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[HanCinema's News] "Arthdal Chronicles" Underperforms Its 45 Million Dollar Budget

On June 15th "Arthdal Chronicles" hit its lowest point yet in the ratings, 5.787% in its fifth episode. Even granting its rebound to 7.226% the following night, the drama's performance has been quite poor relative to the high quantity of money invested in it.

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While the drama has received its fair share of aesthetic criticisms, that can't provide a full explanation for the poor performance of "Arthdal Chronicles", as even the drama's premiere started out at only 6.729%. The entire project appears to be a misappraisal of the current market. Though a historical drama, "Arthdal Chronicles" has relatively little political content, being set in an ancient proto state. This may be a critical, unrecognized source of the genre's popularity.

The production of "Arthdal Chronicles" may also have overestimated the drawing power of its lead star Song Joong-ki, particularly as Jang Dong-gun's character has taken on increasing importance in the narrative. It's also possible that the ratings are not as bad as they appear - "Arthdal Chronicles" is not necessarily aimed at the terrestrial South Korean market, and success may be defined more by the on-demand and international markets.

Written by William Schwartz

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"Arthdal Chronicles" is directed by Kim Won-seok, written by Kim Yeong-hyeon, Park Sang-yeon, and features Jang Dong-gun, Song Joong-ki, Kim Ji-won, Kim Ok-vin, Kim Eui-sung, Park Hae-joon. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2019/06/01~Now airing, Sat, Sun 21:00 on tvN.

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