'When I was the Most Beautiful' Episode 13 postponed over Chuseok, fans not happy about Ji-Soo being sidelined
'When I was the Most Beautiful' Episode 13 did not air on October 1 as planned and the cause has been cited as widespread broadcast changes for the Chuseok holidays. Chuseok Holidays is the Korean Thanksgiving day and this year, it falls between September 20 and October 2, which has resulted in special program broadcasts and rearranging of schedules for programs that are already on air. In that vein, the Lim Soo-hyang and Ji Soo starrer's episode 13 did not air and is now scheduled to air on October 7, the following week.
The main reason was attributed as the 2020 Hangawi Project – Korea Again Na Hoon-ah, in which popular veteran trot singer Na Hoon Ah held a TV concert. This special Chuseok broadcast was aired on KBS at the same time slot as that of the show which had already hit a record low when episode 12 had aired on September 30. According to Nielsen Korea, the show recorded average nationwide ratings of 1.7 and 2.3 percent. It must also be noted that this was also Na Hoon-ah's first time appearing on TV in 15 years. So the excitement around the project has been high.
In the meantime, the show itself has been receiving negative reviews from the audience for a messy plot and mainly for sidelining actor Ji Soo who was advertised as the main lead of the show. One fan commented on My Drama List and said, "Lol even the Koreans question the writer why they cast Ji Soo the main lead if the story will focus on second lead and female lead."
Many fans also revealed that they dropped the show as too many things about it has gone wrong. One fan wrote, "Dropped. I cant take it anymore." In response, another fan said, "Me too! Dropped. Too many things wrong with the story. The lead female knew both brothers were interested in her and yet she continues to lead them on. Also, why would anyone in their right mind ask someone, a total stranger, to live with them as their family?"
Some fans tuned into the show only for Ji Soo and everyone has complained about the toxic nature of the relationships that have been portrayed in the show. One fan wrote, "Frustrating storyline and every episode is full of tears. I am honestly watching for Ji Soo. It's more like those trashy reality TV shows that are addictive."
Another fan wrote, "This drama is becoming more and more un-likeable. I'm only watching this drama because of Ji Soo but I can't stand any of these characters except the father and kind of Ji Soo's character. Everyone in this drama thinks they know best better than others. Everyone in this drama are being selfish with their emotions," and added, "You, and you alone are responsible for your own emotions and decisions. You don't take it into your own hands thinking you are doing someone a favor by doing it for them. This is called controlling behavior and manipulative. Ugh, can't really wait for this drama to be over."
Will the show change fans' minds when it returns? We would have to wait and see. 'When I was Most Beautiful' will air on MBC on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9.30 pm KST. It will be available on Viu outside South Korea.