SEOUL, June 30 (Yonhap) — “Ruler: Master of The Mask,” MBC TV’s weekday drama, remained steadfast at the top of the Wednesday-Thursday drama race as the show entered its final stretch, data showed Friday.
Episodes 31 and 32 of “Ruler,” which aired Thursday evening, recorded 11.9 percent and 14.4 percent viewership, respectively, according to Nielsen Korea.
The show is aired in a newly adopted format in which a one-hour conventional TV episode is split into two half-hour airings with ads in between.
The plot of “Ruler” revolves around a crown prince named Lee Seon of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) — played by rising star actor Yoo Seung-ho — who has been raised wearing a mask since infancy to conceal his identity due to mysterious circumstances.
He wages a war against a technocratic guild known as Pyeonsoohoe, which seeks to privatize the public water supply for personal gain.
Kim So-hyun plays the crown prince’s love interest Han Ga-eun, and L of boy band INFINITE is cast as the prince’s peasant confidante. Veteran actor Huh Joon-ho stars as the main antagonist Daemok.
Episodes 31 and 32 of SBS TV’s romantic comedy “Suspicious Partner” clocked in at 7.7 percent and 8.6 percent, respectively, and Episode 10 of “Queen for Seven Days,” a KBS 2TV period drama starring Lee Dong-gun, stood at 4.4 percent.
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