Despite boasting an all-star cast dubbed “ratings queens,” tvN’s beauty variety show Perfect Glow has failed to meet expectations, recording a steep ratings drop by its second episode. Airing on November 13, episode 2 of Perfect Glow managed only a 0.8% viewership, down from the premiere’s modest 1.1%.
Perfect Glow follows top Korean hair and makeup artists as they open a K-beauty salon in Manhattan, New York, aiming to showcase the essence of Korean beauty to a global audience. PD Kim Sang Ah explained the show’s concept stemmed from curiosity about whether the global K-content boom could extend to K-beauty, choosing New York as a cultural melting pot where beauty trends converge.
The show features actress Ra Mi Ran as the salon director, with Park Min Young as the head coordinator and Joo Jong Hyuk as manager. Ra Mi Ran admitted she was hesitant about joining a beauty-themed program, unsure why she was cast, but eventually accepted the challenge. Park Min Young echoed similar doubts about her role as head coordinator, while Joo Jong Hyuk humorously remarked that he was simply thrilled someone thought of him, noting that he was referred by Park.
Renowned beauty masters Cha Hong, LeoJ, and PONY also joined the cast, heightening anticipation. Cha Hong confessed her concerns about language barriers and handling diverse hair textures in New York, while LeoJ and PONY, known for their online content, were initially worried about transitioning to real-life salon work.
Episode 2 featured a heartwarming transformation of Kelly, a former idol trainee who gave up her dream of debuting in Korea. With the help of LeoJ and Cha Hong, she re-emerged as a glowing “K-girl group member.” Viewers were impressed, commenting, “I was genuinely shocked. Didn’t think it could work,” and praised the show’s styling execution, especially its authentic “effortlessly chic” vibe.
While Perfect Glow has garnered praise for promoting K-beauty globally, its underwhelming viewership raises questions about its staying power. With 10 episodes planned and the finale set for January 2026, attention now turns to whether the show can recover and capture broader audience interest.
Perfect Glow airs Thursdays at 10:40 PM KST on tvN.
Sources: Daum