Final Table, JTBC's Tuesday-Wednesday drama, premiered on October 24 with a nationwide rating of 1.9%, according to Ten Asia. The same night, SBS's Dr. X, led by Kim Ji-won, rated 19.5%, a gap of more than ten times.

What is Final Table about?

Ahn Hyo-seop plays Kang Han, a gifted chef who returned to Korea about two years ago after years abroad. He had been living quietly in nature while training to cook a feast for his late father. Hong Hwa-yeon plays Choi Song-yi, who now owns Familia, the restaurant where Kang Han grew up eating with his father.

What happened in episode 1?

Kang Han visits Familia before leaving for the United States, hoping to taste a dish from his childhood. Instead, he finds the restaurant empty and the food far below his memory. Angered, he confronts the kitchen. His words wound Choi Song-yi, whose father, chef Choi Seung-hyo, died after being framed for opposing Pyeongyeon Group. Familia now faces closure. The episode ends with a kitchen fire extinguisher exploding in the chaos.

Why is the rating gap getting attention?

The 1.9% debut stands out against Dr. X's 19.5% on the same night. Ratings are one measure among many, and the first episode alone does not show how the series will perform over its run.

For international fans

In Korea, Final Table streams on Disney+. Overseas viewers can watch on Amazon Prime Video. Episode 2 airs October 25 at 10:30 p.m. Korean time, which is 10:30 p.m. in Seoul and an earlier hour elsewhere depending on your time zone.