Park Jin-young and Kim Min-ju’s “Shining” Debuts with 2%+ Audience Ratings

The drama “Shining,” starring actors Park Jin-young and Kim Min-ju, premiered on the 6th. Written by Lee Suk-yeon and directed by Kim Yoon-jin, this romantic drama follows a young man and woman who share a private world together. As they experience first love at 19, separation at 20, and reunion at 30, the story depicts how their relationship becomes a guiding light for their lives.

A production announcement event for the new Friday series “Shining” was held on the afternoon of the 5th at The Link Hotel in Guro-gu, Seoul. Park Jin-young described the drama as “a story about ordinary love that everyone has experienced.” He emphasized its universal theme, stating it is a work that those who have been in love cannot help but relate to. Meanwhile, director Kim Yoon-jin explained the production intent, hoping viewers will reflect on cherished memories and smile again.

The drama centers on two young people who support each other through the pain and sorrow of their teenage years. Yeon-tae-seo (played by Park Jin-young) is a boy who lost his parents in an accident and must take care of his sick younger brother. He moves in with his grandfather to adapt to a new environment. Mo-un-ah (played by Kim Min-ju) is a girl who settled in Yeon-u-ri alone with her father, enduring loneliness in her own way. The two meet while studying at the school library during summer vacation and gradually grow closer. After seeing each other overcome pain in their own distinct ways, they begin to share their feelings and start a tender first romance. However, as the time approaches for them to choose career paths, fate separates them—Yeon-tae-seo is admitted to a university in Seoul, while Mo-un-ah is accepted into one in Gangneung.

On the 6th, when episodes 1 and 2 were aired back-to-back, the audience ratings showed positive signs. Episode 1 recorded 2.1% nationwide, while episode 2 scored 1.7%. These figures are nearly identical to those of the previous drama starring actress Seo Hyun-jin, “Love Me,” whose episode 1 rating was 2.2%.

The OST, featuring singer-songwriter Rosy, captures the moment when youthful excitement begins. With its delicate vocals, this song serves as the emotional backbone of the drama.