At first, I was a little taken aback at the way the following article frames IRIS’s popularity in terms of disappointment, because it burst onto the scene with a big splash and has maintained a comfortable lead over its competition. But I suppose this all points to where expectations play into a drama’s perceived success (among other factors that are discussed below). This is why a “small drama” like You’re Beautiful is being called a modest success despite its 9%-10% ratings (on account of its mania fanbase, lower budget, and less-famous cast), while IRIS has been performing more than twice as well and still gets mixed reception as not fulfilling its hype.

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IRIS is adding more foreign spies to its roster: this week’s episodes will see the introduction of Yoo Min (aka Fueki Yuko) as a Japanese spy named “Sato Eriko.” The role has Yoo Min playing the agent interrogating Hyun-joon (Lee Byung-heon) after he is arrested in Japan. Recognizing his formidable talents, she entrusts him with a secret mission.

Of her role, Yoo Min said, “I’m extremely happy and thrilled to be greeting Korean viewers again after a long while in such a blockbuster drama with such outstanding actors.”

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I’m still not sure how I feel about this drama, and whether I want to recap it through the end. I enjoy watching it, and I will keep watching it, but… I was kind of bored this episode. After a nice beginning, this episode felt like a re-cobbling together of shows I’ve seen before. (I’ve seen Alias, I’ve seen 24.) For all the excitement of the plot — spies, plots, assassins, secret missions — it felt kind of ordinary, in a way. On the upside, it looked great and the plot unfolded smoothly. Which is why I think it’s interesting that I felt let down.

SONG OF THE DAY

IRIS OST – “잊지 말아요” (Don’t Forget) by Baek Ji-young [ Download ]

IRIS Episode 2 >>

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If you’re following KBS’s spy drama Iris, you’ll know that the romance between main characters played by Lee Byung-heon and Kim Tae-hee, who are fellow spies for the NSS, has been heating up. In particular, this week’s Episode 3 featured a love scene between them, and with spoilers teasing the big moment ahead of time, interest leading up to the episode was high. However, apparently what was shown in the broadcast was not the entirety of what was originally intended. There were concerns for the appropriateness of the content given the drama’s age-15-and-up rating, so in the end parts were edited out.

Fans will get a chance to see the full uncut version, however, albeit on cable. The channel OCN, which has the exclusive rights to re-air the episodes, will feature the scene with additional footage. The moment comes when the two spies steal away to Japan for a low-key vacation together to keep away from the eyes of their colleagues.

OCN will rebroadcast Episodes 3 and 4 on October 24.

Via Sports Chosun

RELATED POSTS

• If you thought Iris’s kiss scene was hot…
• Iris: Episode 1
• Iris’s strong start endangers Heading’s ending
• Iris and Chuno run into production disputes

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…then get ready for more romantic developments between two of the drama’s sexy spies. The production has released a new still from this week’s upcoming Episode 3, no doubt to tantalize viewers into tuning in and hoping to break 30% in the ratings in its second week.

A spoiler cut for your convenience…

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