A Hit in the U.S. and Europe, But Ignored at Home—The K-Drama That Ended with 0% Ratings

A drama that barely registered on the domestic ratings chart has quietly wrapped up its run. 'Sorry Not Sorry', which aired on KBS Joy, struggled with viewership in Korea but found unexpected success overseas.

The final episode, which aired on February 27, concluded with a heartfelt happy ending. Ji-song (played by Jeon So-min) and Cha Hyun-woo (Choi Daniel) finally resolved their misunderstandings and confirmed their true feelings for each other. Meanwhile, Ji-song’s best friend Choi Ha-na (Gong Min-jung), who had just given birth to her third child, provided a relatable portrayal of the struggles faced by working mothers, resonating deeply with viewers.

A Comedy Romance That Struggled to Capture Domestic Viewers

Premiering on December 5 last year, 'Sorry Not Sorry' was a romantic comedy centered around Ji-song, a woman who pretends to be married and gets caught in an unexpected love triangle. Set in the suburban town of Cheonpo, the drama blended humor with a warm coming-of-age narrative. However, despite its intriguing premise, the show failed to gain traction domestically.

The drama debuted with a 0.3% rating (nationwide, Nielsen Korea) and fluctuated between 0.4% and 0.5% throughout its run, never once surpassing 1%. The final episode recorded a modest 0.4%, marking an underwhelming performance. While KBS Joy is primarily known for its variety shows rather than dramas—making lower ratings somewhat expected—the numbers were still disappointing compared to similar programs airing in the same time slot.

Explosive Popularity Overseas: A Completely Different Story

Despite its lukewarm reception in Korea, 'Sorry Not Sorry' performed exceptionally well abroad. The drama was broadcast in over 60 countries and gained particularly strong traction in North America and Europe.

Its international success was largely attributed to Jeon So-min’s global recognition, bolstered by her long-standing presence on SBS’s variety show Running Man. Many international Running Man fans showed interest in the drama, helping boost its popularity. Additionally, the drama’s blend of heartfelt storytelling and lighthearted romance resonated with global audiences, who found its themes universally appealing.

Streaming on Netflix and other major OTT platforms, the series reached a wider audience, further strengthening its overseas fanbase.

Several factors contributed to the drama’s lackluster performance in Korea. One major reason was the channel itself, as KBS Joy is primarily known for variety shows rather than dramas, resulting in lower visibility among traditional drama audiences. Additionally, the romantic comedy genre is highly competitive, making it difficult for 'Sorry Not Sorry' to stand out among similar shows. Another significant factor was the shift in viewing habits, with more Korean viewers opting for OTT platforms over real-time TV broadcasts, making it increasingly difficult to gauge a drama’s success solely based on ratings.

While the show underperformed in its home market, its global success highlights a growing trend of Korean dramas reaching new audiences beyond domestic TV ratings. As K-dramas continue to gain worldwide appeal, 'Sorry Not Sorry' serves as yet another example of a show that struggled in Korea but found strong viewership internationally.