'Chief Detective 1958' Tops Ratings, Actor Pledges 13-Hour Silent Meditation

SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Chief Detective 1958' is creating a significant buzz, having surpassed the 20% viewership mark and becoming the highest-rated drama broadcast this year across all channels in South Korea. The series, which premiered on June 26, is a remake of a popular webtoon and has quickly captured audiences with its compelling revenge narrative.

The drama stars Ji-han Park as an ordinary father who transforms into a dangerous man to protect his daughter. The series has seen a rapid rise in ratings, jumping from 9.5% in its first episode to 15% in the second, 18.8% in the third, and finally breaking the 20% barrier with 21.6% in its fourth episode. This achievement marks the first time a drama has crossed 20% since tvN's 'Queen of Tears' in 2024, according to Nielsen Korea.

'Chief Detective 1958' is praised for its explosive action sequences, driven by the protagonist's fierce paternal love. While some critics have pointed to the violence in the action scenes, the lead actors' likable characters and the drama's humor have contributed to its popularity. The show's success has also led to the fulfillment of a viewership promise by actor Yoon Kyung-ho.

During a production presentation, Yoon Kyung-ho pledged to undertake a 13-hour silent meditation if the drama reached 13% viewership. Having now far exceeded that target, he confirmed his commitment in a recent SBS Drama Instagram video. He is scheduled to appear on SBS Radio's 'Cult Show' on the 13th, where he will reportedly observe this 'silent meditation,' a prospect that has generated considerable anticipation and amusement among viewers.

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Viewers, thank you sincerely. As promised, we said we would do 13 hours of silent meditation if we exceeded 13%, and we have seriously discussed its implementation. We will prepare it in the near future and faithfully fulfill the promise.