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Korea’s favorite TV shows

January 3, 2014

Infinite Challenge, followed by Princess Aurora: Gallup Korea poll

Cast of Infinite Challenge (from left) - Gil, Ha Ha, Yoo Jae-suk, Park Myeong-soo, Noh Hong-chul, Jeong Jun-ha, Jeonng Hyung-don. (Newsis)

The cast of Infinite Challenge (from left) includes Gil, Ha Ha, Yoo Jae-suk, Park Myeong-soo, Noh Hong-chul, Jeong Jun-ha, and Jeonng Hyung-don. (Newsis)

By Lee Kyutae

Koreans’ favorite TV programs are the “Infinite Challenge” (무한도전), followed by recently ended drama series “Princess Aurora” (오로라 공주), despite being under heavy criticism throughout its 150 episodes, according a Gallup Korea survey.

Both shows are distributed and syndicated by Korea’s Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC).

The results came from a Gallup Korea poll conducted December 16-19. A total of 1,207 people in Korea, at least 19-years of age and older, were asked about their favorite TV programs, and MBC’s Infinite Challenge again came in first at 10.4%.

Infinite Challenge was at the top of the poll every month last year, except in February, and its rating was the highest in October with 13%.

Princess Aurora aired its 150th and final episode on December 20, 2013. (Newsis)

Princess Aurora aired its 150th and final episode on December 20, 2013. (Newsis)

Infinite Challenge was most popular among adults in their 20s and students.

The only other program to hit the double-digit mark last year was “My daughter Seoyoung” on Korea Broadcasting System 2 (KBS2). “My daughter Seoyoung” – starring Lee Bo-young, Lee Sang-yoon, and Chun Ho-jin – came in second in January with 10.6%, and actually topped Infinite Challenge in February with 12.2%.

Finishing the year in a distant second, at 5.3%, was Princess Aurora. The controversial drama had to endure countless numbers of changes in actors and actresses – having to send off many characters by death or exile to another country – and constant ridicule for its unrealistic plot.

With strong support from housewives, and the women over-60 group, Princess Aurora made the Top 10 list for seven consecutive months.

The third place slot (4.4%) went to the cable channel tvN drama “Reply 1994” (응답하라 1994). SBS-TV’s “Running Man” and MBC’s “Dad! Where are we going?” (아빠! 어디 가?) settled for 3.9% and 3.4%, respectively.