[HanCinema's News] KBS Commits to Costume Dramas by Airing "The Matchmakers" Alongside "Korea-Khitan War"

On October 30th, KBS begain airing "The Matchmakers" in its Monday/Tuesday evening slot. The Joseon-era matchmaking drama has performed modestly, earning ratings of 3.9% in its fourth episode, down from 4.5% in its premiere. But with the premiere of "Korea-Khitan War" on November 11th with ratings of 5.5%, KBS is making a calculated guess- that there are so many fans of costume dramas, KBS can brand itself on them.

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In contrast to some of the better known costume dramas of recent years, neither "The Matchmakers" nor "Korea-Khitan War" have very strong hooks or twists. "The Matchmakers" describes itself as a comic melodrama, while "Korea-Khitan War" is so unapologetically about the setting of the war and palace politics that none of its stars are in especially strong focus. These are old-fashioned projects, where the genre conventions themselves are intended to be the selling point.

Due to the lack of flashy marketing, neither drama is available worldwide for streaming distribution on major platforms, instead appearing on Viu and Rakuten Viki. Whether all South Korean dramas should be competing for such high profile branding, however, is an open question. There's certainly no denying that, unfashionable as these kinds of historical dramas may be, for fans of the genre, there haven't been many airing lately for this very same reason.

Written by William Schwartz

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"The Matchmakers" is directed by Hwang Seung-gi, Kim Soo-jin-VIII, written by Ha Soo-jin, and features Rowoon, Cho Yi-hyun, Park Ji-young, Jo Han-chul, Lee Hae-young-I, Choi Hee-jin. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023/10/30~Now airing, Mon, Tue 21:45 on KBS.

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"Korea-Khitan War" is directed by Jeon Woo-seong, Kim Han-sol, written by Lee Jeong-woo-III, and features Kim Dong-jun, Ji Seung-hyun, Choi Soo-jong, Lee Shi-ah, Ha Seung-ri, Jo Ryun. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023/11/11~Now airing, Sat, Sun 21:25 on KBS.