Jeong Se-yoon, a TenAsia reporter, approaches broadcasting industry stories from a fresh angle and writes them in a clear, readable style.
Premiered on the 14th, How to Become a Building Owner in South Korea (hereafter \"Building Owner\") is a suspense drama about a debt-ridden building owner who gets involved in a staged kidnapping to protect his family and property. Shim Eun-kyung plays Yona, a Real Capital operative who puts pressure on Ki Su-jong (Ha Jung-woo).
This series marks Shim Eun-kyung’s return to Korean television. After winning at the Japan Academy Awards and maintaining a steady career in Japan, she returned to domestic drama roughly six years after tvN’s Money Game. For her comeback she chose a role driven by ambition and desire, revealing a new side of her acting range.
Return after six years — how did her first villain role land?
Shim establishes Yona immediately in episode one’s opening. She first appears eliminating construction company official Jung Chang-su (Son Byung-wook) and overseeing the demolition of the Changshim Building. With subtle red shading at her eyes and little outward emotion, she makes a striking impression. The scene communicates Yona’s coldness without exposition.
She continues to sell the villainy in subsequent episodes. Even with minimal facial shifts, Shim creates chilling moments that naturally convey the character’s ruthlessness. Audiences have responded positively to this first foray into antagonistic territory. Viewers commented, “Even with almost no expression, she gives me chills,” and “She plays a villain so well.” Critics have praised the freshness of Shim’s transformation and noted the steady control in her performance.
Strong reviews, lukewarm ratings — can it recover?
Ratings have, however, been underwhelming. Building Owner launched with a 4.1% rating for episode one and has been hovering in the 3–4% range since. That places it at roughly one-third of the 12.4% final rating posted by its predecessor, Undercover Miss Hong.
Still, the cast’s work stands out. Shim Eun-kyung delivers a controlled debut as a villain, while Ha Jung-woo and Kim Jun-han bring grounded, believable performances that strengthen the material. The early ratings are disappointing, but given the actors’ strong work, it’s worth watching how the series develops.
Jeong Se-yoon, TenAsia reporter yoon@tenasia.co.kr
