'From Quiet Gem to Ratings Winner' This K-Drama Wraps Up at No.1 with 8.3% and an Emotional Finale

JTBC’s weekend drama 'Heavenly Ever After' has wrapped up its run with its highest viewership ratings yet, capturing hearts with a love story that transcended life itself. The series, led by veteran actress Kim Hye-ja and actor Son Suk-ku, reached an emotional peak in its final episode that aired on May 25.

According to Nielsen Korea, Episode 12 of 'Heavenly Ever After' achieved a nationwide rating of 8.3%, a sharp rise from the previous episode’s 7.0%. In the Seoul metropolitan area, it scored an even higher 8.9%, setting a new personal record for the show. Compared to its premiere episode’s 5.8%, the finale marked a notable 2.5-point increase, earning the series the top spot among all non-terrestrial broadcasts in its time slot.

The drama follows the story of Lee Hae-sook (played by Kim Hye-ja), an 80-year-old woman who finds herself in the afterlife where she reunites with her late husband, Go Nak-joon (Son Suk-ku), who now appears as his 30-something younger self. What unfolds is a beautiful, otherworldly romance set in the world beyond death.

The final episode opened with Nak-joon asking Hae-sook to be reincarnated with him—a gesture born from his guilt for keeping her in the afterlife. The couple decided to start a new life together as husband and wife once again. However, the director of the afterlife center (played by Chun Ho-jin) ominously commented that “a married couple is like prisoners bound by the same chain,” leaving an air of mystery.

On the day of their reincarnation, the two walked hand-in-hand down a forest path, receiving a warm send-off from staff at the afterlife center. As they walked, Hae-sook reflected on their lost son Eun-ho and admitted that while her journey to the afterlife had been lonely, the path to reincarnation felt reassuring with her husband by her side.

At the gate of reincarnation, Nak-joon revealed a secret—this would be their 23rd life together as a married couple. He realized that it was his lingering attachment that had bound Hae-sook in a chain of repeated lives. “This time, I want you to live a completely different life—without me,” he said. In a tearful goodbye, he let her go.

Understanding his sincerity, Hae-sook accepted the separation with grace. Nak-joon bid her farewell with the words, “You’ve done so well. I’m so glad it was you.” She passed through the gate alone, stepping into her next life.

In the final scene, the roles were reversed. After living a full life without Nak-joon, Hae-sook returned to the afterlife and was met once again by her husband, now a guide for souls. When she asked, “How did I do?” he responded with tears, “You were more than I ever imagined. You did great in this life, too.”

His closing narration echoed the show’s core message. “Now I understand. All the days we spent together weren’t hell—they were heaven. If I could return to that life again, I would, without hesitation. Because living with you was a heaven more beautiful than heaven itself.”

'Heavenly Ever After' has been praised for its heartfelt and imaginative take on the afterlife—an unknown world everyone wonders about but no one has experienced. The show crafted a compelling and original universe that bridged heaven and earth, life and death, offering a comforting message: “Death is not the end, but the beginning of another life.”

In this story, heaven was portrayed as a transitional space to wrap up the previous life and prepare for the next. Through the lens of reincarnation, the drama explored the emotional bonds and unfinished business people carry with them, prompting viewers to reflect on the true meaning of life, love, and destiny.

Viewer reactions poured in with praise, with many expressing deep emotional resonance. “I sobbed during the final episode—truly a well-made drama with lasting impact.” Others admired the cast, saying, “Kim Hye-ja in her 80s—absolutely admirable.” One viewer shared, “It wasn’t overly dramatic, but I found myself in tears. The calm emotion, the chemistry between Son Suk-ku and Kim Hye-ja... it transcended age and was so beautiful.” Another added, “Honestly, I wondered if Son Suk-ku could pull off being her husband, but their chemistry was natural and touching—he was the perfect gentle soul.”

Following 'Heavenly Ever After', JTBC’s next weekend drama 'Good Boy' starring Park Bo-gum is set to premiere on May 31 at 10:30 p.m. KST.

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