Kim Nam-gil's Fiery Resolve in 'The Fiery Priest 2' Hits Record Ratings

In the latest episode of SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'The Fiery Priest 2' (열혈사제2), which aired on November 23, Kim Nam-gil's character, Kim Hae-il, confronted a shocking scene of a burning statue of the Virgin Mary, igniting a powerful emotional response. This gripping moment elevated the tension of the episode, which achieved a nationwide viewership rating of 12.8%, peaking at 15.2%, marking its highest ratings to date. Additionally, it secured the top spot among all Saturday programs for the 2049 demographic with a rating of 3.8%.

The episode delved into the mysterious death of Grandma Song (송할머니), portrayed by Byeon Jung-hee, as Kim Hae-il unraveled a conspiracy involving a drug cartel. Suspicions of poisoning or overdose surrounded her death, and Kim Hae-il's fury grew as he faced the police's attempts to cover up the truth. Determined to uncover the facts, he discovered traces of the drug organization at the location where Grandma Song worked. Alongside Gu Dae-young (구대영) and Gu Ja-young (구자영), he initiated a stakeout. However, they soon realized that the drugs they had seized were counterfeit, prompting Kim Hae-il to devise an undercover operation. Enraged by the police's handling of Grandma Song's remains, he vowed to fight against the 'demons' and planned to use a lookalike fugitive to infiltrate the real organization, heightening the suspense.

As the episode concluded, Kim Hae-il was left in despair and rage upon witnessing the Virgin Mary statue engulfed in flames. Observing from a distance, Kim Hong-sik (김홍식) chillingly remarked, "Welcome to hell, Father," showcasing his villainous presence. Kim Hae-il's shocked reaction to the burning statue has left viewers eager to see how he will retaliate and whether he can triumph over the forces of evil in the upcoming episodes.