
Lee Jun-ho Scores Third Consecutive Hit with 'Chief Detective 1958' Amidst Rising Ratings and Fan Frenzy
Following the success of 'The Red Sleeve' and 'King the Land', Lee Jun-ho has proven his box office power once again with the tvN weekend drama 'Chief Detective 1958'.
The 12th episode, aired on the 16th, recorded an average nationwide viewership rating of 9.9% and a peak of 11%, solidifying its No. 1 position across all channels in its time slot. The drama also hit a personal best in 2049 target viewership, standing on the cusp of breaking the 10% mark.
This rise in ratings and buzz halfway through the season is a rare feat, highlighting the drama's compelling narrative and performances. The current momentum has fueled anticipation for whether the drama can achieve the 15% viewership Lee Jun-ho promised as a rating pledge.
At the heart of this success is Lee Jun-ho, who portrays the ambitious rookie detective Kang San. He has brought the character to life by personally recreating 90s fashion, adding ad-libs, and delivering captivating performances, crafting a unique charm for 'Chief Detective 1958'. His iconic dance performance from the premiere and the recent viral 'Subak Safety Shoes' commercial scene have expanded his presence beyond the drama itself.
Furthermore, Lee Jun-ho's acting career is reaching new heights in his second act. After earning critical acclaim for his role in 'The Red Sleeve' and achieving global popularity with 'King the Land', 'Chief Detective 1958' is set to mark his third consecutive hit drama.
This achievement validates the praise from director Lee Na-jeong, who described him as 'an actor who has reached the pinnacle in both K-pop and K-drama'. With upcoming projects like 'Veteran 3' (positively considering appearance) and the Netflix series 'The Platform' (confirmed), expectations are high for Lee Jun-ho's next 'fourth consecutive hit' across film and OTT platforms.
Netizens are showering the drama with praise, commenting, 'Lee Jun-ho is a guaranteed success!', 'The character Kang San is perfect for him, can't wait for next week!', and 'Looks like the next drama will be a hit too! Let's aim for the fourth consecutive one!'.