Subscribe
E-Paper
 |
| Scenes from SBS series "Backstreet Rookie."/ Courtesy of SBS |
By Lee Gyu-lee
SBS TV series "Backstreet Rookie" ended with its highest viewership rating ― at 9.5 percent ― on Saturday.
The series, starring Ji Chang-wook and Kim Yoo-jung, had excited fans before it went to air because it was Ji's first work since his discharge from mandatory military service in April 2019.
It started with 6.3 percent rating in June but was soon criticized for containing inappropriate scenes such as underage high school girls kissing an adult male or characters repeatedly using profanities.
Such scenes led the Korea Communication Standards Commission to issue a warning to the series in July.
However, despite the trouble, the viewership rating slowly rose beyond 7 percent about halfway into the series.
Directed by Lee Myung-woo, the director of the hit drama "The Fiery Priest," the rom-com series revolved around a convenience store manager Dae-hyun (Ji), and its part-time worker Saet-byul (Kim) who get off on the wrong foot.
"For about four months shooting the series, I've had so much fun. So it really felt bittersweet when we were shooting the last scene," Ji said through the network. "Thank you so much for enjoying the show."
Kim also thanked the viewers, saying, "I hope this drama gave you laughs and entertainment."
