Kongkong Pampam viewership rating drops for 3 consecutive weeks despite Na Yeong-seok's direction

The tvN variety show 'Kongkong Pampam' (Kong Sim-eun De Kong Na-neun Ga-go-pam Ha-go-pam Dong-mul-nong-jang), directed by PD Na Yeong-seok, continued its downward trend by recording its lowest viewership rating after just three episodes. While the program's signature relaxed reality and the natural chemistry among the cast are being maintained, the continuous decline in viewership ratings presents a challenge in securing initial hit momentum.

The third episode of 'Kongkong Pampam,' which aired on the 3rd, recorded a viewership rating of 2.4% (Nielsen Korea) based on nationwide paid households. This is a 0.5 percentage point drop from the previous broadcast's 2.9%. After recording 3.0% in the first episode, the ratings fell to 2.9% in the second episode and 2.4% in the third, breaking its own record for the lowest viewership rating for three consecutive weeks.

In this episode, various missions involving cooperation and competition unfolded, centered around a Yut Nori rematch between the food business team 'KKPP Food' and the ranch team. 'KKPP Food,' having lost the previous match, entered the rematch with a handicap of reducing their pieces to two, even wagering that they would be responsible for all morning duties if they lost again.

What changed the flow of the match was Moon Sang-hoon's momentary observation skills. After capturing a foul by the opposing team to create an attacking opportunity, D.O. threw a decisive 'Geol' to catch an opponent's piece and concluded the game with a 'Yut,' leading 'KKPP Food' to a dramatic comeback victory.

Afterward, the cast finished their weekly duties by moving the grazing cows into the barn. In the work evaluation, Kim Woo-bin and D.O. highly praised the adaptability of the newly joined Moon Sang-hoon, while Lee Kwang-soo drew laughter by offering a realistic assessment, saying, "It's harder to be bad from the first day," and adding, "We need to watch a little longer."

After dinner, a game to decide the night ranch patrol duty continued. In a game involving multiplying stopwatch numbers, the two teams recorded the same result, leading to a rematch. Ultimately, Lee Kwang-soo recorded '0,' resulting in an unexpected outcome where all four members had to participate in the night patrol.

Tension rose during the process of inspecting the large barn late at night. Everyone momentarily flinched at the sound of the production crew, and the timid Moon Sang-hoon made the scene hilarious by returning soaked in sweat after finishing the barn cleaning.

At the accommodation, games were held to determine the shower order for each roommate. After a 'Body Language' battle ended in a draw, the Kim Woo-bin and D.O. team won through a 'Zero Game.' In the subsequent 'Bottle Cap Game' to decide the next day's shower order, Moon Sang-hoon secured a victory by pushing away D.O.'s bottle cap, continuing the series of small competitions.

On the third day of technical training, the cast showed themselves adapting to the farm work with more proficiency than in the beginning. At the end of the broadcast, the farm owner delivered a mysterious suitcase, teasing a new mission and increasing curiosity for the next episode.

However, despite the program's narrative completeness and the chemistry among the cast, the viewership rating shows a continuous decline. Industry analysts suggest that while PD Na Yeong-seok's signature 'slow reality' style receives support from a loyal viewership, it is not easy to secure mass appeal in the recent variety show consumption environment that prefers fast pacing and strong stimulation.

Attention is focused on whether new missions and changes in the cast's relationships can provide a momentum for the program's rebound.