Why K-dramas are taking over the world

Korean dramas, or K-dramas, are a popular form of entertainment that captivate audiences with their engaging stories, diverse genres, and attractive stars. Whether you are a fan of romance, comedy, thriller, or historical drama, there is a K-drama for you. But what makes K-dramas so popular and appealing to global viewers? Here are some of the reasons and trends behind the phenomenon.

• Most popular Korean drama of all time: According to a recent survey by [Korea Creative Content Agency], the most popular Korean drama of all time among international fans is Crash Landing on You, a romantic comedy about a South Korean heiress who accidentally lands in North Korea and falls in love with a soldier. The drama, which aired in 2019-2020, was a huge hit in Korea and abroad, breaking records for viewership ratings and online streaming. It also won several awards and nominations, including at the [Baeksang Arts Awards] and the [Asian Academy Creative Awards].

• Popular Korean dramas: Besides Crash Landing on You, there are many other popular Korean dramas that have gained recognition and acclaim worldwide. Some of the recent examples include Squid Game, a dystopian thriller about a deadly survival game; Hospital Playlist, a heartwarming medical drama about five friends who work as doctors; Vincenzo, a dark comedy about a Korean-Italian mafia lawyer who returns to Korea; Itaewon Class, a revenge drama about a young entrepreneur who opens a pub; and The Uncanny Counter, a fantasy action drama about demon hunters who work at a noodle shop.

• Korean drama popularity in the US: The US is one of the biggest markets for K-dramas, thanks to the availability of streaming platforms such as Netflix and Disney+ that offer more titles and genres to cater to different tastes. According to [Variety], Netflix has invested over $500 million in Korean content in 2020 alone, acquiring exclusive rights to air some of the most anticipated K-dramas. Disney+, on the other hand, has launched its own brand of K-dramas under the label [Star], featuring original productions such as The Worst of Evil and Song of the Bandits. The popularity of K-dramas in the US has also led to more collaborations and adaptations between Hollywood and Korean studios, such as The Good Doctor, Designated Survivor: 60 Days, and Snowpiercer.

• Most popular Korean drama worldwide: According to [Forbes], the most popular Korean drama worldwide in terms of online popularity is The Penthouse: War in Life, a makjang drama about the lives and scandals of wealthy families living in a luxury apartment complex. The drama, which has three seasons, has been praised for its addictive plot twists, stellar performances, and social commentary. It has also been sold to over 20 countries, including Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, Hong Kong, India, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Brunei, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan and Bangladesh.

• Popular Korean drama 2022: Some of the upcoming K-dramas that are expected to be popular in 2022 include The Silent Sea, a sci-fi mystery thriller starring Gong Yoo and Bae Doona; Kingdom: Ashin of the North, a spin-off of the zombie horror series Kingdom starring Jun Ji-hyun; Now We Are Breaking Up, a romance drama starring Song Hye-kyo and Jang Ki-yong; Snowdrop, a historical romance drama starring Jung Hae-in and Kim Ji-soo; and The Sound of Magic, a fantasy musical drama starring Ji Chang-wook and Hwang In-yeop.

• Reasons Korean dramas are popular: There are many reasons why K-dramas are popular among global viewers. Some of them are:

  • They have high production quality and cinematography, with beautiful sceneries, costumes, and sets.
  • They have captivating stories that mix romance, comedy, suspense, action, and fantasy.
  • They have diverse genres that cater to different preferences and moods.
  • They have attractive stars who have charisma, talent, and chemistry.
  • They have cultural elements that showcase Korean history, culture, food, music, and language.
  • They have social messages that address relevant issues such as gender equality, class conflict, corruption, mental health, and human rights.
  • They have fan communities that create buzz and engagement through social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit.

• Most popular K-drama globally: According to [IMDb], the most popular K-drama globally in terms of user ratings is Mr. Sunshine, a historical drama about a Korean-born American soldier who returns to his homeland during the Japanese occupation and falls in love with an aristocrat’s daughter. The drama, which aired in 2018, was written by Kim Eun-sook, who is known for her hit dramas such as Goblin, Descendants of the Sun, and The King: Eternal Monarch. The drama was praised for its epic story, stunning visuals, and stellar cast, which included Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Min-jung, and Byun Yo-han.

• Popularity of Korean dramas: The popularity of K-dramas is not a new phenomenon, but rather a result of decades of cultural exchange and influence. K-dramas have been exported to various countries since the 1990s, especially in Asia, where they have sparked the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, a term that refers to the global popularity of Korean culture. K-dramas have also influenced other industries such as fashion, beauty, tourism, and education, creating a demand for Korean products and services. K-dramas have also contributed to the soft power and image of Korea as a creative and dynamic country that values its traditions and innovations.

• Current popular Korean drama: According to [Korea Times], the current popular Korean drama in Korea is Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, a romantic comedy about a dentist who moves to a seaside village and meets a handyman who does odd jobs for the locals. The drama, which is airing on tvN and Netflix, is a remake of the 2004 film Mr. Handy, Mr. Hong. The drama has been praised for its heartwarming story, scenic location, and charming chemistry between the leads, Shin Min-a and Kim Seon-ho.

K-dramas are more than just entertainment; they are a window into a different culture and a source of inspiration and joy for millions of viewers around the world. If you are looking for your next K-drama binge-watch, you can check out some of the titles mentioned above or browse through the catalogues of Netflix and Disney+.