5 Reasons Why People Should Watch K-Drama

Indian masses have always opened their arms to various shows form different countries. The language disparity, not being a showstopper, they continue to consume the content—all watched Pakistani shows when aired on television. 

People started replacing them with their Indian soap opera made by Ekta Kapoor and many others. The masses needed change and these shows seem to be a breath of fresh air. The same goes for Korean drama, the language disparity filled in by subtitles they soon started to spread like wildfire. The spread started slowly and passed down to people. Individuals discussed it, one got curious and tried it out for themselves. Once you start, there is no stopping or going back. You get consumed and sucked into this universe, you begin with Korean Drama and move to watch other Asian centric shows. Netflix has been updating new shows as well as movies in the Korean drama section, and the storylines ever so exciting and encompassing various genres at the same time. 

Now one who hasn’t frequently watched these shows would be quite confused about the fixation around them. The fan base has been increasing, and it doesn’t seem to stop, which cause people to wonder why is that. Indeed you would understand if you watched these series. Normally people suggest your first shows to be “Boys over Flowers”, “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim”, “Guardians: The Lonely and Great God”, “Masters Sun” to name a few. These shows aren’t just ‘view worthy’; they also generate an emotion it becomes your passion for knowing what the end would turn out to be. Korean Drama feature humor, ghosts, supernatural, history, a blend between past and present, fashion, and also showing two different worlds which suck you right in. To truly understand the storm created by these shows, here are five reasons why one would and should watch K-Drama. By the end of this list, you would surely want to jump into this universe. 

1. Characters and Plots 

Characters, plot, and everything about the shows’ are to keep you at the edge of your seat anticipating and waiting for the reveal. These shows are so relatable to an Indian audience, especially the parents and protagonist relationship. You would be laughing and screaming “same” every time the protagonist is yelled at by the birth givers. The characters and plot lines are well planned. The loose ends are almost, always tied, in the end, there will be twists and turns that would make your stomach churn with excitement. 

2. Subplots and themes 

These plots and characters come with subplots that are as exciting and sometimes even more than the main plot—love triangles, and ‘bromance’ that keep you smiling. The elements add further to the experience, having mermaids, ghosts, magic, historical setting with deep-rooted enemy plotlines, time-traveling all seem to affect you. The side characters have interesting backgrounds and personalities that it’s hard to not fall for them. 

3. Virtually visiting Korea 

The more you watch, the more you see the beauty of Korea, its a virtual traveling experience that you sure don’t want to miss. The ocean, the scenery, the various lifestyles that each character brings with them showcase the class struggle in Korea. Adding to this the beauty of the architecture, the lifestyles, and the food. Almost every show showcases various foods, and even if you are a vegetarian, you are sure to drool. You can feel the love for soju and food at multiple locations, from supermarkets to small roadside eateries to great dining restaurants. Also, their team effort portrayed in making Kimchi. You would want to experience the wonders of Korea someday, but for now, you can experience the same by watching the shows. It also doesn’t make a hole in your pocket.  

4. Breath of Fresh air 

You will hardly ever catch yourself yawning because of the shows, they are fresh content, and the show keeps building up to the climax. The old shows are never dull, and you would even want to repeat them from time to time. The old is gold would indeed apply here. Their historical and period drama makes you want to understand their culture and history. One cannot compare the period K-Drama to Game of Thrones, but none the less it doesn’t disappoint. 

5. An extra layer of representation 

Finally, the representation of women on these shows is quite impressive. They have women from various backgrounds such as – lawyers, journalists, weightlifters, secretaries, art curators, teachers, students, CEO’s, hotel managers. Woman characters portrayed as independent and strong characters. A show like Strong  Girl Bong-Soon, shown to go out and save the world while her love interest stays back and takes care of their daughters. Even for male characters, they showcase various personalities and backgrounds that add to the story. Male protagonists and antagonists have multiple histories, experiences and careers in the show. One can never get enough of them. Additionally, the music is too good to be true, it’s not an overload of music, but you would genuinely love it. This leads to the K-pop industry, but that my friends are another story. 

Final Thoughts

These shows are not like Indian soap serials where the show continues after 1000 episodes; instead, they are short and sweet with 18-20 episodes. Sometimes more or less but not by a large ratio. You might not be attracted to the idea of watching it, but I am sure once you start, you won’t be able to stop. You would want more, and if you say otherwise, I am sure to catch your bluff.