Four Seasons of Spring Episode 2: Shocking 0.7% Ratings Despite Global Success - What Happened?

The Shocking Ratings Reality Behind Episode 2

Episode 2 of 'Four Seasons of Spring' delivered a harsh reality check when ratings plummeted to just 0.7%, marking a devastating 50% drop from the premiere's 1.4%. This dramatic decline positioned the drama at the bottom of primetime television, barely escaping last place thanks to KBS 2TV's 'I Love Sports' which scored 0.3%. The timing couldn't have been worse, as MBC's 'Radio Star' dominated the same time slot with 3.7% viewership, while KBS 1TV's 'News Line W' secured 1.7%. Despite the promising start and high expectations surrounding this youth music romance, viewers seemed to abandon ship after just one episode, creating an unprecedented situation for SBS's Wednesday night programming.

The ratings crash becomes even more perplexing when considering the drama's international success. Remarkably, 'Four Seasons of Spring' has been pre-sold to 187 countries worldwide, demonstrating strong global confidence in the content despite domestic struggles. This contradiction highlights the growing disconnect between local television viewing habits and international streaming preferences, where Korean content continues to thrive on platforms like Netflix.

Episode 2 Plot Development: New Cohabitation and Hidden Connections

The second episode deepened the mysterious connection between Sagye (Ha Yu Jun) and Kim Bom (Park Ji Hoo) as they began their awkward cohabitation arrangement. Initially reluctant about living with Sagye, Bom eventually agreed after her aunt's practical advice and Sagye's generous offer of a 50 million won deposit. Their first night together revealed intriguing clues about their shared past when Sagye discovered childhood photos of Bom with a piano. When Bom explained that the melody from his dreams was actually a song she composed at age seven after receiving a piano as a gift from her mother, Sagye became convinced they had met before.

This revelation connected to Sagye's recurring dreams, where he now sees young Bom's face clearly. His declaration that 'coming to this house might not be a coincidence' sets up the central mystery of their predestined relationship. The episode skillfully wove together past and present, suggesting that their current meeting is part of a larger cosmic plan rather than mere chance.

Bom's Unwavering Support and Sagye's Determination

Learning about the malicious schemes orchestrated by Sagye's former agency CEO, Bom stepped up as his strongest advocate, encouraging him to fight back against the false accusations. Her genuine belief in his innocence gave Sagye the strength to pursue reforming the band club despite mounting obstacles. The former CEO's dirty tactics escalated as he paid students to protest against Sagye on campus and pressured the university president to impose an impossible condition: recruiting 300 band club members.

Rather than backing down, Sagye chose to confront these challenges head-on, declaring his intention to create the band club while continuing his studies. This determination showcased his growth from a defeated idol to someone willing to fight for his dreams, with Bom's support serving as his emotional anchor throughout the struggle.

Crisis and Unexpected Allies

When Bom's online testimony about witnessing the truth was mysteriously deleted, the extent of the opposition's interference became clear. The situation reached a breaking point when the band recruitment booth was vandalized, leaving Sagye to clean up alone. In a pivotal moment, Bom appeared wearing a bear costume and performed one of Sagye's former group's songs, completely transforming the atmosphere and inspiring students to sign up.

Her friend Gyu-ri joined the effort, and most significantly, Taeyang made a last-minute decision to sign up just before the deadline, becoming the final member needed. This sequence demonstrated the power of genuine support over manufactured opposition, as authentic passion and friendship triumphed over calculated sabotage. The successful formation of 'Tusagye' (Fighter Four Seasons) represented a victory against those who tried to destroy Sagye's future.

Youth Growing Pains and Complex Relationships

Following the band's formation, the members held a modest celebration that, despite low attendance due to exam period, fostered genuine camaraderie among the participants. Sagye felt profound gratitude toward Bom for her unwavering support and belief in him. Meanwhile, Taeyang's storyline took a dramatic turn as he rebelled against his father's pressure to abandon music and declared his independence from medical school expectations.

With nowhere else to go, Taeyang arrived at Bom's house, creating an unexpected three-way living arrangement. His arrival sparked immediate tension with Sagye, as both men competed for Bom's attention through mentions of deposits and first meetings. This development established an intriguing love triangle dynamic that promises to complicate the relationships moving forward.

Romantic Moments and Lurking Dangers

The episode featured several heartwarming moments between Sagye and Bom, including their collaboration in cleaning and decorating the club room. Sagye's most touching gesture came when he secretly purchased Bom's childhood piano from the restaurant where she worked and had it moved to her rooftop. His explanation that he wanted to give her time to focus on practice, expressing his desire to make music together for a long time, revealed the depth of his feelings.

Their piano duet scene showcased their natural harmony and growing emotional connection. However, the episode's climax introduced serious danger when Sagye confronted his former agency CEO after discovering he was being followed. The final scene, where an intoxicated Sagye called Bom 'mom' while embracing her, left both Bom and Taeyang shocked and set up major revelations for the next episode.

Community Reactions and Cultural Impact

Despite the disappointing ratings, online communities showed mixed but passionate reactions to the drama. Positive responses on platforms like DC Inside and Nate Pann praised the guitar battle scenes, calling them 'breathtaking' and comparing the first episode to 'watching a movie.' Fans particularly appreciated the visual chemistry between the three leads, with comments like 'the Sagye-Bom-Taeyang love triangle is so exciting' and 'the visuals are legendary for a youth drama.'

However, the dramatic ratings drop also sparked discussions about the changing landscape of Korean television consumption. Many viewers noted that despite low broadcast ratings, the drama's availability on Netflix and its international pre-sales success suggest a shift toward global streaming platforms. Comments like 'the cinematography is insane' and 'expecting great OSTs' indicate that while the domestic television audience may be small, the content quality resonates with those who do watch.

International Success vs Domestic Struggles

The paradox of 'Four Seasons of Spring' achieving global distribution success while struggling domestically reflects broader trends in the Korean entertainment industry. The drama's pre-sale to 187 countries demonstrates international confidence in K-content, particularly youth-oriented music dramas that have proven successful on global streaming platforms. This success suggests that the content itself isn't the issue, but rather the changing viewing habits of Korean audiences who increasingly prefer binge-watching on OTT platforms over traditional broadcast television.

Industry experts note that this phenomenon isn't unique to 'Four Seasons of Spring,' as many recent Korean dramas have found greater success internationally than domestically. The global appetite for Korean youth culture, music, and romance stories continues to grow, even as local broadcast ratings decline across the board. This trend indicates that success metrics for Korean dramas may need to evolve beyond traditional television ratings to include streaming numbers and international impact.