BACK in 2005, the K-pop phenomenon got yet another massive boost around these parts when GMA aired Jewel in the Palace, the epic period drama from Munhwa Broadcasting Corp. (MBC) that was based on the true story of Jang-geum, the first female royal physician of the Joseon Dynasty.
So hugely successful was the sprawling drama for GMA that the media giant has done repeat runs on several occasions, the so-called rewinds also drawing solid ratings numbers.
Now GMA may have come upon another Jewel in the Palace in Empress Ki, also from MBC. According to Wikipedia, “the series revolves around Ki Seung-nyang, a Goryeo-born woman who ascends to power, despite the restrictions of the era’s class system, and later marries Emperor Huizong to become an empress of the Yuan Dynasty, instead of her first love Wang Yoo. The series depicts her love and political ambitions as she is torn between the two nations.”
According to the latest survey conducted by AGB Nielsen Philippines of the viewing preferences in Mega Manila homes, GMA remains the preferred destination in the all-important prime-time block, with Empress Ki taking over ratings stalwart 24 Oras in leading the network to the top of the ratings ladder.
Hmmm…does this mean that we’ll be seeing several “rewinds” of Empress Ki in the latter part of the Year of the Sheep?
January 18
- Ismol Family, GMA, 25.5 percent
- 24 Oras Weekend, GMA, 23.9 percent
- Vampire Ang Daddy Ko, GMA, 23.6 percent
- Ang People’s Pope sa Pilipinas, GMA, 22.1 percent
- Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho, GMA, 20.4 percent
- The Voice of the Philippines, ABS-CBN, 17 percent
- Gandang Gabi Vice, ABS-CBN, 15.5 percent
- Rated K Handa Na Ba Kayo?, ABS-CBN, 15.4 percent
- Wansapanataym, ABS-CBN, 13.4 percent
- Goin’ Bulilit, ABS-CBN, 12.6 percent
January 19
- 24 Oras, GMA, 23.2 percent
- More Than Words, GMA, 20.6 percent
- Dream Dad, ABS-CBN, 20.3 percent
- Once Upon a Kiss, GMA, 20.2 percent/
Forevermore, ABS-CBN, 20.2 percent
- Empress Ki, GMA, 19.3 percent
- Two Wives, ABS-CBN, 17.2 percent
- Second Chances, GMA, 17.1 percent
- TV Patrol, ABS-CBN, 16.4 percent
- Prime Minister and I, GMA, 14.7 percent
- Aquino & Abunda Tonight, ABS-CBN, 11.2 percent
January 20
- 24 Oras, GMA, 21.9 percent
- Forevermore, ABS-CBN, 20.5 percent
- More Than Words, GMA, 20.2 percent
- Dream Dad, ABS-CBN, 20.1 percent
- Once Upon a Kiss, GMA, 20 percent
- Empress Ki, GMA, 19 percent
- TV Patrol, ABS-CBN, 17.2 percent
- Second Chances, GMA, 17 percent
- Two Wives, ABS-CBN, 16.9 percent
- Prime Minister and I, GMA, 16.6 percent
January 21
- Empress Ki, GMA, 19 percent
- 24 Oras, GMA, 18.9 percent
- More Than Words, GMA, 18.6 percent
- Prime Minister and I, GMA, 17.3 percent
- Once Upon a Kiss, GMA, 17.1 percent
- Forevermore, ABS-CBN, 15.8 percent
- Dream Dad, ABS-CBN, 15.7 percent
- Second Chances, GMA, 15 percent
- Two Wives, ABS-CBN, 13.7 percent
- TV Patrol, ABS-CBN, 13.5 percent
January 22
- Empress Ki, GMA, 21.1 percent
- Once Upon a Kiss, GMA, 20.5 percent
- Forevermore, ABS-CBN, 20.4 percent
- 24 Oras, GMA, 20.1 percent
- More Than Words, GMA, 19.9 percent
- Dream Dad, ABS-CBN, 19.3 percent
- Two Wives, ABS-CBN, 17.4 percent
- Second Chances, GMA, 17.3 percent
- TV Patrol, ABS-CBN, 15.9 percent
- Prime Minister and I, GMA, 15.4 percent