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Even as Boys Before Flowers obtained its highest rating last night, the amount of absurd looking CG (computer graphics) used were slammed by viewers.

In Episode 3 shown last night, the amount of absurd CG used were at its highest level. The fake ducks swimming in the pool, the fake snowflakes falling while Ji Ho (Kim Hyun Joong) was playing the violin, etc, it could be seen easily at first glance that it was created using CG of the lowest quality.

Viewers flooded the message board of the official website, slamming the use of the absurd looking CG effects. Some expressed, “I thought I was watching a drama in the 90s. If the use of a model helicopter instead of a real helicopter in the opening episode was to save on budget, I understand. But there was actually no real purpose in applying CG effects to the scenes for yesterday’s episode. It really spoiled the overall scene. I really can’t understand what the director is thinking of doing by applying CG effects to those scenes.”

Some also said, “Can’t believe that those CG effects were actually created using video techniques in this HD (high definition) era. Although the storyline and acting were excellent, but the crude CG effects really spoiled the overall viewing experience. It will really be a joke when this is viewed in other countries.”

On the ratings front though, KBS must be really pleased that Boys Before Flowers have already broken the 20% mark in Episode 3, achieving 20.8% according to TNS Media. Most pointed out that because it’s vacation time for students in Korea, so more student fans are turning in to Boys Before Flowers on tv. Although MBC East of Eden still leads with 25.7%, the gap between them is gradually narrowing which was quite unthinkable from the start.




‘Boys Before Flowers’ Viewership Nearing ‘East of Eden’ (Credit: Hanfever)

According to the report by TNS Media (Korea), “Boys Before Flowers” aired on the 12th has successfully broke through the 20% mark, achieving a record nationwide TV ratings of 20.8% on just the third episode. The reigning champion of the timeslot, MBC’s “East of Eden”, registered 25.7% for yesterday’s airing, a 2.5% drop from last week’s broadcast.

“Boys Before Flowers” has been on the surge ever since its debut last week with rating achieving consecutive highs (14.3 -> 17.6 -> 20.8). It has only 4 commercials on its first episode but this number has multiplied to 8 on the next, which shows the erupting popularity of the drama.

Yesterday’s episode shows Min Seo Hyun (Han Chae Young) announcing her independence and her decision to leave Korea. Despite being upset about it, Yoon Ji Hoo (Kim Hyun Joong) has no choice but to bid farewell to her. Before she leaves, she looks for Geum Jan Di (Goo Hye Sun) in the college. Jan Di who is secretly in love with Ji Hoo, then kneels down in front of Seo Hyun, begging her not to leave Ji Hoo. Jan Di is later reprimanded by Ji Hoo, who happens to eavesdrop their conversation, for being nosy in his own affair.

Going by the trend, “Boys Before Flowers” seems poised to replace “East of Eden” as the champion for the timeslot in the weeks to come, especially with “East of Eden” being hit by many negative news, including its plot going haywire and its MBC Drama Awards fiasco. Also following Lee Da Hae’s “voluntary” departure in episode 40, the number of viewers is likely to drop as well. Will “East of Eden” be able to defend its position against “Boys Before Flowers”?


Credit: Coolsmurf
Credit: AsianEU