Park Seo Joon's long-awaited comeback romance drama 'Surely Tomorrow' ends with lackluster ratings

12 Jan 2026, 19:38 by K-Soul · allkpop

[Spoiler Alert: Episode Summary]

This article contains plot points and episode summaries from the final episodes of ’Surely Tomorrow.'

Despite being billed as a "top star's return to romance after seven years," the viewer rating for 'Surely Tomorrow ultimately failed to cross the 5% mark. Still, the series concluded on a quiet upward note, posting its highest viewership in the finale before signing off. Judging by the numbers alone, the ending leaves room for a mixed assessment: disappointing, yet steady enough to see things through the end.

Finale hits a personal best of 4.7%

According to Nielsen Korea, on January 12, JTBC's weekend drama 'Surely Tomorrow' recorded a nationwide paid household rating of 4.7% for its final episode, which aired the previous day. This marked a 1.3 percentage point jump from episode 11's 3.4% and stood as the show's highest rating overall.

The series debuted last month at 2.7% and maintained a consistent range in the mid-3% to 4% bracket throughout its run. While it succeeded in peaking at the finale, it fell short of reaching the symbolic 5% milestone.

Park Seo Joon's highly anticipated romance comeback fails to generate viewership

What drew even more attention was the level of expectation attached to the project. The drama garnered early buzz as Park Seo Joon’s return to a romance series after seven years. With its JTBC Saturday–Sunday prime-time slot, the star power of its lead actor, and the broad appeal of the romance genre, surpassing 5% had become an implicit benchmark. As a result, the phrase “the unbroken 5% barrier” has lingered in discussions, even in light of the finale’s personal best.

A finale focused on emotional resolution over shock twists

The final episode moved swiftly to tie up character arcs and resolve major conflicts, placing emotional continuity front and center. Lee Kyung Do (played by Park Seo Jun) and Seo Ji Woo (played by Won Ji An) reunite at the funeral of Cha Woo Sik (portrayed by Kang Ki Doong).

Their previously misaligned feelings are reorganized in the space of shared loss. As Kyung Do prepares to leave the country once again, Ji Woo stops him, allowing their story to move forward. Rather than relying on dramatic twists, the ending chose a restrained approach, confirming the value they hold for each other.

The central conflict involving the antagonist Kang Min Woo (played by Kim Woo Hyung) was also neatly resolved. Kyung Do strikes back with an exposé revealing Kang’s corruption and pressures his accomplice Bae Joon Soo into securing decisive evidence. Kang Min Woo ultimately faces legal consequences. A pointed remark from his wife, Seo Ji Yeon (Lee El), during a prison visit served as an emotional coda to the downfall of power, resolving the case while leaving a lingering emotional aftertaste.

Even after the main incident wrapped up, Kyung Do and Ji Woo’s relationship did not progress seamlessly. Kyung Do distances himself while contemplating his future and the overseas study funds provided by his parents, while Ji Woo wavers between longing and disappointment. Only after their reunion at the funeral do they confirm they are headed in the same direction. Ji Woo runs to the airport to confess, “Don’t go,” and Kyung Do responds with, “Let’s go home. Let’s live together,” promising to stay by her side. The final scene closes on a gentle smile as Ji Woo admits she wants to have a child who resembles Kyung Do.

A Romance Built on Reunion, Loss, and Emotional Continuity

'Surely Tomorrow' tells the story of a journalist who reported on an affair scandal and the wife of the man at the center of that scandal, whose reunion sparks an unlikely romance. Through multiple relationships and breakups, Kyung Do and Ji Woo become entangled once more, continuing a love story portrayed as both aching and deeply sincere. The drama was also made available on Coupang Play via OTT.

As the series concluded, the production team shared the cast’s closing remarks. Park Seo Jun said he empathized with the character of Lee Kyung Do, who may be awkward in expression but deeply considerate at heart. He reflected on spending over a year with the project and learning the value of constancy and the warmth of enduring love. Won Ji An expressed gratitude for completing the series safely and thanked the director, senior actors, and staff she worked alongside. She also extended her appreciation to viewers who stayed with the drama until the end and supported Kyung Do and Ji Woo.

Throughout its run, the drama sought to resonate with audiences through dialogue and scenes centered on love and separation. Lines that calmly conveyed emotional depth became talking points episode after episode, while the series accumulated moments that explored the many forms and feelings of love. Its finale reaffirmed both “the resolution of events” and “the choice of relationships,” opting for a straightforward ending grounded in emotional tone.

The show’s highest rating arrived with its final episode, 4.7%. While it ended on an upswing, the fact remains that even with the label of a “top star’s comeback,” it never reached the 5% range. Beyond questions of quality, that figure stands as a symbol of public reception and is likely to be revisited in post-finale discussions.

Meanwhile, 'Surely Tomorrow' will be followed by 'Efficient Dating for Singles,' premiering on February 28, starring Han Ji Min and Park Sung Hoon. JTBC’s weekend drama slot moves on swiftly to its next title, while one comeback drama, stopping just short of the 5% barrier, remains in viewers’ memories with the record of ending at its personal best.

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