Namgoong Min Faces 'Our Movie' Ratings Criticism Head-On: 'Trust Me Until Episode 5!'

Namgoong Min’s Bold Response to Ratings Criticism

Have you ever seen a star take criticism and turn it into a rallying cry? That’s exactly what Namgoong Min did on June 15, 2025, when he addressed the lukewarm ratings of his new SBS drama 'Our Movie'. Instead of shying away, he posted a screenshot of a critical article on his SNS, thanking the journalist for watching and urging fans to stick with the show until episode 5. He promised that if the show failed to improve, he would take full responsibility—even inviting harsher criticism. This honest, confident approach has sparked a wave of conversation across Korean entertainment media and international fan communities.
Namgoong Min’s reaction is a breath of fresh air in an industry where stars often avoid direct engagement with negative press. His willingness to own the narrative has made headlines in outlets like Ilgan Sports, Sports Chosun, and OSEN, with many praising his candor and resilience.

The Drama ‘Our Movie’: A Unique Love Story

So, what is 'Our Movie' all about? The SBS Friday-Saturday drama tells the story of Jeha, a movie director with no future, and Daum, an actress living as if every day is her last. Their love story unfolds with urgency and poignancy, setting it apart from typical K-drama romances. The drama premiered on June 13, 2025, with Nielsen Korea reporting a 4.2% rating for episode 1 and 3% for episode 2. These numbers might seem modest compared to Namgoong Min’s previous hits, but fans and critics alike are intrigued by the show’s unconventional narrative and cinematic style.
Recent blog reviews on Naver and Tistory highlight the drama’s atmospheric direction and strong performances, though some viewers find the pacing slower than expected. Still, many are willing to give the series a chance, trusting Namgoong Min’s track record for picking compelling projects.

How Korean Fandom Culture Shapes Viewer Loyalty

If you’re new to K-dramas, you might be surprised by how passionate and vocal the fan communities are. In Korea, the success of a drama isn’t just measured by ratings—it’s about online buzz, social media trends, and the loyalty of its fandom. Namgoong Min’s direct appeal to viewers taps into this culture, encouraging fans to rally behind the show. International fans, especially on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, have echoed his call, using hashtags to boost visibility and organize watch parties.
This kind of interaction between stars and fans is a hallmark of Korean entertainment. It’s not uncommon for actors to address their audience directly, but Namgoong Min’s willingness to accept responsibility and invite criticism is seen as especially bold and endearing.

Recent Media Coverage and Community Reactions

Since Namgoong Min’s SNS post, major entertainment news outlets have covered the story extensively. Articles from Star News, Newsen, and Sports Donga analyze his response, with many commentators noting that such transparency could help build trust with viewers. Meanwhile, Naver and Tistory bloggers have shared their own takes, with some expressing renewed interest in the drama and others debating whether ratings still matter in the age of streaming.
Fans on DC Inside and TheQoo, two of Korea’s largest online communities, have been dissecting every episode, sharing theories about the plot and praising the chemistry between the leads. Internationally, Reddit threads and YouTube reaction videos have amplified the conversation, bringing new viewers to the series.

Why Ratings Aren’t Everything in Today’s K-Drama World

Did you know that traditional TV ratings are only part of the story for modern K-dramas? With the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Viki, global viewership often dwarfs domestic numbers. 'Our Movie' has already been picked up for international streaming, and early data suggests a growing overseas audience. This shift means that even if a show starts slow in Korea, it can still become a global hit.
Bloggers and journalists alike have pointed out that Namgoong Min’s previous dramas, such as 'The Veil' and 'My Dearest', also saw international success regardless of initial ratings. Fans are quick to remind newcomers that patience often pays off in the K-drama world, especially when a series is led by a proven star.

Cultural Insight: The Power of Accountability in Korean Entertainment

One thing that stands out about Namgoong Min’s response is his emphasis on accountability. In Korean culture, public figures are often expected to take responsibility for their work—whether it’s a hit or a flop. By publicly stating that he’ll accept blame if 'Our Movie' doesn’t improve, Namgoong Min is aligning himself with this tradition, which resonates deeply with Korean audiences.
For international fans, this might seem intense, but it’s part of what makes K-entertainment so compelling. The emotional investment from both stars and fans creates a sense of community and shared experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.

What’s Next for ‘Our Movie’ and Namgoong Min?

With four more episodes to go before the critical episode 5 mark, all eyes are on 'Our Movie'. Will the drama find its stride and win over more viewers? Or will Namgoong Min have to face the music as he promised? Either way, his openness has already set a new standard for how stars can engage with their audience.
Stay tuned for more updates as the drama unfolds—and if you haven’t started watching yet, maybe now’s the perfect time to see what all the buzz is about. As Namgoong Min himself said, just give it until episode 5. Who knows? You might find yourself hooked.

Global Fandom: How International Fans Are Reacting

International fans have been quick to support Namgoong Min, flooding social media with messages of encouragement and sharing clips from 'Our Movie'. On platforms like TikTok and YouTube, fan edits and reaction videos are gaining traction, introducing the drama to a wider audience. Many are drawn to Namgoong Min’s authenticity and the drama’s unique premise.
Bloggers from the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia have started reviewing the show, often referencing Namgoong Min’s SNS post as a reason to give the series a chance. This cross-cultural support highlights the growing influence of global fandom in shaping the success of Korean dramas.