Here Is Why Foreign Viewers Watch Korean Dramas

By Casandra Cotton


The rapid expansion and export of Korean popular culture - also referred to as K-pop or Hallyu - during the last decade especially is largely driven by Korean dramas on daytime TV. There are various reasons behind the success of the genre, including well-written and produced stories, talented acting, and good-looking actors and actresses. Here's why increasingly more foreign audiences beyond the borders of Asian countries are tuning in to watch Korean dramas.

Notwithstanding cultural differences, human beings like to hear stories about how others in far-away and exotic places live, and strive to overcome personal struggles. It is inspiring, but also provides novel, refreshing insights and perspectives on life elsewhere. Modern dramatized fiction, made for the TV or big screen in Korea today, is an exciting and accessible medium through which foreign viewers get an entertaining look into life in that part of the world.

Professional, convincing acting on screen or stage have always enthralled audiences the world over. This is one of the reasons why foreign viewers tune in to watch K-dramas. Seeing gorgeous male and female stars on screen embroiled in intriguing, complicated plots and tales of woe and elation make for entertaining viewing indeed. Moreover, the smooth and accomplished technical expertise that goes into shooting and producing these works are of top-notch quality.

Although modern dramatic depictions on screen draw many fans, historical events and personalities seem to have a special appeal. These stories are generally longer than the modern ones, and contain elements of traditional culture, the intrigues of ancient royalty, the joys and struggles of ordinary heroic folks, and feature plenty of martial arts action and sword fighting. Elaborate costumes and rituals around food and courtship are some of the ingredients that fascinate foreign viewers.

The increased accessibility worldwide audiences now enjoy to popular drama from Korea also contributes to its appeal. Today there are countless internet channels featuring these works of entertainment 24 hours a day. Tuning in and being entertained has become easier, no matter where one is on the planet.

Evidence for the rising popularity of these dramatic tales can be found in the numbers of foreigners visiting the country to see the places where many famous scenes were shot. Reconstructed historical dwellings, as well as the tombs of royalty and the preserved abodes of ordinary heroic folks depicted in movies have become big tourist attractions. This no doubt motivates producers and writers to keep working on new material to satisfy the needs of the growing fan base.

Male viewers everywhere are particularly smitten with the gorgeous female stars. Asian women in general are very attractive, and women from that part of the world are rated as some of the most beautiful in the world. Along with male film stars, many go on to become big screen actors and enjoy celebrity status not only in Asia but also in western countries.

It is likely the main reason foreign audiences like to watch Korean dramas is because these provide new and exciting insights into the life of a whole culture and its people. Of course, the events, conflicts and triumphs in the lives of the characters are well worth watching, but these are universally understood. What is unique though is that K-pop on screen offers a window into the past and present of a fascinating people and society.




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