Kim Soo Hyun’s Controversy Blamed for G-Dragon’s “Good Day” Show Ratings Slump

MBC’s exciting variety show Good Day, hosted by BIGBANG’s G-Dragon, had high hopes for a successful run, thanks to its star-studded cast, which included Jung Hae In, Im Siwan, Lee Soo Hyuk, and Kwanghee. Unfortunately, despite a promising premiere, the show’s ratings plummeted, closing its run with its lowest rating yet — just 2.7 percent. Many fans and critics point to a significant factor behind this decline: the controversy surrounding Kim Soo Hyun.

The show initially generated excitement due to G-Dragon’s return to variety television, a major event for fans. Along with a carefully curated cast and a fresh concept, the show’s launch seemed set to dominate. However, despite its strong beginnings, things took a turn when Kim Soo Hyun became involved in a scandal.

The Kim Soo Hyun Controversy and Its Impact on Ratings

Kim Soo Hyun, a guest star on the show, found himself at the center of a controversy regarding his alleged past relationship with the late Kim Sae Ron, who was reportedly only 15 years old when the relationship allegedly began in 2015. The allegations intensified as the show aired, and viewers began expressing their discontent.

Despite the backlash, the show initially continued to feature Kim Soo Hyun, causing the ratings to dip even further. In response, the production team made the decision to heavily edit and remove his scenes from the broadcast. However, these actions were not enough to prevent the ongoing decline in viewership.

Efforts to Salvage the Show

Despite taking significant steps to reduce the controversy’s impact — including skipping a week’s broadcast and eliminating Kim Soo Hyun’s individual recording sessions — the ratings did not recover. Viewers continued to voice their dissatisfaction, with many demanding Kim Soo Hyun’s complete removal from the show.

As a result, his scenes were completely cut from subsequent episodes, and the show’s premise was overshadowed by the scandal. The decision to edit out Kim Soo Hyun’s footage did little to restore the show’s reputation, and the final ratings were disappointing.

Conclusion: The Fallout from the Scandal

While Good Day had the potential to be a major success, the controversy surrounding Kim Soo Hyun significantly impacted its reception. Despite its promising cast and G-Dragon’s involvement, the show failed to maintain its initial momentum. The ratings disaster highlights how a celebrity scandal can affect not just the public’s perception of an individual but the success of an entire production.