1% Viewership? Even ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ Star Couldn’t Save This K-Drama

The new KBS2 Wednesday-Thursday drama Pump Up the Healthy Love is facing a ratings crisis from the very beginning. Despite casting major stars Jung Eun-ji and Lee Jun-young in the lead roles, the first two episodes only pulled in a national rating of 1.8% (Nielsen Korea), putting the show on shaky ground early on.

This slump follows a troubling trend for KBS2's weekday dramas. Previous titles like Kick Kick Kick Kick and Villains Everywhere also recorded dismal ratings in the 0–1% range. Now, Pump Up the Healthy Love is continuing the streak, raising concerns within the broadcasting industry.

A Star Duo Can’t Save It—Yet

With Lee Jun-young fresh off hits like When Life Gives You Tangerines and Weak Hero Class 2, and Jung Eun-ji beloved for her iconic role in Reply 1997, expectations were high. But even their strong fan bases couldn’t lift ratings above 2%.

A Closer Look at Episodes 1–2

In Episode 2, which aired on May 1, the relationship between gym owner Do Hyun-jung (played by Lee Jun-young) and newcomer Lee Mi-ran (Jung Eun-ji) began to develop.

Hyun-jung, struggling to keep his gym afloat, is desperate for Mi-ran’s total life care membership payment. He takes on the task of training her—despite Mi-ran being a total beginner. Shocked by her physical condition after years of sitting at a desk and poor eating habits, Hyun-jung kicks off an intense personal training journey.

Mi-ran, suffering through brutal muscle soreness after her first PT session, struggles with her uncooperative body. Her pain resonated with viewers, many of whom saw their own lives reflected in her exhaustion.

Meanwhile, Mi-ran finds out her ex-boyfriend Yeom Jun-seok (Jeong Wook-jin) will be attending their coworker’s wedding. Determined not to show up looking the same as before, she impulsively buys a dress—one size too small—and begs Hyun-jung to help her get into it.

With full confidence, Hyun-jung responds: “If you can’t wear it, I’ll give you a full refund.” From there, the two dive into “hell training,” with Hyun-jung fending off Mi-ran’s cravings and keeping her focused.

Though the gym comedy had some laugh-out-loud moments—like Mi-ran crying over carbs or being saved from a wardrobe malfunction by Hyun-jung’s jacket—the humor and heartfelt elements weren’t enough to boost viewership.

Despite the painful process, Mi-ran sticks with her workouts. On the eve of the wedding, she manages to fit into the dress and even asks Hyun-jung to accompany her. At the venue, as she nervously prepares to face her ex, Hyun-jung offers quiet encouragement.

In a moment meant to charm viewers, her dress tears in front of her ex, and Hyun-jung gallantly covers her with his coat. However, this sweet scene failed to translate into improved ratings.

Will Episode 3 Turn Things Around?

Critics now say that low ratings for KBS2 weekday dramas have become a chronic issue. Pump Up the Healthy Love—despite its fresh premise combining body image, self-improvement, and human connection—is struggling to capture hearts.

With its third episode airing on May 7 at 9:50 PM KST, all eyes are on whether this underdog romantic comedy can finally break through the ratings slump.

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