K-dramas are incredible, and we can’t get enough of them. What other manner could we have picked up our more-than-rudimentary knowledge of Korean honorifics and dating customs?
But what is it about K-dramas that we find so fascinating? What sets them apart from other dramas on television, such as American dramas or Asian dramas? Here are some of the reasons why we love K-drama.
Being able to see an all-Asian cast is a huge plus.
In mainstream Western media, Asians are barely depicted. While things have improved in recent years, it is still uncommon to see an Asian person in a major role. Let’s not even talk about how racial stereotypes were (and probably still are) the only jobs available in Hollywood for Asian actors.
That’s why K-dramas are such a breath of fresh air: because everyone in K-dramas is Asian, race isn’t a story issue! We can instead focus on more important qualities like strong character development and a captivating plotline. Who’d have believed there was more to Asians in Hollywood than goofiness and severe nerdiness?
When you’re in love, everything feels more special.
While western television shows may emphasize nudity, intense face-sucking, and a lot of making out, Korean dramas like to keep us waiting. Perhaps we’re all masochists for waiting for those brief moments when the leads make eye contact or make physical contact, but half the fun is in the anticipation.
While some dramas depart from precedent (like woah The Great Seducer, just chill), there is still a significant emphasis on how unique skinship is and all the lovely dates couples may go on.
They offer a new perspective on the world.
Because of the complete immersion in Korean culture, K-dramas make it easy to explore new things. Some cultural nuances, such as bowing and other ways of appropriately addressing others, can be caught up on in the dramas. Furthermore, K-dramas shed light on major societal issues including bullying and undue focus on school and appearance. They also provide intelligent and elegantly stated (or at least well translated) ideas on life, love, and everything in between.
Emotional devastation is a foregone conclusion.
And now we’ve arrived at one of the most important traits that contributes to our unwavering affection for K-dramas: their devastating potential. I’ve tried other Asian dramas and watched other TV series, but nothing compares to the impact that K-dramas have on me. Whether it’s due of the beautifully written language, the sad sobbing sequences, the incredibly emotional OSTs, or the combination of all of these things, a good K-drama never fails to make me cry.
Everyone is breathtaking.
We, on the other hand, cannot deceive ourselves. The attractiveness of all characters in K-dramas greatly improves their appeal. I had no notion that angels existed on this earth.