Korean star Song Joong-ki’s comeback drama “Vincenzo” aired its 20th and final episode on May 2 and it garnered the highest rating for the series.
According to Nielsen Korea, the finale of “Vincenzo” rated 14.636 percent nationwide and 16.564 percent in the metropolitan area. These are the highest ratings for the drama, which started at 7.659 percent nationwide for its first episode on Feb. 20.
With 14.636 percent, “Vincenzo” became the ninth highest rated drama on Korean cable TV of all time and sixth highest rated tvN drama after "Crash Landing on You," "Reply 1988," "Goblin," "Mr. Sunshine" and Mr. Queen."
Among the coveted 20-49 age group, “Vincenzo” garnered ratings of 8.7 percent nationwide and 9.1 percent in the metropolitan area in Korea.
Since its first episode, “Vincenzo” maintained its No. 1 position in the ratings among cable TV programs.
In addition to Song Joong-ki, the drama also starred Jeon Yeo-been, OK Taecyeon, Kim Yeo-jin and Kwak Dong-yeon.
“Vincenzo” has just ended but fans are already clamoring to have a second season. Regarding this, Song Joong-ki told Korean media, “There is no talk yet.”
The drama became engulfed in controversy over PPL, or product placement (indirect advertising) featuring a bibimbap made by a Chinese company.
About this, Song Joong-ki said, "I cannot deny the controversy. As a main actor, it is right to apologize to those who were disappointed."
Actor Cha Soon-bae, who made a cameo appearance in “Vincenzo,” earlier revealed that Song Joong-ki was called “Captain Song” at the drama set.
"The people of 'Geumga Plaza' are all very experienced actors and actresses in theater. Song Joong Ki took great care of everyone there. He especially gave more attention to those actors/actresses with supporting or minor roles," he said, according to SBS News.
He added, "I call those kind of people 'Captain', so Song Joong-ki was called 'Captain Song' on site. Song Joong-ki takes amazing care of every one of us, especially the ones who aren't familiar with being on site."
Through his agency 51K, Taecyeon said, ““I learned a lot during the eight months that I filmed 'Vincenzo' and I realized how much effort the seniors and staff were doing in making this drama. It was my first unforgettable challenge to act as a villain, and while filming, I was very happy.”