Korean dramas have steadily gathered more global fans in recent years, thanks to the Hallyu wave coupled with Netflix’s investment in the genre. K-drama has now become a worldwide phenomenon. However, have you ever wondered why so many people enjoy K-dramas? Let’s take a look at five reasons why K-dramas are addictive.
The Screenplays
With the exception of occasional challenges and modifications in reading the subtitles, the screenplays of K-Dramas are unparalleled. They are creative and well-written, from the superficial to the profound.
Plus, K-Dramas nearly always end in suspense which will make you want to watch more. You will find the TV shows filled with many life lessons and hidden meanings accompanied by a plethora of quotable lines. Even if you watch a series more than once, you are bound to find new aspects of the show each time you watch.
The Cinematography
K-Dramas are full of glitz and glam. Concepts and settings are always well-planned out.
The settings, lighting, and even the objects in the room say a lot even when the characters don’t say anything. When the characters finally utter their lines, the cinematography wonderfully matches the tone of the scene.
The Soundtracks
K-Dramas always have the appropriate music to complement a scene. Even though you may not understand the meaning of the songs, you can sense that the melody originated from the heart.
The popularity of a drama is often attributed, in part, to the soundtrack. It is not uncommon for popular K-Pop artists, or for the actors themselves, to produce songs that will be featured on a K-Drama’s soundtrack.
Another plus is that Korean dramas frequently feature actors who are also well-known singers. In fact, many K-pop fans will watch a series simply because their favorite K-Pop singers are featured on a soundtrack.
However, it is not uncommon for soundtracks to take on a life of their own, top the charts, and become classics. K-Drama soundtracks that have become classics include; Goblin, Boys over Flowers, and Descendants of the Sun.
The Fashion
Korea is a major player in the fashion world. It has become the center of fashion trends in Asia. In general, Koreans dress in a way that makes them look as if they came straight out of a magazine spread or a runway show. And dramas – well they take it to a whole other level.
Their knack for smart and stylish dressing is undeniable. Both men and women look great on screen. The actors not only act they also play a key role in spreading Korean fashion around the globe.
Many fashion fanatics will watch K-dramas just to see the fashion and use them as their own style guide. For fashionistas, this is one of the biggest reasons why K-drama is addictive.
The Plot-twists
Traditionally, stories will have a beginning, a middle, and an end with a single dramatic climax. Not K-dramas. K-dramas have become known for their unpredictable plotlines with one climax after another.
Just when you think your favorite characters have reached their happily ever after – BOOM! Someone gets hit by a bus, gets poisoned, loses their memory, or maybe even falls into a wormhole and travels back in time. Sometimes all four!
Crazy unpredictable plot-lines make it difficult to not binge-watch. It is definitely one of the top reasons why K-drama is addictive.
The Social Commentary
I would argue that one of the reasons why K-drama is addictive for international audiences is Korean dramas’ focus on social issues.
Actually, this is a fairly new aspect of K-dramas that is a result of Netflix’s entry into the K-drama market. Korean broadcasting networks were pretty restricted in the past. Nothing that could be aired that was interpreted as being political or socially controversial.
However, streaming platforms aren’t subject to the same regulations as traditional broadcast networks. Streaming platforms were able to take on K-dramas that tackle issues such as mental health, bullying, gender inequality, corruption, and racism.
As a result, we have seen the global success of shows such as Squid Games, My Name, All of Us are Dead, and more.
Looking for your next K-Drama addiction? Click Here to read about the 5 Korean dramas you need to watch on Netflix in 2022. To view the top K-Dramas on Netflix, Click Here.
