JYJ3’s Note: Just by your information, “Descendant Of The Sun” is one of the most popular dramas released in 2016, starring Song Hye-Kyo & Song Jong Ki.
Despite the rating, ManHole Drama managed to be sold for more than US $ 140,0000 per episode.
Source: Joongang via Naver
Translated by: @crystalmoon0213
Shared by: JYJ3
JYJ3 
That is the effect of JJ oppa, the drama is very interesting in itself, a little unusual and funny drama and you do not know what will happen as the plot progresses, episode 7 was interesting and I wait for episode 8 with eagerness.
CONGRATS JJ and the whole MANHOLE TEAM 🌟🌻👍💚
This 2014 article was shared yesterday in twitter, with JJ’s Triangle drama poster, I tried to google translate it, and it’s relevant to the present issue, any translator here please help, just copied some parts.
http://www.newstomato.com/ReadNews.aspx?no=480874
[News Tomato Jung Hae Wook Reporter] Drama ratings are barometers that can be used to gauge the popularity of the current drama among viewers. This is why there is excessive competition for viewership among broadcasters.
But recently the atmosphere has changed a bit. It is the age of audience distrust. Broadcasters are not as sensitive to audience ratings as they used to be.
◇ Viewers change their viewing patterns …
One terrestrial broadcaster’s PD said, “Of course, viewership is still important. Basically, it’s good for the broadcasters if it gets good ratings, and it is not good if they do not come out well. ”
However, “In recent years, there is not much trust in audience ratings. The same goes for advertisers who advertise through dramas. It does not respond sensitively to ratings as much as it used to. ”
This change is due to the different patterns of viewers watching the drama. Nowadays, viewers often watch TV dramas through IPTV or Internet viewing service. In particular, in the case of dramas intended for young audiences in their 20s and 30s, the proportion of viewers watching the drama in this form is relatively large. However, these statistics are not included in the audience ratings announced by the rating agency, so it is difficult to gauge the popularity of the drama by the audience rating figures themselves.
Despite the fact that it has recorded poor ratings, it is often seen on the Internet that drama collects topics on a steady basis. I can not ignore this drama as ‘not popular’.
◇ It is a drama to leave a high profit with low production cost.
If so, what do you think is more important than broadcasters’ viewership?
An official said, “In the end, it is important how much you invest and how much you earn.” The audience rating is relatively high. On the other hand, even if the ratings do not come out a little, it may be enough for the broadcasters. ”
Broadcasters should be satisfied if they earn more than a certain level through advertising sales, even if they record poor results in terms of audience ratings.
The criteria for a satisfactory return on the part of broadcasters depends on how much they have invested in the drama. Despite the relatively low cost of production, there are often dramatic dramas that earn enough to pay back the investment. These dramas are more enthusiastic in the broadcasting company than the shoddy dramas that have recorded high ratings but do not make profit because of excessive production costs. In the end, a drama that brings a little more revenue than a high-rated drama is a candidate for a broadcaster.
◇ Guarantee revenue through export of foreign rights
One of the major sources of revenue through drama is overseas license exports. Domestic cultural contents are gaining popularity in foreign countries, and dramas are being exported actively.
I heard the news yesterday, and im crying.. Im gettin touched by japanese people ❤ ❤
Im crying bcs im happy 🙂 congrats mabhole team, esp. KIM JAE JOONG. You all deserved it!!!
When I read the news, I first remember you, how worried you were about the rating.
Cheers for Manhole Team 😀😍
Waaa, felt like we know each other for too long 🙂 you were right kris. JJ biggest market is outside korea. ❤ lots of love worlwide ❤ Manhole is the most successfull drama despite not so good in rating!what more important is, it beat DOTS
@lily @kris
I also remember how upset & worried you were Lily (hugsyou). I think we were all a bit upset at the ratings. But as these articles & the extra info Kris has been posting show, ratings are probably not the best indicator of a drama’s success. But with that noted, it is wonderful to see this news, esp because at the end of the day, drama’s are made to make money & this news really shows how high Jaejoongie’s value is. 💸 💸 You’re crying with happiness, I was dancing around the house when I first read the news! It’s definitely time to celebrate 🎊 🎉 🎇 🎆
Yup!! Lets celebrate together guys! I wonder how the cast celebrate this happy news too 🙂 emmm, jj probaly buying them an ice cream again, hihi joking!! ❤ love manhole drama ❤ love kim jaejoong ❤ muah3
And it’s only in Japan,I’m sure other countries will follow, not to mention the streaming/internet viewing copyrights. Now producers know the assured ROI if they cast Jaejoong, not only that he’s popular but he’s a good actor and is always challenging himself to be better every project.
Congrats and Fighting!!!
YES! YES! The efforts JJ and crew are putting into this drama deserves more recognition imho. Congratulations to them.
Congratulations JaeJoong!! Hard work always pays off! You’ve been working so hard for this project! Thank you Japanese loyal fans! Proud of both you & JJ.
Jaejoong ‘s market is not in SK so sad . But he is in Japan ,in China so happy for him.
Congratulation JaeJoong! I feel happy since yesterday after read the news 😀
SO proud & happy of Joongie & the cast & crew. Man Hole is such a great drama & it’s lovely to see this news & everyone working on it being rewarded this way. & while I’m happy for the cast & crew I’m also really, really happy the article pointed out that it’s due 90% to Jaejoongie! Thank you for giving the man the credit he is due!
The drama fits summer perfectly, fresh and cool I’m so proud of Jaejoong I got a little bit worried because of that weird rating that doesn’t even reflect how popular is the drama in Korea according to their own popularity rankings and data, I was worried if actors will get paid cuz I read many times KBS didn’t pay their drama cast becuz of law ratings (inspiring generation, beautiful minds..) I especially got worried for elders, But JaeJae saved it all and they all can get paid like Kings 150 million won per episode that’s amaaaaaaaaaaazing. The most expensive drama sold to Japan, get this record Manhole ^^ I’m extra happy and proud because it has to a lot to do with Jaejoong’s personal effect alone 😄