‘Sold Out on You’ Climbs Netflix Global Top 10 for Two Straight Weeks Despite 2% Ratings
by K-Soul · allkpopThe global popularity of the drama 'Sold Out on You' continues to rise.
Episode 5 of the SBS Wednesday-Thursday drama aired on May 6 and recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 2.6%, with a peak minute-by-minute rating of 3.5%, according to Nielsen Korea.
Although the series has remained in the 2% range for episodes 3 through 5, it has ranked in Netflix’s Global Top 10 non-English TV shows for two consecutive weeks as of May 7, 2026. According to Netflix Tudum, the drama previously logged 4.7 million views — calculated by dividing total watch hours by the show’s runtime — and claimed the No. 1 spot in the global Top 10 non-English TV category during its first broadcast week from April 20 to April 26. It also maintained the top spot in eight countries, including Taiwan and seven countries across the Americas.
'Sold Out on You' is now diving deeper into the dramatic relationship between Matthew Lee, played by Ahn Hyo Seop, and Dam Ye Jin, played by Chae Won Bin. In the latest episode, the pair faced an unexpected crisis during their first live broadcast collaboration.
After signing a home shopping distribution contract, the two prepared for an official product launch. Dam Ye Jin immersed herself in solving every issue surrounding the launch, from product inspections to customer concerns. Having previously suffered trauma after a beauty product she sold became problematic, she approached the process with greater caution than ever before.
Rather than simply reading promotional materials from partner companies, Dam Ye Jin even consulted academic papers to explain the product’s strengths, further earning Matthew Lee’s trust through her professionalism.
One day before the launch, Matthew Lee comforted her by saying, “Try believing in yourself,” offering warm encouragement in his own understated way.
Reassured by his words, Dam Ye Jin prepared for the live broadcast. However, on the day of the show, Matthew Lee discovered abnormal microbial growth in the essence product. Concerned that it could become a serious quality issue, he considered canceling the broadcast entirely.
Despite the situation, Dam Ye Jin insisted on keeping their promise to customers and began the live stream on schedule. During the broadcast, she shocked everyone by announcing, “We will not be selling the essence today.” Viewers are now curious about the fallout from her sudden decision to halt sales mid-broadcast.
'Sold Out on You is a romantic comedy about men and women carrying emotional scars who find healing after meeting in the rural village of Deokpung. The story follows perfectionist farmer Matthew Lee and star home shopping host Dam Ye Jin, who become intertwined through a cosmetics ingredient contract.
Because the drama centers on young people in a peaceful countryside setting, viewers have described it as a “realistic yet healing romantic comedy.”
During the production press conference held in April, director Ahn Jong Yeon described the series as “a therapy drama.”
“I think its biggest strength is comfort,” he explained. “The natural script and acting are its greatest charms. I hope viewers can watch it comfortably while taking part in the healing journey of the characters.”
At the center of the series are Matthew Lee and Dam Ye Jin, two people constantly pushing forward in life who eventually find a place of rest for each other.
Ahn Hyo Seop described his character as someone endlessly busy with farming, research, development, and business. He also explained the drama’s underlying message, saying, “The story shows how Matthew Lee and Dam Ye Jin become a source of comfort for each other. Even though the characters seem busy and passionate, as the episodes go on, the drama says you don’t always have to live every day so intensely.”
“While the title ‘Sold Out on You’ can sound like it’s about working hard, paradoxically, it’s also saying that you don’t have to,” he said. “People everywhere live harsh, busy lives, but through meeting one another, they can become a place of rest. I want to tell people that it’s okay to take it easy today.”
Dam Ye Jin, played by Chae Won Bin, is similarly portrayed as a workaholic who relentlessly pushes herself while prioritizing work above all else. Through their exhausting daily lives, Matthew Lee and Dam Ye Jin gradually become each other’s source of support and comfort.
Chae Won Bin also described the drama as “a warm and comforting project that feels like looking at a tiny miniature village filled with charming little details.”
In addition to the lead actors, the series features a colorful supporting cast. Kim Bum appears as Seo Eric, the son of a French cosmetics company chairman. Seo Eric is a charismatic character who adds tension between Dam Ye Jin and Matthew Lee.
Describing his role, Kim Bum explained, “He was adopted into a wealthy family, but suddenly finds himself without a goal or sense of ownership in life. After meeting Dam Ye Jin, he begins to discover purpose and value again.”
Although Kim Bum has starred in many productions, 'Sold Out on You' marks his first official romantic comedy project.
“I unintentionally ended up doing my first rom-com,” he admitted. “Maybe I was waiting for this project all along. It was a genre I lacked confidence in.”
He continued, “Fantasy and genre series have very specific settings already built into the script, but I think romantic comedies are incredibly delicate. That may be why I avoided them before. But when I read this script, I felt there were so many layers I could express through my own interpretation.”
The actor also revealed how much preparation he put into the role.
“Since I had more decision-making power this time, both the team and I prepared obsessively,” he said. “I worked hard to choose clothes and colors that could convey the relaxed elegance of wealthy people. We even did camera tests because I believed the visual details were important.”
Filled with the dedication of both the cast and production team, Sold Out on You delivers a warm message of comfort and encouragement, telling viewers that they do not always have to push themselves so hard.
While the domestic ratings remain modest, the drama’s growing global success has captured viewers worldwide. Attention is now focused on whether the series can continue delivering its meaningful message and finish strong. Episode 6 starring Ahn Hyo Seop and Chae Won Bin airs tonight, May 7, at 9 PM.
SEE ALSO: Ahn Hyo Seop teams up with Khalid for global K-R&B collaboration single "Something Special"
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