After my last Teens and Young Adults post about Living with Anime Fans, my daughter suggested I follow up with one about Asian dramas. It didn’t take much convincing really, as we love them.
A couple of years ago, she asked me to sit and watch a show with her on Netflix. I did assume it was going to be Anime, but ended up being an English subtitled Asian drama.
Well, from there, infatuation was born!
We’ve tended to watch Korean dramas of late, but have watched Taiwanese as well and have a few saved for later.
For today’s post though, I wanted to talk about K-drama and its burgeoning appeal.
Hallyu, I’ve learned, is the catch word for the increasing popularity of Korean entertainment-music, movies and drama, the translation being ‘Korean wave’. Though it’s more like a Tsunami with the endless choices available on sites such as Netflix.
So, what is it that has people clambering for more?
- Variety – Whether it’s romance, fantasy, historic or action, there is something for everyone.
My daughter leans more to the romantic comedies, and just quietly, I don’t blame her, they are pretty addictive. I may have even convinced her to watch a couple I’d picked out (Ahem). Would like to watch Goblin, but unfortunately, it’s not available on Australian Netflix. 🙁
Having said that, we watched our first historic drama a few months back – The Rookie Historian, and absolutely loved it! Will be watching more for sure. I’ve saved a couple to ‘My List’ – The Rise of Phoenixes, and My Country: The New Age (my husband’s already watched it and enjoyed it)
- Length – While there are dramas that have multiple seasons, most only have the one, with anywhere between 16 – 36 episodes.
We all know the agony of having to wait 6 or more months for the next season of a show to air. Or worse, for Netflix to decide to cancel it. So, duration can be appealing. Unlike western productions that can literally drag out for years, most K-dramas are done and dusted in a milli fraction of the time.
If it’s a current show, we tend to wait until all the episodes have been released before starting. (Binge alert!)
- Aesthetics – Visuals are everything. From the gorgeous actors, to the scenery, location shots, beautiful props, sumptuous food and artfully decorated sets. It really is a feast for the eyes.
When you’ve finished watching (bingeing) a few episodes, it will have multiple effects on you. You’ll feel good, have a sudden urge to redecorate your home, eat better, and have a strong desire to visit the beautiful locations!
- Emotional Connection – The themes are universal. And the way the scenes are played out, viewers can’t help but be sucked in to the heightened drama and its eventual unravelling and resolution.
The unrequited loves, life’s ordeals, the prejudices and social distinctions, and what everyone desires – acceptance. Some are of the opinion that these shows are over-dramatized, but clearly, a lot of people either disagree, or don’t care. It’s the messages I think that resonate with the fans.
To take the emotional aspect down a lateral path, there does seem to be quite a few gender-swapping stories, where girls pretend to be boys. Nothing wrong with that, and it certainly adds to the humour and entertainment, especially when the male lead struggles to come to terms with inclinations he never knew he had! Only for things to be set straight by the end. (Pun intended – but no disrespect).
- Soundtracks – There’s nothing like a catchy tune or beautiful song. (Unless it’s one you despise, ha ha). You know, the ones you’re still humming for days afterwards?
It proves in our case anyway, that language is no barrier. Just listen to My Romeo by Jessi for instance from Cinderella and the Four Knights. And Unstoppable Sun by Aaron Yan from Just You (Yes I know, it’s T-drama, but it’s lovely)
People do tend to immediately think ‘romance’ when someone mentions K-drama because that genre is so huge, but if this isn’t for you, you won’t be disappointed for choice if you take the time to scout the other categories. They have plenty to offer!
However, for those who are into romance, you’ll know this list well, of all the things to expect and look forward to –
Show staples
- Someone will invariably hurt themselves and need a piggy-back home or to the hospital.
- The ex who can’t let go
- The friend who harbours a secret love for the main character
- The comic relief friend
- The missing/estranged/overbearing or unapproving parent
- Late night meetings/walks in the park (the non-creepy kind)
- Getting caught in the rain
- The drunken admission of love
- At least one meal of Ramen or instant noodles
- The hug with a pat on the back (or the ‘friend hug’ as my daughter calls it. Oof)
- The back hug
- The trip and fall, only to be caught by the love interest
- Bento box meals with fish, meat, egg, rice, or vegetables (always look amazing!)
- Cute stuffed animals
If you have any K-drama recommendations (any genre) for those new to watching, feel free to share! Or tell us what it is you love about them. 🙂
