'Treasure Island' Breaks Its Own Viewership Record Again

'Treasure Island' (보물섬) has once again set a new record for its highest viewership ratings. According to Nielsen Korea, the 14th episode of the SBS Friday-Saturday drama, which aired on April 4, achieved a remarkable 14% in the metropolitan area and 13.4% nationwide, surpassing its previous best. This impressive figure makes it the top-rated program in its time slot across all channels, as well as the highest-rated show for the week. The peak viewership soared to 15.7%, breaking through the significant 15% barrier, while the ratings for the 2049 demographic reached 3.5%, also ranking first in its time slot. 'Treasure Island' is racing towards its climax, both in terms of story and viewership.

In this episode, the character Yeom Jang-seon (염장선), played by Heo Jun-ho, puts Seo Dong-joo (서동주) and Heo Il-do (허일도) in a precarious situation as they finally discover their father-son relationship. The shocking moment when Heo Il-do collapses and Seo Dong-joo's stunned reaction highlights the tragic fate of this father-son duo.

Previously, Heo Il-do had resolved to kill Seo Dong-joo using a gun given to him by Yeom Jang-seon. However, before meeting Heo Il-do, Seo Dong-joo learns the shocking truth that Heo Il-do is his biological father. The villain Yeom Jang-seon eagerly anticipates the brutal reunion between the two and even sends Seo Dong-joo the results of a DNA test.

In a tense moment, Seo Dong-joo provocatively points a gun at his own head, saying, 'Go ahead, shoot me, Father.' Yeom Jang-seon then reveals to Heo Il-do that Seo Dong-joo is indeed his son, leaving Heo Il-do in disbelief. The situation escalates when Heo Il-do's other son, Heo Tae-yoon (허태윤), arrives, momentarily diffusing the tension. Once again, Yeom Jang-seon fails in his attempt to kill Seo Dong-joo.

The shocking revelation plunges Heo Il-do into despair. Seo Dong-joo, grappling with complex emotions, tells Heo Il-do, 'Even if I knew you were my father, I would have killed you.' Their exchange, filled with disbelief and pain, evokes sympathy as they inflict emotional wounds on each other.

Following this, Heo Il-do vows to retaliate against Yeom Jang-seon, marking the first time he stands up to him since succumbing to his influence in college. He warns Yeom Jang-seon, 'How much pleasure did you derive from inciting a father to kill his son? It’s time to erase the demon Yeom Jang-seon from my life.'

In response, Yeom Jang-seon stirs up trouble for Cha Gang-cheon (차강천), the chairman of Daesan Group, revealing that Seo Dong-joo has taken 2 trillion won from him and that he is the biological son of Heo Il-do. Cha Gang-cheon, who has just welcomed an illegitimate child into the Daesan family, becomes anxious about potentially losing the group to Seo Dong-joo and Heo Il-do, playing right into Yeom Jang-seon's hands.

Ultimately, Cha Gang-cheon gathers Seo Dong-joo and Heo Il-do in one place, where Yeom Jang-seon sends Jo Yang-chun (조양춘) to create chaos. Unaware of the impending danger, Seo Dong-joo and Heo Il-do finally open up to each other. Their conversation, filled with the pull of blood ties, is abruptly interrupted when Jo Yang-chun attacks them.

In the ensuing chaos, Heo Il-do saves Seo Dong-joo, but they both fall from the second floor with Jo Yang-chun. The episode concludes with Seo Dong-joo in shock, witnessing the fall, setting the stage for a fierce desire for revenge against the ultimate villain, Yeom Jang-seon.

As 'Treasure Island' enters its final chapters, the plot has reached an unprecedented level of intensity. The performances by Park Hyung-sik (박형식), Heo Jun-ho, and Lee Hae-young (이해영) have significantly enhanced this gripping narrative. Viewers are left captivated, as the 60-minute episodes seem to fly by. With only three episodes remaining, anticipation for 'Treasure Island' continues to build.

The 14th episode of 'Treasure Island' is set to air on April 5 at 9:50 PM.