From Crash Landing On You to Squid Game: Why are Korean shows such a rage worldwide?

Remember when time seemed to stand still, and we were all stuck at home for what felt like an eternity? That was when many of us delved into world cinema. For me, it was during that period that I became captivated by K-dramas. With so many options available, Hindi and English titles no longer had the same appeal. It¡¯s not that Korean shows were unknown before, but something about them really resonated with me during that time.

Unbelievable as it may seem, for many people, their love for Korean shows started with Crash Landing On You.

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The story of a South Korean heiress who crash-lands in forbidden North Korea and is then rescued by a kind-hearted military man, who goes to great lengths to ensure her safe return home, had viewers feeling giddy with happiness.

K-dramas are much more than just romance

The prevailing belief is that K-dramas¡¯ primary target audience is women, as they are often written by women for women. These shows are crafted to explore a wide range of relationships¡ªnot just love or sex¡ªand they offer a nuanced understanding of romance. Unlike many American TV shows, which might resort to immediate physical intimacy, K-dramas often build romantic tension in a more subtle, heartfelt way.

Contrary to popular belief, K-dramas weren¡¯t confined to just romance. These TV shows span a wide range of genres, including gritty police thrillers, revenge tales, spy dramas, stories of corruption, paranormal phenomena, sci-fi adventures, historical sagas, and everything in between.

Squid Game turned out to be a game-changer

In 2021, Squid Game was released and revolutionized the landscape of global entertainment. The series became a massive success and garnered enormous international attention. Centered around financially struggling individuals who participate in a high-stakes game show with a life-or-death twist¡ªlosers are killed¡ªthe show captivated audiences worldwide. It quickly became Netflix's most-watched series, solidifying its status as an undeniable hit.

And let¡¯s not forget Parasite winning the Best Picture Oscar in 2020. Its sharp storytelling and focus on issues of inequality, poverty, and class struggle resonated deeply with viewers, marking a significant moment in global cinema.

However, the big question remains - What makes K-dramas such global blockbusters?

The collective consensus of critics and audience suggest that the major factor is captivating storytelling mixed with well-rounded characters, and high production values.

The beauty lies in the fact that Koreans blend traditional cultural elements with universal themes, creating shows that resonate widely. The intricate plotlines, emotional depth, and innovative approaches to familiar genres set them apart.

Previously, K-dramas often focused on Korean culture and society, but Squid Game changed that by addressing themes of socioeconomic inequality, competition for resources, and power dynamics that resonate globally. It highlighted issues like wealth disparity and social stratification, problems faced not only in South Korea but around the world.

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For instance, The Glory became the fifth most-watched non-English show in the history of Netflix. It revolved around the issue of bullying in schools.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo centered on a young lawyer with autism who faces challenges in daily interactions but excels in her profession. Her exceptional legal skills and remarkable emotional intelligence set her apart from her peers in the legal field.

All of Us Are Dead depicted a zombie virus outbreak in a high school, and its intense visual effects kept many viewers awake at night.

Credit: All Of Us Dead

Just as audiences seek out shows that match their tastes, K-drama creators continuously search for fresh themes and innovative concepts to captivate viewers. It¡¯s this desire of experimentation that works in their favour!

Not only do K-dramas focus on compelling storylines and themes, but they also place significant emphasis on visual appeal. The aesthetic details in K-dramas are meticulously crafted, making them a pleasure to watch and setting them apart from other entertainment industries that may overlook such nuances.

Netflix has been a major catalyst in promoting K-dramas

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Since launching its Korean service in 2015, Netflix has been at the forefront rallying for them. The platform has become a key driver in making Korean dramas more visible and accessible. Additionally, Netflix has emerged as a major investor in South Korea¡¯s drama industry, covering 110 percent of production budgets for original content¡ªeffectively paying for the entire production and then some.

In 2023, it was announced that in the course of 4 years, Netflix would invest $2.5 billion in a diverse range of Korean content, including TV series, films, and nonfiction shows, as reported on CNBC¡¯s Squawk Box Asia.

Social media has significantly boosted the global spread of K-dramas. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube allow fans worldwide to share their excitement, discuss plot twists, and recommend shows, fostering a global community that enhances the popularity of K-dramas and bridges geographical gaps.