JTBC's '옥씨부인전' Receives Acclaim for Unique Storytelling

The JTBC weekend drama '옥씨부인전' (The Lady Oksun), written by 박지숙 and directed by 진혁 and 최보윤, has garnered positive reviews both domestically and internationally since its premiere. The show is not only boosting channel ratings but also receiving favorable responses on global platforms like Netflix, showcasing the potential of the historical drama genre.

'옥씨부인전' reinterprets traditional Korean themes with a modern twist. Unlike typical historical dramas that focus on the lives of the ruling class, this series centers on the lives of slaves and their real-life struggles, setting it apart from its predecessors. The protagonist, 구덕이 (played by 임지연), embarks on a journey to overcome the limitations of her birth status and discover her true self, resonating deeply with viewers.

Thanks to its distinctive narrative, '옥씨부인전' started with a viewership rating of 4.2% in its first episode and has steadily climbed to 8.1% in the metropolitan area and 7.8% nationwide by the third episode (based on paid platform data). Notably, despite a news special causing a delay in airing on December 7, the third episode on December 8 still achieved high ratings, indicating a strong viewer interest.

The series has also received an impressive rating of 8.3 on IMDb, reflecting its positive reception. Furthermore, it entered the Netflix Global Top 10 TV (non-English) list, ranking 8th globally and making it into the top 10 in eight countries, including Indonesia and Vietnam, from December 2 to 8. This success highlights how '옥씨부인전' has struck a chord with audiences both in Korea and abroad through its innovative storytelling.

An SLL representative stated, "The early success and global popularity of '옥씨부인전' demonstrate the potential of the historical drama genre. We will continue to focus on planning and developing high-quality content to ensure that historical dramas can be consistently produced in the global market."

Additionally, '옥씨부인전' was selected for both the 2023 Korean Content Promotion Agency's broadcasting video content planning proposal and the 2024 production support project, further affirming its quality and completeness.