The Evolution Of Korean Dramas
A Brief History Of Korean Dramas
안녕하세요,
Can you believe we are now in the month of May? The weather is getting warmer, the sun is out longer, there are blue skies, and the flowers are blooming. In the United States, it is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Here in Korea, the month of May is full of exciting and meaningful holidays too. On May 1st, we celebrated Korea’s Labor Day. Yes, it is the same as Labor Day in the United States. Most banks, commercial businesses and schools are closed. Our next holiday is Children’s Day, which is a national holiday held on May 5th. Parents take the day off to spend time with their children. Usually, parents take them to amusement parks or plan a whole day of fun.
Korean dramas, also known as K-dramas, have become a global phenomenon in recent years. From the early days of simple soap operas to the sophisticated and highly produced dramas of today, K-dramas have come a long way.
1960’s📺
The first Korean drama was broadcast in the 1960s, and the genre quickly gained popularity in South Korea. In the 1970s and 1980s, K-dramas were typically historical dramas or melodramas. However, in the 1990s, K-dramas began to diversify, with new genres such as romantic comedies and thrillers emerging.
The Korean Wave🌊
The 2000s saw the rise of the Hallyu (한류) Wave, or Korean Wave, which refers to the global popularity of Korean culture. K-dramas played a major role in the Hallyu Wave, with the rise of melodramatic and romantic K-dramas, such as Winter Sonata and My Sassy Girl.
These dramas had a loyal fan following, particularly in Asia, but were relatively unknown outside the region. From the mid-2000s, K-dramas started gaining popularity globally, largely due to their unique storytelling and production values. Historical dramas, such as Jewel in the Palace and The Great Queen Seondeok, became international hits, drawing audiences from across the world. These dramas were not only well-written and well-acted but also featured lavish sets and costumes that added to their appeal.
🎤Idols on the Big Screen🎬
In the 2010s, Korean dramas became even more diverse and popular, with genres ranging from romantic comedies to crime thrillers. The popularity of K-pop also influenced K-dramas, with many dramas featuring popular K-pop idols in lead roles.
In recent years, K-dramas have continued to evolve. They are now more diverse in characters, storylines, sophisticated, and visually stunning than ever before, and they often tackle complex social issues that are relatable to the viewers. K-dramas have also become more accessible to international viewers, thanks to streaming services such as Netflix and Viki.
Also, here is a list of some of the K-dramas that are coming out soon:
Gyeongseong Creature (Netflix)
Kill Bok-soon (Netflix)
Black Knight Season 1 (Netflix)
The Weather Is Fine (Netflix)
Tale of the nine-Tailed (Amazon Prime)
These are just a few of the many K-dramas coming out in 2023. With such a wide variety of genres to choose from, thrillers to romance there is sure to be something for everyone!
The evolution of Korean dramas is a fascinating story. From simple soap operas to sophisticated and highly produced dramas, K-dramas have come a long way. As K-dramas continue to grow in popularity, they are having a major impact on global culture.
LAK Tip👩🏻🏫
To enhance your listening, comprehension, and reading skills, watch K-dramas with dual subtitles or just with Korean subtitles. There are many extensions that you can use. The most popular are Language Reactor and the Elang app.
In our next newsletter, we will be discussing the history of the Korean brand Samsung.
We hope you enjoyed this newsletter. Please leave a comment if you have any Korean dramas that you enjoy, recommend or are anticipating on watching! We would love to hear recommendations, feelings and thoughts. So please share with us!😊
Have a great week! 안녕!