“Shin’s Project” Breaks tvN Records: Han Suk-kyu’s Comedy-Drama Hits Historic 8% Rating High

“Shin’s Project“ has just achieved something extraordinary in the competitive world of K-drama ratings. According to Nielsen Korea, the September 22 broadcast of tvN’s Monday-Tuesday drama “Shin’s Project” recorded an average nationwide viewership rating of 8 percent and a peak of 9.5 percent, making it the highest-rated tvN Monday-Tuesday drama of 2025. This milestone proves that audiences are hungry for authentic storytelling with a perfect blend of comedy and heart.

Shin’s Project: Record-Breaking Success Metrics

What Makes “Shin’s Project” So Special?

A comedy drama about a negotiation expert, President Shin, who intervenes as a mediator to resolve disputes and problems between people. The series stars Han Suk-kyu as Mr. Shin, a former top-class negotiator who now runs a fried chicken restaurant while secretly helping resolve neighborhood conflicts.

The Unique Premise:

• Surface Story: Ordinary chicken shop owner in a small town
• Hidden Truth: Expert negotiator with exceptional verbal skills
• Mission: Mediating disputes and fighting injustice
• Setting: Chicken shops carry cultural weight — they are gathering places, comfort food outlets, and often linked with resilience after economic hardship

The Star Power Behind the Success

Han Suk-kyu as Mr. Shin: He has an outgoing and generous personality and speaks articulately. He is a neighborhood negotiator, who always appears when disputes occur between neighbors and mediates their disputes. The veteran actor’s return to television after “The Haunted Palace” has clearly resonated with audiences.

Supporting Cast Excellence:

• Bae Hyun-sung: Rising star bringing youthful energy
• Lee Re: Adding emotional depth to the ensemble
• Kim Sang-ho: Veteran character actor enhancing authenticity

Why the Ratings Keep Climbing

The drama’s success stems from its perfect balance of several elements that Korean audiences crave:

Relatable Storytelling: Every episode tackles real-world problems that viewers face in their daily lives, from landlord disputes to family conflicts.

Authentic Characters: Shin is not a saint. Each carries a side that bends lines. Yet, that messiness may be what makes the drama worth watching

Cultural Resonance: The chicken restaurant setting taps into deeply familiar Korean cultural touchstones, creating instant emotional connection.

Perfect Timing: Breaking its own ratings high, the drama took first place across all channels, including public broadcasters, in its time slot

The Competition Landscape

While “Shin’s Project” dominates Monday-Tuesday nights, it’s worth noting the broader ratings context. Meanwhile, ENA’s “My Troublesome Star” scored an average nationwide rating of 3.9 percent for its 11th episode, showing that tvN’s strategic programming is paying off significantly.

What This Success Means for K-Drama Industry

Genre Revival: The success proves that well-crafted comedy-dramas still have massive audience appeal in an era dominated by thrillers and romances.

Star Power Validation: Han Suk-kyu’s drawing power remains strong, encouraging other veteran actors to return to television.

Network Strategy: tvN’s Monday-Tuesday slot has found its winning formula after “Love Take Two.”

Streaming and Global Reach

The series is also available for streaming on Viu in Singapore, Malaysia and other selected regions, ensuring international audiences can experience this record-breaking phenomenon.

For more K-drama ratings analysis and trending series coverage, explore our tvN drama reviews and Korean entertainment ratings. Stay updated with our comedy-drama recommendations for similar viewing experiences.

What’s Next for “Shin’s Project”?

With momentum building and ratings climbing, the series is positioned to potentially break even more records. The combination of Han Suk-kyu’s masterful performance and the show’s authentic storytelling suggests this success story is far from over.

Industry Impact:

• Network Confidence: tvN likely extending similar programming strategies
• Actor Comeback Inspiration: More veterans may consider television returns
• Genre Influence: Expect more comedy-dramas in development pipelines

The drama’s success also highlights how Korean audiences appreciate content that balances entertainment with meaningful social commentary, wrapped in accessible, everyday settings.

Stay connected with TechnoSports for the latest K-drama ratings updates, series reviews, and comprehensive coverage of Korean entertainment’s biggest success stories.

FAQs