Jisung's APT retakes Netflix Korea No. 1 and climbs to global No. 8

Netflix No. 1 in Korea and No. 8 Globally

JTBC's new weekend drama 'APT', led by actor Ji Sung, is captivating domestic and international viewers immediately upon its release. After debuting with a 4.6% viewership rating on the 11th, 'APT' gained momentum by reaching 5.4% by its second episode.

The actual impact of the content is even more evident in platform metrics. As of the 14th, 'APT' claimed the No. 1 spot on Netflix's 'Top 10 Series in Korea Today,' reclaiming the throne from 'Agent Kim,' which had been holding a top position. The response in the global market is also intense. According to FlixPatrol data, 'APT' has maintained a position around No. 2 in major Asian countries including Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, ranking 8th in the Netflix Global TV Shows category.

A Former Gang Boss's Run for Apartment Representative Chairman

The drama tells the story of Park Hae-gang (played by Ji Sung), a former gang boss who enters the election for the Apartment Representative Council chairman to seize hidden funds within the apartment complex. Park Hae-gang, a former boss of the Oasis gang that boasted a 0% delinquency rate, runs for chairman to raise 10 billion won in capital to save Yong-man, a man who is like a father to him.

Ji Sung anchors the series with acting that oscillates between comedy and action. In the second episode specifically, he showcased both a sly side, presenting smooth campaign promises to win over residents' votes, and a sharp side that exploits his opponents' weaknesses. The screenplay by writer Yoonyoung Kim and direction by director Jo Yong-won heightens immersion by pacing the confrontations between characters surrounding the election with high velocity.

Solid Chemistry Following Ji Sung, Ha Yoon-kyung, Park Byeong-eun, and Moon So-ri

The setting, which reinterprets the everyday space of an apartment as a small political arena entangled with power and money, adds freshness. The interests and conflicts among residents revealed through the representative election provide enjoyment akin to watching a microcosm of modern society.

Led by Ji Sung, the stable chemistry among actors such as Ha Yoon-kyung, Park Byeong-eun, and Moon So-ri adds strength to the work. The banter created as Park Hae-gang clashes with the residents stays close to realistic life acting rather than leaning toward exaggerated comedy. The story unfolds as Park Hae-gang, having entered the fray, attempts to gain the residents' trust to uncover a massive flow of money.