New Korean Drama 'Chief Detective 1958' Breaks MBC Ratings Record with Premiere Episode

The highly anticipated Korean drama series 'Chief Detective 1958' premiered on MBC on Friday, April 19, 2024, shattering records with its debut episode. The series achieved a national average rating of 10.1 percent, marking the highest premiere rating for any Friday-Saturday drama in MBC's history. The episode peaked at an impressive 12.4 percent.

'Chief Detective 1958' serves as a prequel to the classic crime drama 'Chief Inspector', which aired on MBC from 1971 to 1989 and achieved peak ratings of 70 percent "The new Korean drama series 'Chief Detective 1958' on MBC broke records with its premiere episode on Friday, April 19, 2024, achieving a national average rating of 10.1 percent, the highest debut rating for any Friday-Saturday drama in MBC history. The series is a prequel to the classic Korean drama 'Chief Inspector,' which ran for 18 years from 1971 to 1989."

Set in 1958 Seoul, the series follows the story of Detective Park Young-han, played by Lee Je-hoon, a passionate detective who goes up against corruption with his colleagues. Young-han transfers to Seoul's Jongnam Police Station's investigation department, where he uncovers the dark side of his profession and the corruption within the system. The first episode introduces key characters including the 'crazy dog' detective Kim Sang-sun, played by Lee Dong-hwi, and the polite yet strong detective Cho Kyun-hwan, portrayed by Choi Woo-sung.

Why this matters: The record-breaking premiere of 'Chief Detective 1958' demonstrates the enduring popularity and appeal of well-crafted Korean dramas. As a prequel to a beloved classic series, the show's success highlights the ability of Korean storytellers to captivate audiences across generations by exploring compelling themes and characters.

Despite facing competition from another drama, 'The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection', airing in the same time slot, 'Chief Detective 1958' emerged as the most-watched program of any kind on Friday. The series is written by Kim Young-shin and directed by Kim Seong-hoon. It airs every Friday and Saturday at 21:50 (KST) on MBC TV and is also available for streaming on Disney+ in selected regions.

The premiere episode concluded with a confrontation between Young-han, Sang-sun, and their corrupt colleagues, leaving Young-han unconscious. Viewers praised the show's nostalgic portrayal of Korea in the late 1950s and the performances of the cast. 'Chief Detective 1958' is poised to take viewers on a thrilling and entertaining journey as Detective Park Young-han and his team fight against a corrupted society using their innate sense, insight, and tenacity in an era before modern investigative tools.

Key Takeaways

• Korean drama 'Chief Detective 1958' premiered on MBC, setting a new ratings record.
• The series is a prequel to the classic 'Chief Inspector' drama, set in 1958 Seoul.
• The show follows Detective Park Young-han's fight against corruption in the police force.
• 'Chief Detective 1958' outperformed another drama in the same time slot.
• The premiere episode received praise for its nostalgic portrayal and cast performances.