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'Perfect Crown' ends on a high note with record breaking finale ratings

Published May 17, 2026 09:06 am  |  Updated May 17, 2026 02:19 pm

The Korean drama “Perfect Crown,” starring IU and Byeon Woo-seok, wrapped up its successful run on a high note after achieving its highest ratings during its finale episode.

The drama aired its 12th and final episode on South Korean network MBC on May 16, earning record breaking viewership numbers since its premiere.

According to Nielsen Korea, “Perfect Crown” recorded 13.8 percent nationwide ratings and 14.1 percent in the Seoul metropolitan area for its final episode. The nationwide rating rose from episode 11’s 13.5 percent, while the metropolitan rating increased by 0.6 percentage point.

The finale also ranked first among all programs aired in South Korea on May 16.

With its strong finish, “Perfect Crown” became the third highest rated Friday Saturday drama in MBC history, following the 2024 drama “Knight Flower” with 18.4 percent and the 2021 to 2022 hit “The Red Sleeve” with 17.4 percent. 

IU and Byeon Woo-seok in
IU and Byeon Woo-seok in "Perfect Crown" (MBC)
IU and Byeon Woo-seok in
IU and Byeon Woo-seok in "Perfect Crown" (MBC)

The final episode also posted an impressive 5.9 percent rating among viewers aged 20 to 54, one of the most sought after demographics in Korean television.

Beyond television ratings, “Perfect Crown” also achieved major success on streaming platforms. The series became the most viewed Korean title of all time on Disney+ globally and outside the Asia Pacific region.

Since premiering on April 10, the drama topped streaming charts in several countries including the United States, Canada, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan.

Globally, the series reached 43 million streaming hours and continued to gain momentum throughout its run. 

IU and Byeon Woo-seok in
IU and Byeon Woo-seok in "Perfect Crown" (Disney )
IU and Byeon Woo-seok in
IU and Byeon Woo-seok in "Perfect Crown" (MBC)

Related Tags

IU Byeon Woo-seok Perfect Crown drama MBC Disney+
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