Hwarang, The Poet Warrior debuted as a dismal flop onTv last December 19. This came as a review of the cost of publicity spent on its spectacular entry into the boob tubes was underway.

Moreover, it did not produce the exacted viewership appeal as reported. Statistics show a 6.9 % initial tv onlookers' engagement  which is a shocking record compared to the much-loved series ( Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Rye). The netizens say they are reminded of the previous series while seeing Hwarang- the Poet Warrior. It registered 7.4 % in the Nielsen Korea polls.

Still, a tight watch for the series as it garnered 7.2 % viewership on its second airing per KoreaTimes. In fact, many write ups that matched point to a dismal premiere on television.

A star-studded cast, loaded publicity and a concept so well crafted did do not do magic to the series on its early week of television screening.Cost notwithstanding, a lot of matter in hand was tapped into it as a significant production television venture.

Casting and publicity can not be pinpointed as the ground for it not to gain a striking rating. Many notice how big a cast was included. Thus, a great amount of pre-airing publicity was drawn  to fuel its success in terms of viewership appeal.

A glimmer in the can

It is now in its 4th week of a Monday-Tuesday airtime. Netizen's response to the episodes so far shows a kick almost akin to the Moonlight Dawn. The series did not fare well in its initial episode as well but it peaked up as the series went on.

Another period drama also comes in between the premier of Hwarang, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Rye ( Lovers in the Moonlight) which they say has running similarities. Other viewers find the story flat.

Shifting gears
While the observation is still finding grounds, new ventures have been spotted to transfer revenues which the show might fail to accrue. At this stage, the series inspired the creation of a mobile game Hwarang the Beginning. featuring the different characters.

It has now partnered its sales with Google play and iTunes. The character game enables fans to dress their favorite Hwarang characters per Inquistr.

Will the video games featuring the Hwarang characters be able to pull the ratings up? As it is there is a rise in viewership rating.It is also in the think tank for a possible Oh Boy Production for future musical.   

The shifts in project ventures are deemed a fall back to equal the production expectations put on this star-studded period drama. The future ratings will show how much interest is scaled as new publicity slant is drafted.