By Shivam Das | Updated October 13, 2026
After only two episodes, tvN’s 100 Days of Deception has given viewers a reason to pay attention to its ratings trajectory. The premiere averaged about 5.3% nationwide, while Episode 2 rose to 7.6%, according to Nielsen Korea figures reported by Korean entertainment outlets. In the Seoul metropolitan area, Episode 2 averaged 8.3% and peaked at 9.4%.
That is a strong early jump, but does it mean the drama will cross 10% next weekend? Not necessarily. The numbers show momentum, not a guarantee. A double-digit result is possible if the show retains viewers and draws new ones, but the next episodes will have to prove that the premiere-weekend curiosity can turn into a habit.
What the ratings say so far
The most important comparison is the nationwide average: the show moved from roughly 5.3% for Episode 1 to 7.6% for Episode 2. That is an increase of about 2.3 percentage points in one episode. Episode 2 also led its time slot among cable and general programming channels, according to published reports.
The Seoul metropolitan figures were higher, with an 8.3% average and a 9.4% peak reported for Episode 2. Those figures should not be confused with the nationwide average: a peak reading and a regional average measure different things. The distinction matters when assessing whether the series is close to a milestone.
How realistic is a 10% rating?
Reaching a 10% nationwide average would require another meaningful increase. Episode 2’s 7.6% average is 2.4 percentage points below that mark. The Seoul peak of 9.4% is close to 10%, but it does not mean the show has already reached a 10% nationwide average.
There are reasons to be optimistic: the show has a recognizable cast, a period setting, a spy-romance hook and an episode-ending encounter that Korean entertainment coverage has highlighted. Still, ratings can fluctuate because of competition, audience retention, scheduling, word of mouth and the strength of each episode. One strong jump is encouraging evidence, not a dependable forecast.
Three signals to watch in Episode 3
1. Whether the story follows through
Episode 2 raised questions about the characters’ overlapping missions and personal histories. If Episode 3 develops those threads instead of postponing every answer, it may help keep viewers invested.
2. Whether viewers return for the next broadcast
Premiere-weekend curiosity can produce a sharp early rise. The more meaningful test is whether the audience returns when the story moves beyond its initial setup. A stable or rising nationwide average would provide stronger evidence of sustained interest.
3. Whether discussion translates into viewing
Online clips and fan conversation can raise awareness, but social buzz is not the same metric as television ratings. The clearest evidence will remain the next official ratings report, interpreted using the same geography and measurement type as the earlier numbers.
Why the story may help—or hurt—the ratings
The series combines a 1930s setting, resistance intrigue and a romance built around conflicting identities. That mix can distinguish it from contemporary dramas, while the cast gives viewers several characters to follow. But historical detail and multiple plotlines can also ask more of casual viewers if the narrative becomes difficult to track.
The next episode’s pacing may therefore matter as much as any single viral moment. Clear consequences, character choices that feel earned and a satisfying balance between suspense and emotion are likelier to sustain an audience than hype alone.
Our assessment: possible, but not yet predictable
Double digits are a plausible target, but the current data does not justify saying they are inevitable. The nationwide average has climbed quickly, and the Seoul peak suggests that some viewing periods are already approaching that level. The key question is whether the next episode can convert that early momentum into a higher average across the full broadcast.
Until the next official report arrives, the fairest conclusion is simple: 100 Days of Deception has made a promising start. Episode 3 will provide a much better test of whether the series can sustain its growth.
Quick answer: Will 100 Days of Deception reach 10%?
It could, but it is not guaranteed. Episode 2 averaged 7.6% nationwide and reportedly peaked at 9.4% in the Seoul metropolitan area. A 10% nationwide average would require further growth, and the next official ratings report will show whether the momentum continues.
Frequently asked questions
What rating did Episode 2 receive nationwide?
Episode 2 averaged 7.6% nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea figures reported by Korean entertainment outlets.
Did 100 Days of Deception already reach 9.4% nationwide?
No. The reported 9.4% figure was the peak in the Seoul metropolitan area. The reported nationwide peak was 8.5%, while the nationwide average was 7.6%.
When will we know if the show reaches double digits?
The next episodes air on the following broadcast weekend. Check the next Nielsen Korea report and compare like-for-like nationwide averages rather than regional peaks.
Where can viewers find the series?
The drama is listed on Netflix; availability and release timing can vary by country. See the official Netflix title page.
Related coverage
- 100 Days of Deception Episode 2 Ratings Jump to 7.6% — Why Viewers Are Suddenly Obsessed
- 100 Days of Deception Episode 2 Ending Explained
- Soompi’s Episode 2 ratings report
Sources: Soompi; The Chosun Daily; Netflix.
Image credits: tvN stills distributed via Soompi. Rights remain with the respective owners; confirm permission before commercial reuse.
