Today, let’s explore the world of Korean dramas and find out the reasons for their popularity and acceptance around the globe.
In June 2023, the psychological thriller drama “The Glory” was the most watched Korean TV series on Netflix, with around 622.8 million hours viewed globally.
The immense viewership clearly defined the popularity of Korean dramas globally. But the question arises: what makes them different?
So here are 8 points that will explain why you should add Korean dramas to your watch list.
1. Innovative Storytelling Techniques:
Many people think that Korean dramas are famous because of their casting. The compelling personalities of the actors attract the audience. But just think about it.
Will you watch the drama for your favorite actor only?
No, you can start the drama based on favoritism, but only the storyline will keep you hooked from the first to the last episode. Korean dramas have mastered the storytelling technique. The genres they offer in their dramas are recommendable. Along with that, they engage the audience in their episodes. In such a way that people eagerly wait for the next episode.
For example, in “Descendants of the Sun,” it reflects the love-work story of an army officer and a female doctor in a war zone.
2. Meaningfulness in Dramas
Korean dramas are capable of teaching you a life-long lesson in just 16 episodes. Sometimes the lesson from drama rescues you from your real-life problems.
Like “Doctor Slump,” which shows the importance of mental health. How much is it necessary to create a balance between work and personal life? It shows that you should enjoy your life at every point because, in the future, you will have nothing except regrets over the past.
Also In “True Beauty,” the writer crushes the beauty standards followed in society. The dramas teach the audience that appearance does not matter; everyone has a remarkable character and personality.
3. Emotional Depth and Realism:
It is impossible that you start the Korean drama and have no emotional attachment to it. Korean dramas reflect the sorrows, suffering, and happiness of casting actors in such a way that you can cry on their misfortune and laugh on their happiness.
It also helps people select drama according to their emotional state. Everyone craves some feeling in real life that can be full-fledged through these dramas.
4. Cultural Immersion and Exploration:
Korean drama fulfills your dram of exploring Korean customs, traditions, cuisines, and places. While watching Korean dramas, it seems like you are in Korea, enjoying its beauty along with the characters of the dramas.
For example, in the drama “Crash Landing on You,” viewers are transported to the picturesque landscapes of North Korea, providing a rare glimpse into the daily lives of its inhabitants.
5. High Production Values:
Some Korean dramas are capable of competing with Hollywood movies in terms of cinematography. Their lavish sets, designs, props, and everything give a sense of realism. Especially their fictional dramas are capable of transferring you from a realistic world to a drama world. Their breath-taking acting skills and high production teams are like a cherry on top and provide you with a complete entertainment package.
Example
None of the dramas can explain my above point better than “Squid Game“. In this drama, people need to perform different games to survive till the end.
6. Strong Female Leads
Korean dramas often feature strong, independent female leads who defy traditional gender stereotypes and serve as powerful role models for women everywhere. They depict how a professionally successful woman can also handle her personal life with the same gracefulness. The grace of k-dramas is that they show a balance where males and females work together to build up a happy family.
7. Global Streaming Platforms:
The widespread availability of Korean dramas on global streaming platforms such as Netflix, Viki, and Hulu has made them easily accessible to audiences around the world. No longer confined to local television networks, viewers can now binge-watch their favorite dramas anytime and anywhere.
8. Diverse Genre Offerings:
Korean dramas offer a diverse range of genres to suit every viewer’s taste, from romantic comedies and historical epics to thrillers and fantasy sagas.
- Romantic Comedy (Rom-Com): Example: “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo”
- Historical (Sageuk): Example: “Moon Embracing the Sun”
- Horror: Example: “All of us are dead” or “happiness”
- Fantasy: Example: “Goblin” or “the bride of the water god”
- Action/Thriller: Example: “City Hunter”
- Medical Drama: Example: “Doctor Stranger
- Mystery/Crime: Example: “Signal”
- Slice of Life: Example: “Reply 1988”.
- Fantasy Romance: Example: “My Love from the Star
- Legal Drama: Example: “Lawless Lawyer”
Conclusion
Dramas are the escape gate from reality to relax yourself from tough daily life. Thus, choose wisely and select those dramas that have some hidden meaning in them. Variety in Korean dramas, along with stories and characters, is making them popular worldwide.
