Kim Yoo-jung and Park Jin-young's '100 Days of Deceit' Sees Ratings Surge to 9.4% in Just Two Episodes, Eyeing Double Digits

tvN's special 20th-anniversary weekend drama '100 Days of Deceit,' starring Kim Yoo-jung and Park Jin-young, has proven its popularity by hitting a peak viewership rating of 9.4% after only two episodes. Viewers are now eagerly anticipating not only double-digit ratings but potentially even greater success in the coming weeks.

The second episode, which aired on the 11th, achieved an average rating of 8.3% in the metropolitan area, peaking at 9.4%, with national averages of 7.6% and 8.5% respectively. It claimed the top spot in its time slot across all channels, including cable and general programming, showing a significant jump from the first episode's 5.3% rating.

Episode two saw complications arise in Yoo So-ran's (Kim Hyun-joo) assassination plot against Sato Shin-ichi (Jin Sun-kyu), while revealing the identity of another pursuer, Geum Seok-jung (Kam Woo-sung). Meanwhile, Lee Ga-kyung (Kim Yoo-jung) and Sato Hideo (Park Jin-young) had another unexpected encounter, ramping up viewer anticipation.

A highlight of the episode was the intense shootout between the mysterious assassin Geum Seok-jung, disguised as a cake delivery person, and Sato Hideo. The gunfire drew Yoo So-ran, Yoo Philip (Lee Moo-saeng), and Suzuki (Kim Do-hyun) from the dining room. In the chaos, Suzuki was shot by Geum Seok-jung instead of Lee Ga-kyung, forcing the assassin to retreat. A tense moment ensued when Geum Seok-jung and Yoo So-ran locked eyes, their gazes charged with unspoken emotions. The standoff ended when Yoo So-ran fired at Geum Seok-jung as Sato Hideo's ammunition ran out, with the assassin narrowly escaping through a window.

Lee Ga-kyung, terrified, was apprehended by the police, earning Yoo So-ran's ire for jeopardizing the operation. The connection between Lee Ga-kyung and Sato Hideo grew more complex, mired in lies and suspicion. Sato Hideo confronted Lee Ga-kyung about her true identity as she left the house, demanding his wallet back and expressing doubt about her claim of being a housekeeper. As tensions rose, Yoo Philip, who had been assisting Yoo So-ran, intervened by calling Lee Ga-kyung and helping her into a taxi.

At the resistance members' office, Yoo So-ran reported the failed operation, requesting they attribute it to a miscarriage caused by the shocking gunfight. Unaware of the truth, Lee Ga-kyung felt uneasy about Yoo So-ran's condition. The next morning, Lee Ga-kyung returned with seaweed and beef but couldn't bring herself to accept Yoo So-ran's 100 KRW (about 0.075 USD). She returned the change after deducting the cost of the items, firmly stating they should never meet again.

At the governor's office, a manhunt for Geum Seok-jung was in full swing. The episode concluded with Sato Hideo visiting Hee-won to express condolences on behalf of Sato Shin-ichi. Noticing Lee Ga-kyung's absence, he inquired about the housekeeper, expressing a desire to thank her. Yoo Philip fabricated a story about Geum Seok-hee quitting due to fear from the previous day's events. After Sato Hideo's departure, Yoo Philip anxiously told Yoo So-ran he was searching for "that girl."

The connection between Lee Ga-kyung and Sato Hideo took an unexpected turn when they crossed paths at a Jongno pawnshop where Lee Ga-kyung was attempting to sell bullets. Despite her efforts to flee, Sato Hideo caught her, wrapping an arm around her waist and playfully accusing her of being a pickpocket. The contrast between his confident smirk and Lee Ga-kyung's startled expression sent viewers' hearts racing.

The revelation of Yoo So-ran's past added another layer of intrigue. Flashbacks showed her husband, Geum Seok-jung, being arrested for leading a pro-independence movement. His refusal to name other conspirators led to the execution of their daughter, Geum Seo-hee (Park Yoo-ha), before Yoo So-ran's eyes. The shocking twist that the current police chief, Sato Shin-ichi, was behind the massacre of innocent villagers, including her daughter, intensified interest in Yoo So-ran's 13-year quest for vengeance. Viewers are particularly intrigued by Yoo So-ran calling Lee Ga-kyung by her deceased daughter's name, "Seo-hee," hinting at a deeper connection.

While Kim Yoo-jung and Park Jin-young shine in their roles, Kim Hyun-joo's performance is equally captivating. Her upcoming lead role as Ryu So-young in the film "Paradise Lost," releasing on the 21st, showcases her versatility. This dual presence in both "Paradise Lost" and "100 Days of Deceit" allows Kim to display her range across both big and small screens, making her performances a key highlight for audiences to watch.

"100 Days of Deceit" airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 PM on tvN.