Netflix original historical drama series 'Donggung' has, right after its release, quickly claimed No. 1 domestically, sparking a sudden surge in popularity.
“Donggung” Sweeps Past a 23% Ratings Blockbuster… Locks in the Top Tier of Global Charts, Signaling Strong Prospects
Released on the 17th, 'Donggung' topped Netflix Korea’s top 10 series rankings in just one day, proving its overwhelming buzz. Attention is especially focused on the fact that it outperformed the popular drama 'Kim Bu-jang,' which hit a peak viewership rating of 23.1%.
The response from the global market is equally notable. According to the OTT ranking tracker site FlixPatrol, 'Donggung' ranked No. 4 worldwide in the Netflix TV series category. It also secured No. 1 in major Asian countries including Thailand and Bangladesh, showcasing the staying power of K-content.
Behind the rise of a well-made occult historical drama is a strong production team. Writers Kwon So-ra and Seo Jae-won, as well as director Choi Jeong-gyu of 'The Devil Judge,' came together to build a distinct world. The folk ghost character 'Geomeoksal-i,' which appears in the drama, has been generating memes and fan art centered on online communities, winning a strong wave of enthusiasm from viewers.
Nam Joo-hyuk Says He Will Humbly Accept Mixed Reactions to His Acting Tone… An Occult Synergy Made With Jo Seung-woo and No Yoon-seo
Playing Gucheon, a man who sees ghosts, Nam Joo-hyuk shared his honest feelings about a recent controversy over his acting tone. Regarding his lighter speaking style that contrasts with Jo Seung-woo and Jang Young-nam’s traditional historical drama performance, he explained, “I intended a realistic speaking tone to fit the setup where a person who doesn’t belong in the palace enters the palace.” He added that he will humbly accept the public’s mixed evaluations.
'Donggung' is a palace occult fantasy in which Gucheon (played by Nam Joo-hyuk), who can see ghosts, and a palace maid Saeng-gang (played by No Yoon-seo), who can hear the ghosts’ voices, along with King Lee Yeon (played by Jo Seung-woo), dig into the truth behind a curse that lingers within the royal palace. Added to that, a large lineup of dependable actors, including Jang Young-nam and Kwak Dong-yeon, boosted the overall completeness of the drama.
Rated as the next Netflix Korean historical drama expected to carry on the reputation of 'Kingdom,' 'Donggung' captivates global viewers with a fresh blend of occult themes and historical drama, alongside overwhelmingly cinematic visuals. Composed of a total of eight episodes, the full series is currently available to watch in its entirety on Netflix.
