September 2025 has delivered exciting developments in Korean drama viewership, with Lee Young-ae’s highly anticipated comeback series “Walking on Thin Ice” premiering to solid ratings on KBS2, while JTBC’s nostalgic drama “A Hundred Memories” continues its upward trajectory. Both shows represent different storytelling approaches that are captivating audiences in distinct ways.
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“Walking on Thin Ice” Premiere Performance
Lee Young-ae’s return to television after years away has generated significant buzz, with “Walking on Thin Ice” premiering on KBS2 on September 20, 2025, airing Saturdays and Sundays at 21:20 KST. The crime thriller follows an ordinary housewife who turns to crime by selling drugs worth hundreds of billions of won after accidentally finding them while struggling to pay for her terminally ill husband’s medical expenses.
| Drama Details | Walking on Thin Ice | A Hundred Memories |
|---|---|---|
| Network | KBS2 | JTBC |
| Premiere Date | September 20, 2025 | September 13, 2025 |
| Time Slot | Sat-Sun 21:20 KST | Sat-Sun 22:40 KST |
| Genre | Crime Thriller | Historical Comedy-Drama |
| Episode 2 Rating | Strong debut performance | 3.6% (rising trend) |
“A Hundred Memories” Climbing Success
“A Hundred Memories” has enjoyed a rise in viewership for its second episode, scoring an average nationwide rating of 3.6 percent, demonstrating growing audience engagement. The 1980s-set series starring Kim Da-mi and Shin Ye-eun follows Go Young-rye, a model bus hostess, and Seo Jong-hee, a charismatic newcomer, whose friendship and romantic entanglement with their destined first love creates compelling drama.
What Makes These Shows Stand Out
Walking on Thin Ice brings Lee Young-ae back to television in a gripping crime thriller that explores how ordinary people can be pushed to extraordinary circumstances. The dangerous partnership between an ordinary housewife who becomes a drug seller and a popular teacher who secretly works as a drug dealer creates intense dramatic tension.
A Hundred Memories offers nostalgic escapism with a vibrant journey to 1980s youth centered around two close friends who are bus guides and their shared first love. The period setting and friendship dynamics have resonated strongly with viewers.
Star Power vs. Genre Appeal
Lee Young-ae’s return represents significant star power, with the veteran actress playing Eun-Soo, a housewife struggling to pay for her husband’s medical expenses who becomes entangled with a mysterious teacher Yi-Kyeong (Kim Young-kwang) in a dangerous drug operation.
Meanwhile, “A Hundred Memories” succeeds through its ensemble cast chemistry and nostalgic 1980s setting, proving that strong storytelling and positive viewer responses can drive ratings growth even without major star power.
Network Competition Dynamics
The success of both dramas highlights different network strategies:
- KBS2 leveraged star power with Lee Young-ae’s comeback in a high-concept crime thriller
- JTBC invested in period storytelling with emerging talent and nostalgic themes
While tvN’s “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” achieved 15.4 percent ratings as the highest-performing drama currently, both “Walking on Thin Ice” and “A Hundred Memories” are carving out their own audience niches.
Viewing Trends and Audience Preferences
September 2025’s drama landscape reveals viewers’ appetite for diverse content:
- Crime thrillers with moral complexity (Walking on Thin Ice)
- Nostalgic period pieces celebrating friendship (A Hundred Memories)
- Fantasy romance maintaining mainstream appeal (Bon Appétit, Your Majesty)
Stay updated with the latest K-drama ratings analysis and reviews at TechnoSports for comprehensive entertainment coverage.
Looking Ahead: Sustainability Predictions
“Walking on Thin Ice” has the advantage of Lee Young-ae’s star power and a compelling crime premise that could sustain viewer interest throughout its run. The show’s weekend time slot on KBS2 provides strong competition positioning.
“A Hundred Memories” benefits from growing word-of-mouth and the proven appeal of 1980s nostalgia in Korean entertainment. Its steady ratings growth suggests potential for continued audience expansion.
For official Korean drama ratings and streaming information, visit JTBC and KBS, and stay connected with TechnoSports for the latest K-drama industry analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Lee Young-ae’s return impact on “Walking on Thin Ice” ratings performance?
Lee Young-ae’s comeback after years away from television has generated substantial industry buzz and viewer anticipation, contributing significantly to “Walking on Thin Ice’s” strong premiere performance on KBS2. Her established star power, combined with the crime thriller’s compelling premise about an ordinary housewife turning to drug dealing, creates a perfect storm for sustained viewership. The actress’s previous television successes have set high expectations, and early audience reception suggests her dramatic return is meeting those standards.
What factors are driving “A Hundred Memories” ratings growth despite competing against established hits?
“A Hundred Memories” success stems from its unique 1980s nostalgic appeal and the strong chemistry between Kim Da-mi and Shin Ye-eun, which has generated positive word-of-mouth recommendations. The drama’s focus on female friendship and period authenticity fills a distinct niche in the current drama landscape, differentiating it from fantasy romance and crime thrillers. Additionally, JTBC’s strategic weekend time slot and the growing trend of viewers seeking comfort viewing through nostalgic content has created ideal conditions for the show’s ratings climb.
