Ratings Crisis for KBS2’s Pump Up the Healthy Love

KBS2’s newly launched drama Pump Up the Healthy Love is struggling to gain traction, facing a significant ratings crisis right from its premiere. Despite strong performances from lead stars Jung Eun-ji and Lee Jun-young, the drama’s first two episodes have only garnered a disappointing 1.8% national rating, according to Nielsen Korea. This marks a continuation of a concerning trend for KBS2’s Wednesday-Thursday dramas, with previous titles like Kick Kick Kick Kick and Villains Everywhere also experiencing dismal ratings in the 0-1% range.

A Star Duo Can’t Save the Show—At Least Not Yet

Both Lee Jun-young and Jung Eun-ji were expected to bring in solid viewership due to their established fan bases. Lee Jun-young, known for his roles in When Life Gives You Tangerines and Weak Hero Class 2, and Jung Eun-ji, beloved for her iconic role in Reply 1997, seemed like the perfect duo to lead the drama. However, even with their star power, Pump Up the Healthy Love has failed to surpass a 2% viewership threshold, leaving many wondering what’s behind the show’s lackluster reception.

The First Two Episodes: A Struggle to Connect

In Episode 2, which aired on May 1, the drama attempted to explore the relationship between Do Hyun-jung (Lee Jun-young), a gym owner desperate to keep his business afloat, and Lee Mi-ran (Jung Eun-ji), a fitness beginner with little motivation. Hyun-jung reluctantly agrees to train Mi-ran in an effort to get her to sign up for a gym membership, setting the stage for a journey of physical transformation, body image struggles, and self-improvement.

The drama also included light-hearted moments meant to evoke empathy, such as Mi-ran’s emotional breakdown over carbs and a wardrobe malfunction that Hyun-jung helps her with. While these moments provided some humor, they failed to spark a significant ratings surge, with many viewers not fully connecting to the plot or characters in the way the show’s creators had hoped.

Striving for a Turning Point

Despite the setbacks, Mi-ran presses on with her workouts, showing determination and growth. By the time of her coworker’s wedding, she manages to fit into a dress she once thought she couldn’t wear, symbolizing her personal transformation. In a heartfelt scene, she asks Hyun-jung to accompany her to the wedding, where she faces her ex-boyfriend, Joon-seok. However, disaster strikes as her dress tears in front of him, leading Hyun-jung to step in and cover her with his jacket in a protective gesture. This moment was intended to be a turning point, showcasing their budding connection, but it still failed to break through the ratings slump.

Will Episode 3 Be the Turning Point?

As Episode 3 airs on May 7 at 9:50 PM KST, the drama faces a crucial test in determining its future. Will Pump Up the Healthy Love manage to overcome its ratings slump and capture the attention of viewers, or will it continue to struggle in the crowded Wednesday-Thursday drama slot?

Critics have increasingly pointed to a broader issue with KBS2’s weekday dramas, which have consistently faced low ratings in recent years. Despite the fresh premise of Pump Up the Healthy Love, which blends themes of body image, personal growth, and human connection, the drama has not yet managed to connect with a wide audience.

As the show inches closer to its third episode, it’s unclear whether it will be able to break free from its ratings crisis or if it will follow the same path as its predecessors in the same time slot.