'Flower Crew' Returns: JTBC Banks on Nostalgia and Rising Stars to Fill Weekend Slots

JTBC is revamping its weekend lineup by reairing the popular series Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency, a strategy aimed at filling the gaps left by delayed productions. This approach not only leverages the show's past success but also showcases the early performances of actors who have since become major stars.

On June 6, JTBC officially announced that Flower Crew will follow the weekend drama Apartment, which recently achieved a noteworthy rating of 6%. The network highlighted this scheduling decision as a response to the production delays of some dramas. The re-airing of Flower Crew, which originally aired from September to November 2019, is set to begin on June 22. It will be broadcast two episodes each Saturday and Sunday at 10:40 PM and 10:30 PM, respectively.

The charm of this re-airing lies in its presentation of the now-familiar actors at the start of their careers. The series centers around Flower Crew, the top matchmaking organization in Joseon, and intertwines the stories of a prince and his first love, known as Gaeddongi, amidst a backdrop of comedic marital schemes. Notable actors like Kim Min-jae, who plays the matchmaker Ma Hun, and Gong Seung-yeon as Gaeddongi, contribute to a narrative filled with romantic shenanigans and growth.

Significantly, Park Ji-hoon, who rose to fame this year after starring in the hit film The King’s Affection, which attracted over 16 million viewers, takes on the role of the celebrity image consultant Go Yeong-soo. Meanwhile, Byun Woo-seok, recognized recently for his successful turn in MBC's 21st Century Great Lady, has seen his star power grow since his debut in Flower Crew.

Following Flower Crew, JTBC will introduce a brand new weekend drama, Fly Butterfly, starting June 19. This human drama unfolds in a hair salon where junior stylists navigate their early careers while helping customers transform both their looks and self-esteem. Kim Hyang-gi plays the lead role of Joy, a young intern with a wealth of experience, while Choi Daniel portrays the experienced designer Ahn Kwang-soo. The series is penned by Park Yeon-seon, known for her work on Age of Youth.

Originally set to air in early 2021, Fly Butterfly faced delays due to internal issues but managed to garner attention before its premiere through early broadcasts in Taiwan and on various OTT platforms. As the series finally arrives on Korean screens after several years, it aims to resonate with viewers looking for heartfelt, uplifting narratives.

The decision to pair re-airings of well-loved dramas with current popular actors reflects JTBC's adaptive strategy amid doubts about its weekend lineup. The potential for a rebound in ratings through this combination serves as a compelling aspect for viewers to watch, with both programs offering nostalgia and fresh content to the weekend lineup.