'That Guy is the Black Dragon' shows a dramatic rise in viewership with its 'tear-jerking drama' charm and continues the popularity of 'Sunjai Up and Jump' and 'Jungnyeon.'
The tvN drama 'That Guy is the Black Dragon' (directed by Lee Soo-hyun, written by Kim Soo-yeon, produced by Studio N, planned by Studio Dragon) is an office romance that revolves around the 'Deputy Minister killer' team leader Baek Soo-jung, who is tormented by a first love that has become a dark history, and 'chaebol third generation' Deputy Minister Ban Ju-yeon, who hides his true self as the Black Dragon. This story captures the soft reunion of the two, who left behind the worst connection since meeting in an online game during their childhood.
The 6th episode of 'That Guy is the Black Dragon' surpassed 5%, setting a new highest viewership rating every week and drawing attention with its steep rise. (Based on Nielsen Korea paid platform) It particularly joins the lineage of tvN hit dramas that created a syndrome by adapting web novels and webtoons into new content, breaking its own highest ratings every day. The unique characters interpreted from the webtoon, the adorable attraction added by CG direction, and the varied chemistry among the characters have made it rise as a 'tear-jerking drama.'
The chemistry of the 'Strawberry Dragon' couple, led by Moon Ga-young (Baek Soo-jung) and Choi Hyun-wook (Ban Ju-yeon), whose visuals seem to have jumped out of a webtoon, is further fueling the steep rise of 'That Guy is the Black Dragon.' The two, who do not know they are each other's first love from dark history, ignite the sparks of an office romance, grabbing the viewers' hearts. As Soo-jung slowly becomes infatuated with Ju-yeon while learning about his secret, Ju-yeon’s desire to imprint himself as a 'man' in Soo-jung's mind stirs up excitement among the audience. Especially, after Ju-yeon’s surprise kiss in the 5th episode, his reckless rush to Soo-jung, forgetting the risk of the Black Dragon's secret being exposed, announces the birth of the bold younger Deputy Minister and heightens the appeal of the older-younger couple, further thrilling the viewers.
Additionally, the cute and delicate direction using CG adds to the enjoyment of the drama. Starting with CG that brings the game to life, the direction that places adorable CG in just the right spots has captivated the audience. When Ju-yeon reveals his PC password and says, "Ore wa akumada (I am the evil one)," the CG expressing the devil wings and horns sprouting from Ju-yeon's head and back, along with CG showing Ju-yeon feeling good while drinking chocolate milk with a smiley emoji, have amplified the charm of the younger Deputy Minister Yeom-ryong. Furthermore, the scene where Ju-yeon reads a comic book, recalling Soo-jung and Shinwon (played by Kwak Si-yang) and feeling jealousy, was expressed like a cut from a cartoon and has become a trending scene, bringing laughter.
Meanwhile, the chemistry among the characters surrounding Soo-jung and Ju-yeon is also one of the reasons for the popularity of 'That Guy is the Black Dragon.' The sister-like chemistry between Soo-jung and Ha-jin (played by Lim Se-mi), whom she met through a game, and the relatable chemistry with the planning team members of Yongseong Department Store, Jun-su (played by Kim Woo-kyum) and Nana (played by Lim Young-joo), has evoked familiarity. Most notably, Ju-yeon’s secretary, Head of Team In-gyeong (played by Kim Young-ah), maintains a strict superior-subordinate relationship with Ju-yeon but adds delightful humor by offering advice on her romantic worries. Additionally, the love line between the sweet man Shinwon and free-spirited Ha-jin also piques the viewers' interest.
Thus, the growing chemistry between Moon Ga-young and Choi Hyun-wook, the cute and delicate direction that enhances immersion in the drama, and the relational dynamics among the characters have not only led to a dramatic rise in viewership but also heightened expectations for 'That Guy is the Black Dragon,' which has captured public attention both domestically and internationally.
The tvN drama 'That Guy is the Black Dragon' airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 p.m.
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