Have you noticed how every weekend lately feels like a mini K-drama showdown?
Two big titles — SBS’s Would You Marry Me and MBC’s Moon River — are currently stealing all the spotlight. One is riding a wave of skyrocketing ratings, and the other is just starting but already making noise.
So, what’s really happening in this ratings race? Let’s break it all down — drama, romance, numbers, and everything in between.
Would You Marry Me: The Unstoppable Rom-Com That Keeps Winning Hearts
SBS’s Would You Marry Me is proving week after week that a well-crafted romantic comedy can still dominate primetime. Starring Choi Woo-shik and Jung So-min, this drama has gone from a cute slow burn to a full-blown national favorite.
According to Nielsen Korea, the drama’s latest episode recorded an impressive 7.9% nationwide rating, becoming the most-watched Saturday mini-series of the night. Among viewers aged 20 to 49 — the key demographic every network wants — it scored 2.4%, topping all other programs in its slot.
But that’s not all. The earlier episode, which aired in late October, had already hit a personal best of 9.1% nationwide — and even higher in the capital region with 7.8%. With these numbers, Would You Marry Me isn’t just winning its time slot — it’s leading the whole Friday-Saturday K-drama lineup.
The Secret Behind Its Success – Romance, Chemistry, and Real Emotions
So, what’s making Would You Marry Me such a huge hit?
Let’s be real — it’s all about that irresistible chemistry between Choi Woo-shik (as Kim Woo-joo) and Jung So-min (as Yoo Meeri).
Their “fake marriage” setup has slowly turned into something deeper and more heartfelt. The recent episodes have shown Woo-joo’s growing affection toward Meeri, filled with those little moments that make K-drama fans squeal — a soft hand wipe, an unexpected hug, and that emotional double rainbow scene where both made wishes for each other.
Woo-joo’s gentle confession — “May the wish of this woman, who becomes my emergency exit at every dead end, be fulfilled” — left viewers emotional. It’s the kind of romantic writing that makes you hit replay again and again.
The emotional depth of the show also comes from its balance of humor and heartbreak. The script doesn’t rush the romance — it lets the leads evolve, their relationship growing naturally through shared pain and gentle support. Viewers feel the sincerity behind each moment, and that’s exactly why the show continues to trend online week after week.
Global Love — Netflix & Disney+ Boost
Beyond South Korea, Would You Marry Me is winning hearts globally.
As of early November 2025, the show ranked #3 worldwide on the Disney+ TV Show chart (FlixPatrol) — an incredible feat for a romantic comedy that started with modest expectations.
International fans have been praising its relatable characters and emotional pacing, comparing it to classics like Business Proposal and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.
The eighth episode even crossed the 10% ratings mark, peaking at 10.9%, showing that the hype isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Moon River: The New Fantasy Drama That’s Turning Heads
Now, let’s talk about the newest player in the weekend lineup — MBC’s Moon River, starring Kang Tae-oh and Kim Se-jeong.
This historical fantasy romance premiered on November 7, 2025, and it’s already making headlines for all the right reasons. The debut episode recorded an average nationwide rating of 3.8%, which is higher than To The Moon (its predecessor in the same time slot) ever managed.
That’s a promising start for a new series on a channel that’s been struggling with single-digit ratings recently.
The Story — Soul Swap With A Twist
Moon River is not your typical historical drama.
It follows a crown prince who has lost his laughter and a bounty hunter who has lost her memory — two completely different lives that suddenly collide when they swap souls.
It’s an emotional yet funny setup, mixing Joseon-era politics with magical realism. Kang Tae-oh plays Crown Prince Lee Kang, while Kim Se-jeong stars as Park Dal-i, a free-spirited woman from a low social class.
The two must now live each other’s lives — and in that process, find empathy, laughter, and unexpected love.
Behind The Scenes — Pressure & Preparation
MBC has placed big hopes on Moon River.
After a string of underperforming dramas, including To The Moon and Crushology 101, Moon River is considered the network’s comeback project of 2025.
Kang Tae-oh, returning from military service, said in interviews that he felt the “weight of expectations” but was determined to deliver. Both he and Kim Se-jeong reportedly spent weeks studying each other’s speech patterns and mannerisms to make the “soul swap” feel believable on screen.
Their teamwork shows — fans are already praising their chemistry and emotional performances.
The Ratings Race: Moon River vs Would You Marry Me
Here’s where things get interesting.
- Would You Marry Me (SBS): Peaked at 10.9%, currently leading with around 7.9%
- Moon River (MBC): Started strong at 3.8%, holding steady with 3.7% for its second episode
While SBS clearly leads for now, Moon River’s early numbers are encouraging — especially considering MBC’s previous lineup struggled to cross even 2%.
In short, Would You Marry Me is the reigning king of weekend romance, while Moon River is the promising newcomer quietly building momentum.
What Viewers Are Saying
Social media is buzzing with reactions every weekend.
Fans of Would You Marry Me can’t get enough of Choi Woo-shik’s charming, boy-next-door energy and Jung So-min’s grounded emotional acting. Hashtags like #WooJooAndMeeri and #WouldYouMarryMeEp9 trend every Saturday.
Meanwhile, Moon River fans are loving the fantasy elements and the fresh chemistry between Kang Tae-oh and Kim Se-jeong. Clips of their “body swap” scenes are going viral on TikTok, with viewers praising the actors’ attention to detail.
What’s Next?
With only two episodes aired, Moon River has plenty of room to grow. Its unique premise, strong leads, and emotional storytelling could easily attract more viewers once word-of-mouth kicks in.
On the other hand, Would You Marry Me is entering its final stretch — and fans are bracing for the finale. Will Woo-joo and Meeri finally get their happy ending? Considering how steady the ratings climb has been, it’s safe to say the finale could break new records.
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Final Thoughts
The November 2025 weekend ratings war has turned into one of the most exciting showdowns of the year.
- Would You Marry Me is shining bright with soaring ratings, heartfelt romance, and unbeatable chemistry.
- Moon River, though new, is already giving MBC a much-needed ratings boost and proving that fantasy historical dramas still have a special charm.
At the end of the day, both shows are winning in their own ways — one leading with numbers, the other with potential.
And for us K-drama fans? We’re the real winners — getting romance, fantasy, and emotional storytelling all packed into one unforgettable weekend lineup.
