MBC ‘21st Century Grand Consort’. Provided by Disney+ Korea.

MBC’s Friday-Saturday drama ‘21st Century Grand Consort’ has renewed its own highest ratings despite a wave of harsh reviews.

Episode 9, which aired on the 8th, posted 11.9% in the Seoul metropolitan area, 11.7% nationwide, and 5.1% among 2049 viewers (Nielsen Korea), setting a new series high. The minute-by-minute peak reached 13.4%, and it ranked first among all Friday programs nationwide, in the metro area, and among 2049 viewers, achieving a ‘triple crown’.

From its early run, ‘21st Century Grand Consort’ has been dogged by controversy over the leads’ performances, direction, and visuals.

Columnist Jeong Seok-hee pointed out, “Both the work’s quality and the acting fall short of expectations,” adding, “The distinctive historical-drama aesthetics of MBC failed to come alive.” He then compared it to the drama ‘Gung’, saying both the monarchy setup and the visuals had regressed.

He also assessed the monarchy framework and character construction, saying, “It seems the board was set around the protagonists with overseas markets in mind rather than the domestic one,” and, “As a result, the plot flows monotonously, and the absence of veteran actors reduces its gravitas.”

Nevertheless, the drama’s ratings continue to rise. Online as well, there is a growing trend of positive reactions such as “IU’s tearful acting is impressive,” “Their romance is heart-fluttering,” and “I’m watching the reruns and even catching the live broadcast.”

Some are calling it “a representative case where online community sentiment differs from actual ratings.” Despite harsh reviews from critics and viewers, ‘21st Century Grand Consort’ continues its surge in viewership.