[Finale Ratings] Kim Hyang-gi’s ‘Fly High, Butterfly’ Ends After Five-Year Wait, Finishing at 1.7%

JTBC’s Saturday-Sunday drama ‘Fly High, Butterfly,’ starring actor Kim Hyang-gi, wrapped up its long run with ratings in the 1% range.

According to ratings agency Nielsen Korea on the 19th, the finale (Episode 10), which aired the previous day, posted a nationwide rating of 1.7% among paid households. The series offered quiet inspiration throughout its run and earned the support of a loyal audience, but its ratings were somewhat disappointing.

Healing and growth for unfinished young adults, told in a compressed story

The finale delved into the story of hair salon intern Gi-ppeum (Kim Hyang-gi), who overcomes her inner wounds and takes a step forward. Accompanied by her boyfriend, Mu-yeol (Park Jung-woo), she confronts the mother who abandoned her 20 years earlier, letting go of years of resentment and reflecting on the meaning of true forgiveness.

Even when the reality of Mu-yeol’s military enlistment stands in their way, Gi-ppeum holds on to her love and finds a hopeful ending in both work and romance. The young people’s efforts to heal their own insecurities while styling other people’s hair resonated deeply with viewers.

Meanwhile, ‘Fly High, Butterfly’ was initially planned as a 16-episode project targeting a first-half 2021 premiere. However, amid a combination of factors inside and outside the broadcasting industry, including scheduling delays, it was cut to 10 episodes and finally aired about five years after production was completed. Despite the long wait and reduced episode count, the series is seen as having left a meaningful mark through its signature warmth and the cast’s strong performances.