Once you start watching Korean dramas, popularly known as K-Dramas, there is no going back. There seems to be a sudden increase in the popularity of South Korean media across the globe. From K-Pop to South Korean films and even, South Korean cuisine, the country has so much to offer and now, everyone wants a taste of this culture. Korean Dramas are the easiest way to indulge oneself in the luscious South Korean culture. However, these TV shows are very different from the ones you find in the Western part of the world. The emotions are high, the tensions attract the viewers so much that they end up binge-watching them. According to Forbes, following a 200% increase in viewership of K-Dramas in 2019 and 2020, "more original Korean content" is being made available on streaming sites like Netflix.
The previous years might have set the foundation for K-Drama's popularity, but 2023 might be the year that it finally establishes itself as one 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 running shows being made available.
A Spike Following Squid Game
Yes, it is 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 in a wave of South Korean content to other parts of the world. However, Squid Game might be one key reason why K-Drama became an instant hit. Following its release, Squid Game went on to break records by being nominated for 14 Emmys and 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 regarded as one of the most popular shows on Netflix. Even if K-Dramas have been popular in Asia for many years, as BBC points out, it was Squid Game's breakthrough that marked a "wave in a Korean culture tsunami". This is evident through the way in which many viewers start to search for Korean dramas similar to Squid Game.
It is also interesting to see how all these are connected. Especially since, Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of Squid Game, states that Parasite's success gave him the much-needed "confidence and motivation to go forward". This statement is quite powerful as it shows how Hollywood's opening its gates to different international artists and creators is what allows such brilliant creations to take the center stage. Until Squid Game returns with its second season, viewers are looking for other brilliant K-Dramas.
Different Genres and Storylines
Once you start going down the K-Drama rabbit hole, you will find some brilliant TV series. However, these shows are quite different to the ones you are familiar with. In a way, K-Dramas have a wide array; from extremely romantic and cheesy dramas for the hopeless romantics to the violent and grotesque ones filled with fury and vengeance, you will definitely be able to find something you like. More often than not, these dramas tend to use the opportunity to reflect on society as well. Themes like bullying, abuse, violence, social hierarchy and childhood trauma are constantly seen in these dramas.
For example, The Glory is one recent K-Drama available on Netflix that is starting to gain much popularity. Like Squid Game, it is dark, but it takes a completely different approach as it is not afraid to reveal the dark side of schools which is bullying and the rich parents' influence on the school administration. 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 genres end up together, creating something truly fascinating.
Some Brilliant Actors
These Korean dramas also include some brilliant actors. One such actor is Wi Ha-joon. Yes, he is an instant heartthrob, but he is also one face that you will see in different K-Dramas. Wi Ha-joon might have gained international fame following his performance in Squid Game, but he is also known for his roles in Little Women and 18 Again. Song Hye-kyo is yet another brilliant actress. Her performance in Full House allowed her to be 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 in The Glory can surprise the viewers with their talent. So, it won't be a shocker when they continue to take over the world.
The way in which these actors are able to shift from completely different characters and genres is truly remarkable. One example is Han So-hee. She has been taking over many lead roles, from The World of the Married to My Name and Nevertheless. However, these are very contrasting characters. Moreover, there are some new actors like Jung Ho-yeon who have already proven to be quite promising. With all these actors, K-Dramas will continue to win over viewers and gather a large fan base.