5+1 Elements that Appeal K-dramas to the Global Audience
K-dramas have been reaching new heights when it comes to global appeal, and these elements can perhaps explain the reason why.
In recent years, the global popularity of Korean dramas, or K-dramas, has soared to new heights, captivating audiences from every corner of the world.
However, what exactly is it about K-dramas that prove to be so attractive to the global audience? In this article, let’s crack down on the irresistible elements of K-dramas with concert examples from many of your favorite shows.
1. Diverse Topics:
Modern K-dramas continue to push boundaries by exploring a wide array of topics and themes, offering viewers fresh and engaging storytelling experiences. In fact, if old K-dramas tend to focus on romance, modern K-dramas are now venturing in much wider waters, covering all sorts of genres and topics, from intriguing murder, political battles, to simple everyday life.
A prime example of this would be “Kingdom”, which puts the very colloquial topic of zombies into a unique setting of historical Korea.
Meanwhile, “Squid Game” cracks down on humanity and capitalism themes presented in a format of a death game, yet at the same time, incorporates everyday and cultural elements like children’s games.
Going hand in hand with these unique shows would be shows about normal careers, daily life, and romance, making it impossible for the audience to get bored of K-dramas.
2. Great Acting:
The caliber of acting in K-dramas continues to be a driving force behind their success, with talented actors delivering nuanced performances that leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Take “Hospital Playlist“, which featured a stellar cast ensemble, for example. The plot of this drama couldn’t be more simple: a group of friends who became doctors and navigating the challenges everyone will go through: work, friendship, and love. Yet, the cast’s chemistry and emotive performances endeared them to audiences, solidifying the series’ status as a beloved fan favorite.
Another hit K-drama, “The Glory”, used the same formula to success. Revenge series are not at all new in the K-drama world, and yet the outstanding performance of every single actor, from leading ones like Song Hye-kyo and Lim Ji-yeon, to supporting ones like Jung Sung-il and even child actress Oh Ji-yul, leave lasting impressions on viewers.
3. Cinematography and Visuals:
How often is it that you open a K-drama to watch and immediately swoon over a male or female lead? It’s no shame to admit that the visuals of cast members are one reason why we can’t stop watching.
In fact, K-drama caters to all tastes: you can find the manly uncle type in Hyun Bin, Lee Dong-wook, Son Seok-gu, and Gong Yoo, the “flower boys” in young actors like Cha Eun-woo, Song Kang, and Lee Do-hyun, and the grown man allure in more senior (yet still young) faces like Lee Min-ho, Song Joong-ki, and Ji Chang-wook. And we are not even yet talking about the actresses – as Han So-hee, Song Hye-kyo, Son Ye-jin, and many, many more, robs audiences of their hearts the moment they appear on the scene.
And to top it off, these gorgeous names are accompanied by outstanding cinematography not not only complement their faces, but all their surroundings, as K-dramas never fail to showcase just how gorgeous the sets are.
While watching Shin Hye-sun and Ji Chang-wook’s “Welcome to Samdal-ri”, many would feel the urge to book a ticket to Jeju Island, while Lee Min-ho and Kim Go-eun’s “The King: Eternal Monarch” rendered some unable to hold their gasps.
4. Music:
K-drama music is like the kimchi that complements every Korean dish. It serves as a powerful emotional backdrop, enhancing key moments and eliciting strong emotions from viewers.
After all, who can forget about the moment “I Will Go to You Like the First Snow” plays in Goblin? Get rid of the earworm called “Stand by Me” after a “Boy Over Flowers” binge-watch? There’s a reason why these songs dominated Korean charts for ages.
And K-drama music is not just about the ballads either, as “Twenty-Five, Twenty-One” and “Itaewon Class” are filled with tracks that fires up one’s spirit, and “Mr. Queen” provides both tracks that make one smile and suspenseful music and raises the hair.
5. Humor:
Alongside the basics, the humor code in K-dramas adds a unique twist, as humorous scenes not only allow the audience to be entertained but leads to viral members, videos, and discussions that further spread the K-fever.
Take “Marry My Husband”, for instance, the original webtoon and webnovel brings a story of revenge and reincarnation, but it was the K-drama adaptation that sent the work to a next-level of success using its humor code.
Lee Yi-kyung turns the bland cheater Park Min-hwan into a villain that people love to watch, and the hilarious mentions of BTS cracks up the audiences, at the same time prompting them to actively discuss the show.
What about the success of “Business Proposal”? The writer of the drama version has amped up the humor from the original work, turning the somewhat serious male lead Kang Tae-moo into a hilariously narcissistic guy with quotable lines.
Everyone loves a good laugh, and K-dramas often play right into this need – as they not only maintain a gripping plot but make the audience actually feel pleasant while watching.
Special mention: OTT Investment
K-dramas have been a popular thing before the OTT market expands, but trust that OTT money pushes this popularity to a much grander scale.
In particular, with investments from OTT platforms like Netflix, Disney+, or Apple TV, K-dramas are able to explore much broader themes without the fear of censorship, as shown in Netlflix’s “Squid Game”, Disney+’s “Moving”, and many others.
Coupled with this is the grander marketing and global accessibility. No longer are the days where viewers have to watch low-quality videos and wait weeks for subtitles, as K-dramas can now be enjoyed fully translated in real-time and with HD quality.
