“Cliffside Moon” delivers big ratings despite shower scene scandal

Following the Jessica Jiyeon shower scene scandal, SBS’ “Cliffside Moon” proved to be a hit among viewers easily surpassing MBC’s “The Queen’s Classroom” and KBS2’s “The Blade and the Petal” with an impressive 15.3% viewership rating!

The show was only topped by current night winner “I Can Hear Your Voice”, which has maintained its lead the last few weeks averaging about 22% per episode.

A still from the scene in question

Critics were quick to call out SBS’ timing concerning the release of the racy shower scene grabs that featured actress Jessica Jiyeon bathing suggestively in an outdoor shower, labeling the release as a “premeditated media play”. Despite both apologizing and removing the photos from their website, the stills circulated quickly on the internet hours before the premiere drawing in more viewers than anticipated.

Cliffside executive PD Sung HyeKyu had this to say about the reaction:

“We are thankful for the response the first episode received. Initial predictions were around 9%, if we were lucky, so the the fact that we surpassed that is a blessing! Again, we would like to reiterate the pictures were not meant to titillate, but to simply capture interest. We would like to apologize for anyone affected by them. Thank you.”

Netizens responses however varied drastically after the premiere:

1. [+407, -98] I’m not going to watch unless Jessica apologizes! Dramas should be wholesome and not 19+ rated smut. And even though she wasn't the one that released the pictures, it was her body that was soaking wet and plastered all over the internet and TV!

2. [+87, -33] I watched for the shower scene and actually enjoyed the premiere! The pictures were such an obvious ploy on SBS’ part but it worked 100%.

3. [+327, -6] LOL the preview for the 2nd episode has Sung Hoon oppa shirtless! The PDs are basically putting out softcore porn for teasers!

4. [+533, -2] The shower scene reminded me of the early days when Jessica was known as a top bagel girl. Jessica unnie, please return to your old image and release a song like "Bad Girl" again.

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SBS are hoping “Cliffside Moon” will keep viewers hooked and will be able to maintain, if not surpass, the current viewership rating achieved by “I Can Hear Your Voice” once the popular fantasy drama ends on August 1st.

Keep an eye on AKF for more!