(KBS)

Idol survival reality shows proved their popularity again in the third week of November, powered by ardent K-pop fans, data showed Tuesday.

“The Unit” on KBS 2TV ranked second with a score of 241.5 on the Content Power Index for Nov. 13-19, jumping four steps from the previous week. Mnet’s “Stray Kids” also crawled up nine levels to settle at 10th, with a score of 215.8.

In October, the two programs started on the heels of the mega hit show “Produce 101 Season 2” with a twisted format. Despite lower-than-expected viewership ratings, 5 percent for “The Unit” and less than 1 percent for “Stray Kids,” the shows garnered enough attention among fans who talk about the programs on online bulletin boards and social media platforms to stay high on the index.

“The Unit” was initially thought to be lacking in tension and seemed to have failed to arouse viewers’ interest. As the show has unfolded, however, it discovered and spotlighted talented participants like Spica’s Yang Ji-won and Big Star’s Feeldog, who have already made their debut but struggled to remain relevant in the fast-changing K-pop industry.

(Mnet)

“Stray Kids,” an audition show created by JYP Entertainment and Mnet, got more attention as Bang Ye-dam, the runner-up of the season 2 of SBS’ popular singing competition show “K-pop Star,” made an appearance.

Meanwhile, KBS 2TV’s “Confession Couple,” which finished Nov.18, topped the chart with 245.6. Starring Jang Na-ra and Son Ho-jun, it depicts an estranged married couple who travel in time to their university years to meet each other all over again.

The index, created by CJ E&M and Nielsen Korea, measures the level of popularity and influence on consumer behavior of all entertainment TV programs aired on major territorial networks and cable channels during prime time. (Yonhap)