'Undercover Miss Hong' Breaks Into Double Digits as Weekend K-Dramas Hit Record Ratings

tvN's "Undercover Miss Hong" has achieved a major milestone by breaking into double-digit viewership for the first time, leading a remarkable weekend for Korean dramas on February 21, 2026. According to Nielsen Korea data, the drama surged to an average nationwide rating of 10.6 percent, claiming first place in its time slot and setting a new all-time high for the series.

A Breakthrough for Undercover Miss Hong

The leap into double digits represents a significant achievement for "Undercover Miss Hong," which has been steadily building its audience week after week. The 10.6 percent milestone is particularly impressive in an era of fragmented viewership, where streaming platforms and cable channels compete fiercely for attention. The drama's ability to consistently grow its audience speaks to the quality of its storytelling and the strong chemistry among its cast members.

Industry observers note that crossing the 10 percent threshold on cable television is increasingly rare and typically signals a drama that has transcended its core fanbase to attract mainstream viewers. For tvN, the achievement reaffirms the network's reputation as a home for hit dramas that capture the national conversation.

To My Beloved Thief Sets Its Own Record

KBS 2TV's "To My Beloved Thief" also delivered a standout performance, climbing to a 7.7 percent nationwide average in its penultimate episode. The result marked a new all-time high for the drama, suggesting strong viewer investment heading into the series finale. The upward trajectory in its closing episodes is an encouraging sign of audience satisfaction with the storyline's resolution.

Recipe for Love Dominates Saturday

The weekend's highest overall rating belonged to KBS 2TV's "Recipe for Love," which recorded a commanding 16.1 percent nationwide average for its Saturday broadcast. The figure represented the drama's highest Saturday ratings to date, underscoring its position as one of the most-watched programs on Korean television. The family-oriented drama has consistently drawn large audiences throughout its run, benefiting from its prime weekend time slot and broadly appealing storyline.

Other Weekend Performances

Several other dramas also hit notable marks during the weekend. SBS's "No Tail to Tell" reached its highest Saturday rating with a 3.2 percent nationwide average, a modest but encouraging result for the relatively new series. MBC's "In Your Radiant Season" recorded 3.5 percent for its second episode, showing a steady start. Channel A's "Positively Yours" averaged 1.2 percent as it headed into its finale.

A Golden Era for Weekend Dramas

The February 21 ratings snapshot highlights what many industry analysts are calling a golden era for weekend Korean dramas. With "Recipe for Love" commanding a 16 percent-plus audience, "Undercover Miss Hong" breaking into double digits, and "To My Beloved Thief" reaching personal bests in its final stretch, viewers are spoiled for choice across multiple networks. The competition among broadcasters has elevated the overall quality of weekend programming, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits audiences and the industry alike.

All ratings data was compiled by Nielsen Korea for nationwide viewership on February 21, 2026. As the spring drama season approaches, the competition for weekend viewers is expected to remain fierce, with several high-profile new series set to debut in March.