(SBS)

Ongoing popular TV drama “Yong-pal,” initially planned as a 16-episode show, will extend the series by two additional episodes.

“After repeated discussions, it has been decided ‘Yong-pal’ will have a two-episode extension. The show will culminate on Oct. 1,” a representative from network SBS said.

The lead actress had earlier teased the surprise via costar Joo Won’s V show, where she hinted: “There will be a good news coming soon.”

The two celebrated actors’ medical-romance TV drama has steadfastly topped rankings among Wednesday-Thursday shows since launching Aug. 5.

The 12th and latest episode marked 19.1 percent viewership nationwide, against 6.0 percent from KBS’ “Assembly” and MBC’s “Scholar Who Walks the Night” at 7.7 percent. “Yong-pal” now has six remaining segments to air.

By Lim Jeong-yeo (kaylalim@heraldcorp.com)