Kim Hee-sun, transformed into a 'Gyeongdan Woman' records 1.9% viewership for the premiere of 'There Is No Next Life'

The new TV Chosun drama 'There Is No Next Life' premiered on the 10th, recording a viewership rating of 1.9% (nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea), marking a stable start. The viewership rating in the metropolitan area was 2.2%, with a peak rating of 2.6%, confirming the audience's strong interest.

This drama features actors Kim Hee-sun, Han Hye-jin, and Jin Seo-yeon as friends in their forties, depicting the stories of modern women who continue to experience life's dilemmas and growing pains even after reaching middle age. In particular, Kim Hee-sun transformed from a show host with a past salary in the millions to a Gyeongdan woman with a six-year career break, delivering a realistic performance.

In the first episode, the exhausting 41st birthday of Jo Na-jung (played by Kim Hee-sun) was portrayed. Na-jung, who is tired from raising two sons and dealing with solo parenting, finds herself drained even at her birthday party with friends, overwhelmed by the kids. After receiving a 'designer apron' as a birthday gift from her husband, Na-jung exploded, saying, "I want to work again," while shedding tears.

Co-starring Han Hye-jin plays the role of Gu Joo-young, the planning director of the art center, expressing the struggles of hidden pregnancy issues behind a perfect life in a multi-dimensional way. Jin Seo-yeon plays the role of Lee Il-ri, the deputy editor of a magazine, successfully in her career but unable to be cool in love, delivering a convincing performance.

In particular, the ending of the first episode, where Na-jung unexpectedly reunites with her school rival Yang Mi-sook (played by Han Ji-hye) as a landlord, declaring, "I decided to work. Sweet Home Shopping," heightened expectations for the second episode. The realistic performances of the three actors drew enthusiastic responses from viewers, saying, "This is totally my story," and "Their acting skills are really amazing."

'There Is No Next Life' is a collaboration between writer Shin Yi-won of 'Green Mothers' Club' and director Kim Jung-min of 'The Princess's Man', airing every Monday and Tuesday at 10 PM and streaming on Netflix.