Due to the popularity of streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon, consumers have an unparalleled opportunity to watch films and TV shows to their heart’s content. While many choose the familiarity of Hollywood TV shows and films, it seems others have grown tired of the Hollywood model and have moved over to the uncharted waters of Asian TV, particularly Korean dramas. Popularly known as K-dramas, these are television series in the Korean language, made in South Korea. They have become popular worldwide, partially due to the spread of Korean popular culture and because of their widespread availability via streaming services, which offer subtitles in multiple languages. Netflix had begun seeking productions from South Korea and other countries since around 2018 to expand their offerings to a growing international audience. These efforts came to fruition when Hwang Dong-hyuk’s Squid Game drew in more than 111 million viewers within 17 days of its release in September 2021, becoming the service’s most-watched programme. Seymone Leigh Moodley says the entire experience changed her standards of entertainment. âNow I struggle with lazy Hollywood productions. K-dramas just look and feel like âmoreâ, like more effort was put into them, more research done, more thought went into creating this one-of-a-kind experience for their fans. They even give you more episodes than Hollywood shows. Itâs just more valueâ. She offers her insight into some of the K-dramas sheâs enjoyed. So go on, give them a try – Iâm sure you wonât regret it. This article was first published on FirstRand Perspectives. – Asime Nyide
Why Korean Dramas are better than Hollywood Dramas
By Seymone Leigh Moodley
I was introduced to K-dramas by a friend of mine last year, but I wasnât ready. Besides the language barrier and the tiredness from reading the subtitles, how would you understand all the different cultural nuances? Nope, not doing that, I decided
After we went into lockdown, I had gone through every decent Hollywood show, movie, and series one could watch.
Another friend of mine suggested I watch a show called, âItâs Ok Not to Be Ok.â Initially, I thought ok, itâs a K-drama but since I have nothing else to watch, I will give it a shot. And thatâs how it all started.
Episode 1 started with a mixture of Tim Burton-esque stop-motion animation and illustrations. Followed by the most mesmerizing character dressed in art, she was unflinching, devilish, and mischievous. Then came the storyline, the voiceovers, the stories within the story, the gorgeous cinematography, it was wild and fearless, and I consumed every scene like a greedy eater.
My love affair with K-dramas begins.
I was hooked, all the way hooked. I understood every expression, felt every emotion, I cried, I laughed at all the jokes, I was heartbroken when the lovers werenât meant to be and so happy when the heroine succeeded.
The entire experience changed my standards of entertainment, and now I struggle with lazy Hollywood productions. K-dramas just look and feel like âmoreâ, like more effort was put into it, more research was done, more thought went into creating this one-of-a-kind experience for their fans, they even give you more episodes than Hollywood shows. Itâs just more value.
Watching K-dramas will invite you into South Korea. And once youâre in, it wonât take long until you fall in love with the culture, the fashion, the gadgets and technology. You might even find similarities in the traditions, for example, the word Amma, meaning mother is frequently used in K-dramas and also shared by the Tamil (Indian origin) language meaning the same.
You can find many more similarities between phrases, habits and even mannerisms, and you will appreciate the dynamics that the actors bring to the screen. Once you find your favourite actors, you will start to stalk their career, watching everything theyâve ever done, even YouTube videos of them greeting fans at the airport.
And the food, OH MY GOODNESS. In K-dramas the food is real, and the actors really eat. Yes, thatâs right, no more fake food scenes. Make sure you have a packet of ramen nearby because it might tempt you to join in.
Since my first bite, I have watched some brilliant K-dramas that would be cruel not to share.
This is a dark fairy tale with an out of the ordinary love story. The chemistry and intensity between the two main characters in this story will knock you off your feet. This show also brings awareness to mental health issues and trauma in such a relatable and sincere way.
K-dramas are known for their unusual love stories, and this one delivers. This is a love story with a uniquely Korean twist that will leave you light-headed. The lead actors have enough chemistry on screen to start a fire in your living room, and there are plenty of laughs along the way.
Reply 1988 is one of the best shows Iâve ever seen; each character has their own story to tell that will remind you of yourself, someone you know or a moment in your life. It will take you back in time when friendship and love were the most important things we had. Itâs so wholesome and good, and once you invite these families into your home, you will never forget the stories they told.
Itaewon Class was made to inspire and motivate. It will give you just the right amount of spirit to get up and chase your dreams. It is a story about perseverance and principals. As you follow the main character through all his ups and downs, you wonât believe how the story ends. Itaewon Class is a bold and modern show with important messages to tell that make it different from any other K-drama out there.
Light-hearted, cute and funny are the first three words Iâd use to describe She Was Pretty, followed by self-discovery, empowerment and fate. This is a playful and optimistic romantic comedy of one quirky and adorable woman that learns a precious lesson about love and life. And it has a sweet ending that is definitely worth the watch.
The number one K-drama on this list is the World of the Married. It is a masterful story of betrayal and revenge that is both vicious and sensational. It takes you inside the world of multiple married couples and gives you an inside look at their deepest, darkest secrets as youâve never seen before. After the first six explosive episodes, youâll think the show is over until you find out itâs not and thereâs more drama to come! Hold on tight for this one, all the way through.
Go on, give it a try I promise you wonât regret it. Hwaiting! (Good luck in Korean)
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