that certain elements echo popular international content. Online sentiment has leaned positive, with comments highlighting the unique world-building based on Korean folklore and the high quality of visuals and CGI exceeding expectations. Fans are also eagerly anticipating a second season.

Set against a backdrop of palace intrigue, Doh-gung follows Koo-cheon (played by Nam Joo-hyuk), who possesses the ability to traverse the realm of spirits. He teams up with the palace maid Seung-ki (played by Noh Yoon-seo), who can hear ghostly whispers, as they investigate the dark curse entwined in the palace under the reign of King Lee-yeon (played by Jo Seung-woo). The story begins with mysterious deaths among royal heirs, igniting rumors of a curse, as the king is compelled to confront the unfolding events when his last son falls ill.

The cast includes Jang Young-nam as the empress and Kwak Dong-yeon as the crown prince, among others. As Netflix's first original historical drama in nearly six years since the Kingdom series, Doh-gung is under scrutiny to maintain its domestic lead and achieve global success. All eight episodes of this captivating palace occult mystery featuring Nam Joo-hyuk, Noh Yoon-seo, and Jo Seung-woo are currently available for streaming on Netflix.