When I worked on the Korean drama production team over a decade ago, Korean dramas were primarily known in Asia. However, they have now become a global cultural phenomenon, beloved by countless fans around the world, transcending mere content. Seeing this transformation in such a short period of time still feels incredible. Even in Australia, where I currently live, Korean dramas are frequently in the Netflix Top 10. At the beginning of the year, three programs, Squid Game Season 2, The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, and Single's Inferno, were simultaneously in the Top 10, along with Korean-filmed shows like XO, Kitty and The Recruit. Of the top ten most popular programs, a staggering half were Korean or filmed in Korea. While Korean dramas have been steadily and slowly expanding their influence, I believe the ignition was ignited when streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube began to showcase Korean dramas to a global audience. The days of struggling to watch them from unknown sources with poor subtitles are long gone. Before, Korean dramas were hard to come by, but now you can watch them with subtitles with just a few clicks on your remote control. But it doesn't end there. Streaming platforms offer a vast array of dramas from various countries, not just Korean ones. Why are Korean dramas so popular among all these dramas? I'd like to share my personal thoughts.
1. Emotionally Stirring Narrative Structure
Korean dramas are characterized by a distinct narrative structure with a distinct introduction, development, climax, and conclusion, and a profound emotional depth. In particular, human emotions like love, family, separation, friendship, revenge, and growth are delicately expressed, heightening viewer immersion. The dialogue, music, facial expressions, and camerawork all focus on emotion, transcending mere plot to convey profound emotions. This emotionally focused storytelling strongly appeals to global viewers who value emotional connection. The recently concluded drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines" is a prime example. This drama spans multiple generations and spans a vast timescale, emphasizing the saying that what is most Korean is also global. Despite being a drama filled with quintessentially Korean elements, international viewers were able to understand and shed tears along with all of the emotions. The love between parents and children, the friendship between friends and neighbors, separation, happiness, and sadness—these emotions resonate with everyone, regardless of nationality or generation.
2. The Actors' Appeal and Outstanding Acting
One of the key factors driving the popularity of K-dramas is the actors' physical charm and outstanding acting skills. Korean actors completely immerse themselves in their characters, creating nuanced emotional expressions and chemistry. In romance genres, the chemistry between the main couples leaves a strong impression, often enough to form fandoms. If you've watched dramas from other countries, you'll notice a difference in camera angles. Korean dramas feature a particularly high number of close-ups and bust shots. This is because the actors' delicate facial expressions are crucial, and the direct communication of emotions, as mentioned earlier, is crucial in Korean dramas. This allows viewers to become more deeply immersed in the drama, and international fans naturally develop an interest in K-stars by seeking out interviews and behind-the-scenes videos with Korean actors.
3. Well-Structured Storylines and Fast-paced Plots
Korean dramas are typically composed of short episodes of 12 to 20, with fast and clear plot development. Each episode features a climax—conflict, twists, emotional moments, confessions—that heightens anticipation for the next episode. Viewers enjoy the uninterrupted flow, and the structure is ideal for binge-watching. This distinguishes K-dramas from Western dramas, which typically consist of dozens of episodes per season. Because the story is presented in a condensed format without being distractingly long or overly complex, the limited length allows for greater focus.
4. Social Messages Reflecting Reality
Korean dramas go beyond mere entertainment; they sharply address social issues. My students have mentioned this, saying even lighthearted romantic comedies always seem to contain a moral lesson. Stories that reflect realities in South Korea—educational fervor, class disparity, real estate issues, women's rights, gender conflict, and social welfare gaps—resonate universally with viewers around the world. Another strength is their ability to address social issues without being overly heavy, and to present their messages in a natural and sophisticated way. Some dramas that come to mind include "Sky Castle," "My Mister," "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" and "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call".
5. Beautiful Visuals and Stylish Directing
Korean dramas pay close attention to visual elements, from mise-en-scène (screen composition), color, costumes, lighting, and music. High-definition cinematography, sophisticated camera work, and sensuous set design maximize viewer enjoyment, and the actors' fashion and style even influence global trends. Dramas like "Hotel Del Luna," "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" and "Cinderella's Sister" create buzz simply for their visual beauty, making them feel like "experiences" rather than "watching."
6. Enjoyment Through Genres
K-dramas aren't confined to a single genre, but rather offer diverse entertainment by fusing various genres. They continually experiment with new approaches, such as blending romance with thriller or fantasy with realistic dramatic elements. This genre complexity creates unpredictable plot developments, offering new tension in each scene. Furthermore, the interplay between genres can satisfy viewers of all ages and from various countries. I enjoyed "Alchemy of Souls" and "The King: Eternal Monarch", which blend fantasy and history, while "Miss Night and Day", "Suspicious Partner", and "I Hear Your Voice" blend romance and crime.
7. Cultural Freshness and Appeal
For international viewers, Korean dramas offer an opportunity to encounter unfamiliar cultures, etiquette, and traditions. Many students cited these cultural differences as a reason for watching Korean dramas, finding them fascinating. Holiday scenes, Korean family meals, company dinners, and traditional attire stimulate curiosity and naturally introduce Korean culture. In particular, the unique Korean language, family titles, and intergenerational relationships, while unfamiliar to foreigners, serve as intriguing elements, ultimately broadening their interest in K-culture. Of course, there are negative aspects of Korea, such as social issues and corporate culture, but I'm impressed by the freedom, self-criticism, and self-correction that can be so openly displayed.
8. Compelling Character-Driven Narratives
Korean dramas strive for "character-driven narratives" rather than simply focusing on events. Not only the main characters, but also supporting characters and villains are portrayed in a multifaceted manner, each endowed with their own unique personalities and narratives. This multifaceted characterization fosters affection among viewers for diverse characters, fostering fandoms that spark discussions about who they are fans of. The flow of character relationships is also crucial, and following their evolution is deeply engaging.
9. Content Expansion Driven by Fan Communities and Social Media
Korean dramas offer viewers a "culture of shared enjoyment" beyond mere content consumption. On Reddit, Twitter, and TikTok, fans share memorable scenes, create memes, and interact in real-time through comments. Fandoms expand further as actors' interviews, OSTs, and behind-the-scenes footage are shared. This community-based content consumption is the driving force behind the long-term popularity of Korean dramas.
Korean dramas captivate global audiences across diverse dimensions, including emotion, narrative, culture, characters, and style. They transcend national boundaries and are recognized as a cultural phenomenon, transcending mere dramas. It's a shame I'm no longer working in the Korean drama industry. However, because I teach Korean, I'm still studying Korean dramas, both directly and indirectly, and trying to keep up with trends. I hope to see this phenomenon expand and evolve beyond its short-lived status.
