A Highly-Anticipated, Idol-Filled K-Drama Received Dismally Low Ratings

Every month, new K-Dramas hit screens, but unfortunately not all series come out on top. Despite dedicating marketing efforts and an idol-filled cast, Imitation received less than stellar results.

Imitation, which is based on a popular webtoon of the same name, became the talk of the town after its cast was announced. The lineup included Jun from U-KISS, Jiyeon from T-ara, Yunho and San from ATEEZ, Chani and Hwiyoung from SF9, Im Nayoung–a former member of I.O.I and PRISTIN–and more. Fans and netizens had high hopes for Imitation.

Boys Republic’s Suwoong, ATEEZ’s Seonghwa, San and Yunho for “Imitation” boy group, “Sparkling” | *KBS2*

However, the first episode of the KBS2 drama recorded a 1% viewership rating for the first half of the episode, and a 0.9% rating for the second half of the episode. After these viewership reports came out, fans discussed why they believe the series may have been failing to see success right from the start.

The series aired at 11:10 PM KST on Friday evenings, which fans believed negatively impacted the show’s viewership ratings. In addition to that, netizens suggested that Imitation‘s targeted audience was more accustomed to using online viewing platforms rather than television broadcasts, which may also have contributed to the overall low ratings of the series.

“Imitation” webtoon poster | *Kakaopage*

Imitation follows the stories of idol singers and their lives within the entertainment industry, from the good, the bad, and the ugly. It isn’t shy about delving into the dark side of K-Pop. It also tells the story of a secret, budding romance between a girl group member and a boy group member.