'Salon de Holmes' starring Lee Si Young, Jung Young Joo, Kim Da Som, and Nam Gi Ae is drawing impressive viewership ratings, after starting in the modest 1% range.
The sixth episode, which aired on July 1 KST, recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 3.4%, peaking at 4.1%, according to Nielsen Korea. This marks a significant 0.8 percentage point increase from episode 5’s 2.6%, and nearly triple the ratings of the first episode, which drew 1.3%. The series is rapidly gaining traction, capturing the attention of more and more viewers.
In the latest episode, the trio of female detectives portrayed by Lee Si Young, Jung Young Joo, and Nam Gi Ae began investigating a sex offender who had been harassing residents in their apartment complex. Characters Gong Mi Ri (Lee Si Young), Chu Kyung Ja (Jung Young Joo), and Jeon Ji Hyun (Nam Gi Ae) utilized various tactics to uncover a group of predators exploiting the outdated surveillance camera system in their building.
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
Police nicknamed the perpetrator “Pipsqueak” as they closed in on him. Mi Ri suspected the culprit was a fellow resident and followed a lead involving a suspicious package found in the building’s trash area. One of the main suspects was the residents’ representative, Byun Hak Do, who previously caused a scene over a missing delivery and had ties to a box containing glow-in-the-dark T-back underwear. Another suspect was Park Tae Hoon, son of the apartment women’s association president Park Ji Ah, after a hoodie similar to the one worn by the criminal was found in his bag.
To address the apartment’s poor security, the trio demanded a surveillance camera upgrade at a residents’ meeting. However, the proposal faced resistance from residents worried about a potential dip in property values. In response, Mi Ri convinced security guard Gwang Gyu (Lee Jae Kyoon), who had been rumored to be a pervert, to stage a bold protest: He showed up in glow-in-the-dark underwear to send a strong message. Despite the stunt, the women’s association president remained unmoved.
With no other option, the women formed a sting operation. On a rainy night, they disguised Gwang Gyu as a woman to act as bait. As predicted, “Pipsqueak” appeared and tried to approach him, only to be caught in the act. The culprit turned out to be Byun Hak Do. Though he claimed he was merely a copycat during police questioning, the case seemed to reach its conclusion.
But the drama took a darker turn. Yoon Joo (Lee Hwa Kyum), a resident of unit 902, was quietly murdered. News reports began circulating about the return of “Ribbon Man,” a serial killer from a decade ago. The reemergence triggered past trauma for Mi Ri.
Adding to the suspense, Gwang Gyu was seen secretly tying a red ribbon, an unmistakable signature of Ribbon Man, raising doubts about his true identity.
The episode ended on a cliffhanger. So Hee (Kim Da Som) noticed the growing pile of unattended packages outside unit 902 and spotted a suspicious man exiting the apartment. As she followed him, she found herself in danger, leaving viewers wondering: Is this man Yoon Joo’s killer? And will So Hee make it out safely?
'Salon de Holmes' is gaining praise for blending everyday apartment life with gripping mystery. Its female-led investigation and social commentary add depth, resonating strongly with viewers. From its humble 1.3% debut, the show’s steady rise in ratings speaks to its compelling plot, solid pacing, and powerful performances. Now at its midpoint, all eyes are on whether 'Salon de Holmes' can maintain its upward momentum through to the finale.
SEE ALSO: Lee Si Young announces one-month stay in the U.S. with her son
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