SBS-TV's Friday-Saturday drama 'Gui-gung' (written by Yoon Soo-jung, directed by Yoon Seong-sik) recorded double-digit viewership ratings right from its first broadcast.

'Gui-gung' aired its first episode on the 18th, achieving a rating of 9.2%, according to Nielsen Korea. The peak rating reached as high as 10.7%, setting a new record for first-episode ratings among SBS dramas this year.

The broadcast revealed a tumultuous backstory. It began with the tale of Gang Cheol-i (special appearance by Kim Young-kwang), who, after completing a millennium of training, failed to ascend and became an evil spirit instead.

Yeori (played by Kim Ji-yeon) is the granddaughter of the famous shaman Neobdeok (played by Gil Hae-yeon) from Yongdamgol. Gang Cheol-i follows her, hoping to become a dragon by utilizing her divine powers. Yeori repels his advances with a stone called 'Gyeonggwisuk,' used to chase away ghosts.

As an adult, Yeori rejects her fate as a shaman and lives as a glasses craftsman. Yun Gap (played by Yoo Sung-jae) descends to his hometown of Yongdamgol under a secret royal order. He heads toward the palace with Yeori.

A shocking incident occurs. Yun Gap is attacked by the Minister of Military Affairs while left alone on a secluded mountain path, and he loses his life. Gang Cheol-i witnesses the scene and ultimately inhabits Yun Gap's body.

Gang Cheol-i declares, "Yeori, you are now mine," as he attempts to return to his original form. However, he finds himself unable to escape from Yun Gap's body. In a struggle with Gang Cheol-i, Yeori falls off a cliff with him.

'Gui-gung' captivated viewers from the very first episode with its fresh material and unique worldview. The intriguing relationship between the Imugi and the shaman added to the excitement. The show airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM.

<Written by Park Soo-yeon (Intern, Dispatch), Photo Credit: SBS>