GOOD BOY made a strong impression with its premiere episodes on May 31 and June 1, immediately capturing attention with its dynamic blend of action, humor, and emotional undertones. Anchored by the star power of Park Bo Gum and Kim So Hyun, the drama opened with solid ratings and enthusiastic reactions from both viewers and critics. Many praised its fast-paced storytelling and energetic performances, suggesting a promising trajectory. Most notably, it edged past its rival Our Unwritten Seoul in the initial ratings race, securing a 4.8% nationwide average with a peak of 7.3%, according to Nielsen Korea. This was just enough to surpass the 4.5% earned by Our Unwritten Seoul’s third episode airing in the same time slot, sparking discussions about its competitive edge and early potential.
However, as quickly as it climbed, GOOD BOY also faced a shift in momentum. While its debut surpassed its time-slot predecessor Heavenly Ever After by displacing Our Unwritten Seoul, it couldn’t quite match up to the former’s benchmark premiere. Heavenly Ever After had opened with a 5.8% viewership rating, one full point higher than GOOD BOY‘s debut, indicating that the new series still has some ground to cover if it aims to replicate that level of impact. This comparison, though inevitable, adds a layer of pressure to GOOD BOY‘s journey, especially considering how beloved and emotionally resonant Heavenly Ever After proved to be during its run.
The challenge became more apparent in the second week of airing. Our Unwritten Seoul bounced back strongly with its fourth episode, drawing a 5.9% rating—overtaking GOOD BOY, whose second episode dipped slightly to 5.3%. While the difference is not drastic, it does suggest that GOOD BOY will need to maintain narrative momentum and tighten its tone to avoid losing audience interest in the long run. The early drop, albeit small, raises questions about the sustainability of its appeal beyond initial curiosity and star-driven hype.
Nonetheless, it’s far too early to render a final judgment. With only two episodes released, the drama still has ample room to evolve its characters, deepen emotional arcs, and refine its comedic-action balance. As future episodes roll out, viewers will be watching closely to see whether GOOD BOY can build on its promising start and eventually match, or even surpass, the legacy of the hit it follows.