Now in its second week, MBC’s Hero is facing a tough road with very low ratings even as viewers are praising the drama.

The low numbers are somewhat understandable this week, since IRIS is going strong and You’re Beautiful went out on a high note with an 11.9%. Considering that it entered this three-way fray at the very end, it would have been surprising if Hero drew high numbers. Still, its 3.9% rating for Thursday’s broadcast has to hurt. (Its ratings have been on a downward trend, starting with a 5.4%, followed by a 4.9%, 4.4%, and then the 3.9%.)

Lee Junki has drawn positive criticism for his acting, but contrary to expectations, his name recognition has not had the desired effect. A source with the drama said, “Because the dramas on the other stations are strong, we had expected the early portion to face difficulty. We think that because the plot is entertaining and the acting is good, after You’re Beautiful ends, the viewer ratings will gradually rise.”

On the other hand, the viewers who are watching are responding very positively. Lee Junki’s romantic storyline with Yoon So-yi is starting to develop, as is the battle between top-tier newspaper Daese Ilbo versus Lee Junki’s team of underdogs at Yongdeok Ilbo.

Next week’s ratings should be the determining factor to whether Hero sinks or swims. Unfortunately, I don’t think things look good for the production. On the upside, I did feel a cautious optimism about its story after watching the first two episodes, and hear that things improve afterward.

source: joy news
Translations: dramabeans

awww ;
it's true , , you're beautiful and iris are doing super well right now .
but since you're beautiful is almost done , and wrapping up , hopefully hero will get more attention (:

seems like it was MBC down moment..HTTG did not had great ratings despite all the praise to Yunho..and i expect Hero to have good ratings since Junki is in..

anyway, ratings dont speak for all..
go junki!! i will still support you..if only my view were counted...

Are all three shows airing at the same time? If so, then yeah, is understandable that the other two would have better footing, seeing as they have a larger fanbase...I think.

i haven't watched this but i really hope they gain more popularity coz i know they really exerted too much effort for this. thinking that they have to re-shoot everything.