Na Young-seok’s Variety Show Hits Record-Low 0.7% Rating: Is TV Losing Its Grip?
Once hailed as the gold standard of Korean variety shows, Na Young-seok, CJ ENM’s star producer, is facing an unprecedented challenge. His latest tvN show, Nana Minbak with SEVENTEEN, debuted with a shocking 0.7% TV rating—a first for the acclaimed PD. This marks a steep decline for a name once synonymous with “must-watch” entertainment.
A Downward Trend for Na Young-seok’s Shows
Na Young-seok’s previous collaboration with K-pop group SEVENTEEN, Nana Tour with SEVENTEEN, started with a modest 2% rating but ended at 1.4%. The third collaboration, following Business Trip Fifteen Nights 2 – SEVENTEEN Edition, seems to have lost its charm, even with SEVENTEEN’s dedicated fanbase. Analysts suggest that relying on fandom alone is no longer enough to guarantee success on traditional TV.
Shifting Revenue Streams: From TV to Fandom Platforms
The low ratings don’t tell the whole story. Nana Minbak is available not only on tvN but also on OTT platforms like Tving and Disney+, as well as HYBE’s fandom platform, Weverse, where the full version is offered for a hefty 37,000 KRW (approximately $27 USD). Surprisingly, Weverse’s paid viewership has outstripped traditional TV audiences.
Fact: Nana Tour with SEVENTEEN became Weverse’s top-selling VOD content, highlighting the platform’s dominance in the fandom-driven economy.
While broadcasters grapple with dismal ratings, Weverse thrives by capitalizing on SEVENTEEN’s loyal fans. This contrast underscores a broader shift in content consumption, where fandom platforms are redefining the revenue model for entertainment.
TV Ratings No Longer Define Success
The era of double-digit TV ratings is over. Today, even a 1% rating is a tough benchmark for many shows. Na Young-seok’s other project, Bbyong Bbyong Earth Arcade 3, managed only a 2.3% rating. The traditional TV audience, especially for idol-centric content, is shrinking as viewers migrate to platforms like YouTube and OTT services.
Media critic Kim Yoon-seok explains, “Content consumption has become personalized and fragmented due to platform diversification. Traditional TV is losing relevance, and success is now measured by buzz on platforms, paid conversion rates, and fandom engagement.”
Netizens’ Cold Response
The online reaction to Nana Minbak’s performance has been harsh:
- “Why bother airing fan-focused content on TV?”
- “Na Young-seok isn’t what he used to be. He needs fresh ideas.”
- “Even my parents watch YouTube instead of TV now.”
- “A 0.7% rating? They might as well not have aired it.”
These sentiments reflect growing frustration with traditional TV’s inability to adapt to changing viewer habits.
The Future of Variety Shows
The rise of OTT platforms and fandom-driven services like Weverse signals a fundamental shift in the entertainment industry. Traditional TV variety shows are struggling to stay relevant as audiences prioritize on-demand, personalized content. To thrive, producers like Na Young-seok must look beyond TV ratings and embrace new metrics of success—such as platform engagement and fan loyalty.
As the industry evolves, the golden age of TV variety may be over, but a new era driven by digital platforms and fandoms is just beginning. Will producers adapt to this changing landscape, or will traditional TV fade into obscurity?
Conclusion
Na Young-seok’s Nana Minbak with SEVENTEEN highlights the challenges facing traditional TV in the age of OTT and fandom platforms. With a record-low 0.7% rating, the show underscores the need for a new approach to measuring success in the entertainment industry. As platforms like Weverse redefine the game, the future of variety shows lies in embracing innovation and fan-driven content.Once hailed as the gold standard of Korean variety shows, Na Young-seok, CJ ENM’s star producer, is facing an unprecedented challenge. His latest tvN show, Nana Minbak with SEVENTEEN, debuted with a shocking 0.7% TV rating—a first for the acclaimed PD. This marks a steep decline for a name once synonymous with “must-watch” entertainment.
