By Shivam Das | Updated October 12, 2026
100 Days of Deception has made a fast start on tvN. Its second episode recorded a 7.6% average nationwide rating among paid households in South Korea, up from 5.3% for the premiere, according to coverage citing Nielsen Korea. That is a 2.3-percentage-point rise in one episode—and it puts the drama within sight of the double-digit milestone. It does not, however, make a 10% rating inevitable.
Quick answer: Yes, double-digit ratings are a plausible next milestone for 100 Days of Deception, but two episodes are too small a sample to call it a sure thing. The next episodes will show whether the premiere buzz converts into repeat viewing.
What the ratings actually say
Episode 1, which aired on October 10, posted 5.3% nationwide. Episode 2, broadcast on October 11, climbed to 7.6%, a 2.3-point increase. Soompi reported that the second episode ranked first in its time slot across cable channels, citing Nielsen Korea. Those are meaningful early signals, especially for a new weekend drama—but they describe South Korean television viewing, not Netflix viewing worldwide.
| Measure | Reported result | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 5.3% | A solid starting point for the series |
| Episode 2 | 7.6% | A 2.3-percentage-point increase |
| Double-digit target | 10.0% or higher | A possible milestone, not a confirmed outcome |
Ratings can vary by episode, competition, scheduling, word of mouth and the story itself. One strong jump is encouraging, but it is not enough to establish a stable trend.
Why the show may keep gaining viewers
The premise combines a period setting, an undercover mission and a romance built on concealed identities. Kim You-jung plays Lee Ga-kyung, a skilled pickpocket drawn into espionage, while Park Jin-young plays interpreter Kim Tae-woong, also known as Sato Hideo. Their connection gives the series both a personal stake and a wider political backdrop.
The format also creates a clear reason to return: each new episode can reveal more about the characters' loyalties while complicating the mission. If viewers feel that the mystery is advancing—not merely delaying answers—word of mouth could help sustain the early ratings rise.
What could stop it from reaching 10%?
A ratings surge can cool just as quickly as it begins. Viewers may sample a premiere out of curiosity and then decide whether the pacing, historical setting or romance works for them. Strong competing programs can also divide the audience. The key measure is not simply whether Episode 3 rises again; it is whether the drama can retain viewers over several weeks.
It is also important to keep the numbers in context. The 7.6% figure refers to the Korean broadcast rating reported by Nielsen Korea. It is not a Netflix global audience share, a U.S. streaming ranking or a measure of total worldwide viewers. Netflix availability and streaming popularity are separate questions.
What to watch in Episode 3
- Audience retention: Does the rating stay near the Episode 2 level or continue climbing?
- Story momentum: Does the next chapter advance the espionage plot while deepening the relationship between Ga-kyung and Hideo?
- Conversation beyond the premiere: Are viewers discussing specific scenes and character decisions, rather than only the cast?
- Comparable data: Wait for a new Nielsen Korea report before claiming that the series has crossed another milestone.
A useful next read is our breakdown of the Episode 2 ratings jump, alongside our cast guide and Episode 2 ending explainer.
Frequently asked questions
Did 100 Days of Deception reach 7.6% ratings?
Yes. Episode 2 recorded a 7.6% average nationwide rating among paid households in South Korea, according to coverage citing Nielsen Korea.
What was the show's first-episode rating?
Episode 1 recorded 5.3%, so Episode 2 increased by 2.3 percentage points.
Will 100 Days of Deception reach double-digit ratings?
It is possible, but not guaranteed. The first two episodes show positive momentum; several more episodes are needed to judge whether the trend will hold.
Are these Netflix ratings?
No. The 5.3% and 7.6% figures are Korean television ratings. They should not be described as Netflix global streaming ratings.
Where can viewers check the drama's official listing?
See the official Netflix title page for listing details and availability in your region.
Sources
- Soompi: Episode 2 ratings report, October 12, 2026
- Starnews Korea: 5.3% to 7.6% ratings rise
- Netflix: 100 Days of Deception official title page
Editorial note: Ratings are reported figures from the cited coverage. Future performance is analysis, not a prediction or guarantee.
