Courtesy of KBS2 ‘Malja Show’

‘Malja Show’ has broken through the 3% ratings barrier, standing tall as a new powerhouse in Monday night variety.

The KBS2 ‘Malja Show’ broadcast on the 2nd recorded a nationwide rating of 3.1% (Nielsen Korea), setting a new personal best. At the same time, it ranked No. 1 in its time slot among terrestrial broadcasters. From its pilot through its regular run, ‘Malja Show’ has steadily trended upward, firmly cementing its status as a ‘Monday blues cure’.

■ Kim Young-hee’s unfiltered candor

The top driver behind the rise of ‘Malja Show’ is undoubtedly ‘Grandma Malja’, Kim Young-hee. She does not stop at simply listening to concerns; by sharing her private life without filters, she opens the hearts of the audience. In the ‘breadwinner’ special on the 2nd, Kim revealed that she, too, has played the role of breadwinner from childhood to now. She went on to share intimate episodes with her husband, who is 10 years younger, building empathy with viewers.

In an earlier broadcast, Kim spoke candidly about the time when her image fell due to family issues and the worries she had then, offering the heartfelt comfort, “It is okay to stay where you are. If you keep walking, the ground will become fertile,” which brought the audience to tears. She has also opted for a head-on approach in every episode, using her own ‘black history’, including a grueling four-year unrequited love story and subtle conflicts with her mother, as both material for laughter and tools for empathy.

■ ‘Grandma Malja’ steps into the audience…real communication without boundaries

A differentiated format that breaks down the boundary between stage and audience is also a factor in its success. Each episode, Kim goes down into the seats to accept audience concerns on the spot and propose solutions. At times she delivers bracing scoldings that provide catharsis, and at times she offers rough-hewn comfort, holding the hand of the person sharing their story and shedding tears together.

Although it competes in a time slot filled with strong programs, ‘Malja Show’ has placed its bet on down-to-earth, human stories rather than sensational setups. That bet came back as a report card of a 3.1% rating and No. 1 in its time slot among terrestrial networks. By tackling realistic concerns around uslate-in-life childcare by grandparents, a fresh start for an unknown actor, and communication breakdowns within familiesit has effectively secured a loyal, cross-generational audience.

The ‘Malja Show’ production team said, “Thanks to audience members who candidly lay out their worries in front of many people, ratings have been steadily trending upward,” adding, “We will continue to strive to be a forum that delivers unpretentious laughter and warm comfort.”

Meanwhile, ‘Malja Show’, featuring the uninhibited wit and warm comfort of ‘Grandma Malja’ Kim Young-hee, airs every Monday at 10 p.m.