Lee Jun Hyuk Takes the Crown as Drama Buzz King Amid Controversy Resurgence
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SBS TV’s Love Scout (also known as My Perfect Secretary) has invigorated the K-drama landscape by challenging traditional gender dynamics. The series distinguishes itself by moving away from the clichés that have often constrained the genre, offering a refreshing take on workplace romance.
However, despite its promising start, the concluding moments of Episode 4 featuring Lee Joon Hyuk and Han Ji Min suggest a potential return to familiar tropes. The narrative may be veering towards the overused theme of protagonists with a shared childhood connection. This "small world" concept has frequently dominated many dramas, limiting the opportunity for characters to develop a genuine romantic relationship based solely on their present interactions, irrespective of their past experiences.
Lee Jun Hyuk, Han Ji Min top buzzworthy drama actors list despite mounting worries
Fans have promptly expressed their concerns regarding the potential for Love Scout to succumb to conventional design tropes. While it is yet to be determined whether the audience's apprehensions will materialize in Episode 5, the Good Data Corporation has already released its weekly rankings for buzz-worthy dramas, highlighting the K-drama and its leading duo as the winners for the second week of January 2025.
As of January 14, the most recent update to the buzzworthy FUNdex roster reveals that Love Scout is currently leading the list of TV dramas. Although Squid Game Season 2 has outperformed the series in the OTT drama rankings, the remarkable chemistry between Lee Jun Hyuk (#1) and Han Ji Min (#2) has secured their positions at the top of the most buzzworthy drama performers for the week.
Love Scout director's assault controversy to overshadow the drama's rising success?
The recent surge in popularity of the SBS TV drama may have contributed to the ongoing success of its lead actors within the industry. However, this renewed attention has also reignited discussions surrounding the controversial history of the show's producer, Ham Jun Ho. On January 13, the production team of Love Scout addressed the incident involving his drunken assault that occurred in March 2020.
While the main cast continues to receive overwhelming support from fans, Ham's association with the series has rendered Love Scout vulnerable to online backlash.
In a statement reported by Soompi, the officials of Love Scout provided clarity on the 2020 incident involving the director, stating, “It is accurate that PD Ham Joon Ho was charged with assault while under the influence and for insult in early 2020. Nevertheless, he has expressed sincere apologies to all affected parties, and after obtaining their forgiveness and reaching a settlement, he accepted the appropriate legal repercussions. Furthermore, the previous criminal record referenced in the report from five years ago pertains to a minor offence and is not connected to this case. Following the incident, PD Ham Joon Ho was suspended from his duties in line with company protocols. He dedicated three years to self-reflection and atonement before resuming his role as a producing director.”
The eleventh episode of Love Scout achieved record-breaking viewership, reaching its highest double-digit ratings to date. However, with Ham's past controversies resurfacing, the future ratings of the series are now in jeopardy, as fans have previously initiated boycott campaigns in response to significant controversies within the K-drama industry.
Kim Hye Soo's Unmasked debuts on buzz rank ahead of Disney+ premiere
In addition to the prominent rankings of Beyond Love Scout, Squid Game 2, The Tale of Lady Ok, and When the Stars Gossip on the TV-OTT chart, Disney Plus' forthcoming series, Unmasked, has made an impressive entry at #9. This investigative thriller, featuring Kim Hye Soo from Juvenile Justice, Jung Sung Il from The Glory, and Joo Jong Hyuk from Extraordinary Attorney Woo, is scheduled to debut on the OTT platform on January 15.
Top 10 Kdramas that generated the most buzz in Week 2 of January 2025
| TV-OTT | TV |
|---|---|
| 1. Squid Game Season 2 (Netflix) | 1. Love Scout (SBS) |
| 2. Love Scout (SBS) | 2. The Tale of Lady Ok (JTBC) |
| 3. The Tale of Lady Ok (JTBC) | 3. When the Stars Gossip (tvN) |
| 4. When the Stars Gossip (tvN) | 4. Motel California (MBC) |
| 5. The Queen Who Crowns (TVING) | 5. Check In Hanyang (Channel A) |
| 6. Motel California (MBC) | 6. Iron Family (KBS2) |
| 7. Check In Hanyang (Channel A) | 7. Namib (ENA) |
| 8. Iron Family (KBS2) | 8. Who is She! (KBS2) |
| 9. Unmasked (Disney+) | 9. Cinderella Game (KBS2) |
| 10. Namib (ENA) | 10. My Merry Marriage (KBS1) |
Top 10 drama actors that generated the most buzz in Week 2 of January 2025
| Drama Performers | K-drama |
|---|---|
| 1. Lee Jun Hyuk | Love Scout |
| 2. Han Ji Min | Love Scout |
| 3. Choo Young Woo | The Tale of Lady Ok |
| 4. Lim Ji Yeon | The Tale of Lady Ok |
| 5. Cha Joo Young | The Queen Who Crowns |
| 6. Lee Se Young | Motel California |
| 7. Lee Hyun Wook | The Queen Who Crowns |
| 8. Lee Min Ho | When the Stars Gossip |
| 9. Lee Jung Jae | Squid Game Season 2 |
| 10. Na In Woo | Motel California |
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