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New Delhi: From enchanting slow-burn romances to spine-chilling thrillers with quite a few plot twists, from heartwarming slice-of-life narratives to uproarious comedies, historic epics, and apocalyptic tales, Ok-dramas are a treasure trove that retains on giving. The irresistible attract of South Korean content material has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Storylines and narratives are fervently mentioned throughout social media platforms, and the burgeoning fan golf equipment of South Korean stars worldwide bear witness to the worldwide attraction of this content material. As Ok-pop and Ok-dramas ascend to prominence on the worldwide leisure stage, not solely do they dominate viewing charts, however in addition they obtain historic victories.
In accordance with actor Lim Se Mi (recognized for Obligation After Faculty and True Magnificence), the individuality of Korean content material stems from the nation’s socio-political historical past. “Korea is a divided nation with a historical past of tolerating ache, solidarity, survival, and endeavour. The passionate, fiery moments from attempting to outlive and shield what we’ve are melted into our works, making them particular to the world.”
Shifting away from melodramatic and formulaic storytelling, Ok-dramas strike a steadiness between originality and comforting predictability. Whereas exploring acquainted themes like love, household, friendships, and societal struggles, these reveals fearlessly delve into delicate and essential subjects, resonating with a common viewers.
India-based creator Kiran Manral, who began watching Ok-dramas through the 2020 lockdown, expresses her fascination with the nuanced storytelling and its reflection on societal points. “My first Ok-drama was ‘One thing In The Rain’; it was such a superb drama. After that, I by no means stepped out of the Ok-drama rabbit gap. I like their storytelling, particularly how the dramas are written from a feminine gaze—it’s totally light viewing.”
For a lot of viewers, particularly ladies, the predominance of the feminine gaze in Ok-dramas strikes a chord. The feminine perspective takes centre stage, with well-developed and nuanced portrayals of feminine characters. Profitable feminine screenwriters just like the Hong Sisters, Kim Eun Solar, and Park Hye Run have carved a distinct segment for themselves within the South Korean tv business.
In the US, Alisa Rivera, a author and communications guide, began the Daebak! podcast with a gaggle of Ok-drama fans, highlighting the worldwide attraction of Korean storytelling. “Korean content material was the right escape from the COVID lockdown actuality. The storytelling was unabashedly emotional, and as a lady, it was extremely gratifying to see beautiful males as eye sweet in a method that by no means occurs in Western reveals.”
Korean Pop Tradition author Regina Kim says “Ok-dramas have historically been recognized to be fairly family-friendly in comparison with American TV reveals, and due to their lack of intercourse or violence, Ok-dramas have grow to be in style in lots of socially conservative areas of the world. Nonetheless, we’ve been seeing extra violent and racier Ok-dramas in recent times largely due to Netflix, which doesn’t face the identical restrictions on content material that Korean TV broadcasters face”.
Ok-dramas grew to become catalysts for conversations, transcending geographical boundaries and language limitations, and fostering a robust community of fans. From on-line chats to WhatsApp teams, drama golf equipment, podcasts, and video content material devoted to Korean music, meals, magnificence, and trend, the affect of Ok-dramas on international popular culture is obvious.
Italian journalist and creator Marianna Baroli attributes her initiation into the Ok-drama universe to “Boys Over Flowers.” In Italy, the fandom for Ok-dramas exploded earlier than the lockdown, providing a refreshing different to repetitive homegrown reveals. Baroli appreciates the well-made productions, compelling storylines, and the romanticized portrayal of affection and relationships.
From the award-winning “Squid Sport” to reveals specializing in psychological well being like “It is Okay To Be Not Okay” and societal points just like the hyper-competitive instructional system in “Sky Fortress,” Ok-dramas deal with various themes. The variability, mixed with participating and dynamic storylines, character improvement, and family-friendly content material, contributes to the widespread recognition of Ok-dramas globally.
In 2023, Netflix’s announcement to take a position $2.5 billion in South Korea underscores the platform’s dedication to Korean content material. Korean-made content material maintains a stronghold on audiences throughout Asia, comprising 50% of subscription-on-demand viewership and 42% of freemium viewership.
India topped the listing of being one of many largest customers and has witnessed practically a 400 per cent rise within the consumption of Ok content material. As per Fb analytics, there are over 17 million customers of Korean content material in India. Streaming of Ok Pop, Ok Dramas, Ok magnificence and Ok Meals in addition to finding out Korean are excessive on the radar of Indians. Korean has additionally been adopted as a second elective language in Indian faculties.
Seung Jung, Kang says “As a Korean residing in India actively engaged in educating the Korean language by I-Kets, I’ve noticed a exceptional surge in curiosity and affection for varied sides of Korean tradition, together with Ok-drama, Ok-pop, delicacies, and extra. The burgeoning recognition of Korean content material has sparked real curiosity amongst learners, resulting in a heightened enthusiasm for mastering the Korean language. The cultural change facilitated by language training and interpersonal interactions has advanced right into a significant bridge, fostering a profound appreciation for Korea’s wealthy heritage and modern contributions throughout the Indian neighborhood.”
When BTS member Jungkook’s impromptu Natu Natu “efficiency on his reside present clocked in 16 million views in real-time. Ok-pop group Nice Guys has put out segments dancing to Shahrukh Khan’s in style hits. Fashionable Korean stars similar to Ji Chang Wook, Park Hyung Sik, Lee You Mi, and Shin Hye Solar have confessed to being followers of Rajkumar Hiran’s Three Idiots, which was an all-time hit in S Korea. Indian Curry which was talked about within the present “Yumi’s Cells’ ‘ reiterated the recognition of Indian meals. Vincenzo actor Jeon Yeo Been says “I like curry with varied sorts of Indian bread. I take pleasure in ingesting chai, too. I might love to go to India when given the prospect”. Enterprise Proposal actor Kim Sejeong says “The individuality of Bollywood movies has all the time me, so if the chance arises, I might like to be part of Bollywood films as effectively.”
Ok-pop singer Woojin lately carried out in India, and Eric Nam is all set to carry out subsequent 12 months in India together with Ok-Pop group “ The Rose”. South Korea has grow to be the epitome of sentimental energy, with Korean stars and idols commanding consideration past the nation’s borders. The Hallyu Wave continues to realize momentum, with South Korean entertainers serving as ambassadors for high-end manufacturers, headlining prestigious occasions, and charming international audiences by sold-out live shows and fan meets.
