Once you start watching Korean dramas, popularly known as K-Dramas, there is no turning back. There seems to be a sudden surge in the popularity of South Korean media around the world. From K-Pop to South Korean movies and even South Korean cuisine, the country has so much to offer and now everyone wants to get a taste of this culture. Korean dramas are the easiest way to indulge yourself in the lavish South Korean culture. However, these TV shows are very different from those in the western part of the world. The emotions are high, the tensions attract the viewers so much that they end up binge watching. According to Forbesafter a 200% increase in viewership of K-Dramas in 2019 and 2020, “more original Korean content” is being made available on streaming sites such as Netflix.
The previous years may have laid the groundwork for K-Drama’s popularity, but 2023 could well be the year it finally establishes itself as some of the best content in the world of TV series. In fact, Netflix is setting up its “largest-ever lineup of South Korean content” with 34 new and ongoing shows being made available.
A Spike Following Squid Game
Yes, it’s hard to deny that the rise of the K-Pop bands, BTS and Black Pink, as well as Bong Joon-ho’s successful black comedy thriller, Parasite, brought a wave of South Korean content to other parts of the world. However, Squid game could be a major reason why K-Drama became an instant hit. After release, Squid game went on to break records by being nominated for 14 Emmys becoming the first non-English language show to receive an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Drama Series. The series won six Emmys and the success continued as the show received three Golden Globe nominations and won one. Moreover, Squid game is considered one of the most popular shows on Netflix. Even though K-Dramas have been popular in Asia for many years, such as BBC points outit was Squid game‘s breakthrough that marked a “surge in a Korean culture tsunami”. This is evident in the way many viewers look for Korean dramas similar to Squid game.
It’s also interesting to see how all of these are connected. Especially since Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of squid game, says that Parasite‘s success gave him much-needed “confidence and motivation to move forward”. This statement is quite powerful as it shows how Hollywood opening its gates to various international artists and creators allows such brilliant creations to take center stage. Until Squid game returns with its second season, viewers can watch other brilliant K-Dramas.
Different genres and storylines
Once you go down the K-Drama rabbit hole, you’ll come across some brilliant TV series. However, these shows are very different from the ones you know. In a sense, K-Dramas are wide-ranging; from extremely romantic and cheesy dramas for the hopeless romantics to violent and grotesque dramas full of anger and revenge, you’re sure to find something you like. More often than not, these dramas tend to also take the opportunity to reflect on society. Themes such as bullying, abuse, violence, social hierarchy and childhood trauma are recurring themes in these dramas.
For example, The glory is a recent K-Drama available on Netflix that is starting to gain popularity. Like it Squid game, it is dark, but it needs a completely different approach, because it is not afraid to reveal the dark side of schools, which is bullying and the influence of wealthy parents on the school board. K-Dramas also tend to experiment with genres by mixing them together. So you might find the legal genre mixed with the fantasy or romance genre mixed with crime. The most unlikely of genres collide, creating something truly fascinating.
Some brilliant actors
These Korean dramas also feature some brilliant actors. One of those actors is Wi Ha-joon. Yes, he’s an instant heartthrob, but he’s also a face you’ll see in several K-Dramas. Wi Ha-joon is said to have gained international fame after appearing in Squid game, but he is also known for his roles in Little women And 18 Again. Song Hye-kyo is another brilliant actress. Her performance in Full house made her recognized as one of the best actresses in South Korea. Performances by Lee Jung-jae, Song Joong Ki and Lee Min Ho have already won over many viewers in Asia. Even young actors like Oh Ji-yul who played Ha Ye-sol The glory can surprise the viewers with their talent. So it won’t be a shock if they keep taking over the world.
The way in which these actors can switch from completely different characters and genres is nothing short of remarkable. An example is Han So-hee. She has taken on many leading roles, from The world of the married Unpleasant My name And Anyway. However, these are very contrasting characters. Moreover, there are some new actors like Jung Ho-yeon who have already proven to be very promising. With all these actors, K-Dramas will continue to gain viewers and gather a large fan base.