Peaking at 12.7%, No. 1 in Its Time Slot—This Romantic K-Drama Ends on a High Note!

SBS’s Friday-Saturday drama 'Love Scout' wrapped up its run on a high, securing the No. 1 spot in its time slot with a peak viewership rating of 12.7%. According to Nielsen Korea on the 15th, the final episode recorded 12.0% nationwide, 11.3% in the metropolitan area, and 4.2% in the key 20-49 demographic, proving its strong performance throughout the season.

An Ending Filled with Growth and New Beginnings

In the final episode, Ji-yoon (Han Ji-min) made a bold decision to hand over People’s to Career Way’s Hye-jin (Park Bo-kyung) in order to protect her employees. However, Hye-jin faced an unexpected crisis when she forcefully took over the company against the board’s objections—only to be met with a stack of resignation letters on her first day.

Eventually, the truth came to light when Yeong-min (Ko Sang-ho), who had colluded in an investment fraud, confessed, leading to Hye-jin’s downfall and arrest.

Meanwhile, Ji-yoon embraced a new chapter in her life, stepping away from the company and taking time to enjoy the everyday joys she had missed—sleeping in, indulging in midday drinks, and simply living in the moment. Soon after, she launched a new company, We Company, bringing together a trusted team including Mi-ae (Lee Sang-hee), Yeong-soo (Heo Dong-won), Kwang-hee (Ko Geon-han), Kyung-hwa (Seo Hye-won), and Gyu-rim (Yoon Ga-yi). Eun-ho (Lee Jun-hyuk), who was the perfect candidate for Serim Group’s HR director, stood by her side as both a reliable partner in business and love.

Jung-hoon (Kim Do-hoon) and Soo-hyun (Kim Yun-hye) also found their happy ending. Jung-hoon reconciled with Chairman Woo (Jo Seung-yeon) after realizing his father’s sincerity, eventually joining the family business and embarking on his own journey as a businessman. Soo-hyun, on the other hand, achieved her dream of becoming a bestselling author. Their unwavering support for each other led them to naturally develop into a romantic couple by the end of the series.

A Romance That Left a Lasting Impression

Starring Han Ji-min, Lee Jun-hyuk, Kim Do-hoon, and Kim Yun-hye, Love Scout resonated deeply with viewers through its warm and heartfelt storytelling.

Han Ji-min delivered a nuanced performance as Kang Ji-yoon, a cold and pragmatic CEO who gradually learned the value of warmth and human connection. Her evolving relationship with Eun-ho, played by Lee Jun-hyuk, was a highlight of the drama, winning over audiences with its deep emotional impact, free from unnecessary drama or sensationalism. Lee Jun-hyuk’s portrayal of a thoughtful and caring partner further solidified the couple as a fan favorite.

Kim Do-hoon charmed viewers as Jung-hoon, a second-generation chaebol with both wit and warmth, while Kim Yun-hye brought depth to the drama with her immersive performance.

As SBS’s first Friday-Saturday drama of 2025, Love Scout proved to be a major success, surpassing double-digit ratings by its third episode and maintaining strong numbers throughout its run, reaching a peak of 14% at its highest point.

Additionally, the drama topped TV buzz rankings, led actor popularity charts, and ranked No. 1 in drama brand reputation, earning praise as “the ultimate romance bible.”

More than just a love story, Love Scout delivered a heartfelt message for adults navigating life and relationships. Ji-yoon’s journey with Eun-ho taught her the power of kindness and understanding, reinforcing the idea that love, in its purest form, is about growth and support.

With its touching storytelling and relatable themes, Love Scout left a profound impact on viewers, cementing its place as a modern-day fairy tale for adults.

Love Scout Viewership Ratings (Nielsen Korea, Nationwide)

Ep. 1: 5.2%

Ep. 2: 6.5%

Ep. 3: 10.5%

Ep. 4: 11.3%

Ep. 5: 10.7%

Ep. 6: 11.4%

Ep. 7: 11.0%

Ep. 8: 10.9%

Ep. 9: 11.8%

Ep. 10: 10.9%

Ep. 11: 11.7%

Ep. 12: 12.0%