Introduction
If you are a person who enjoys watching romantic, spine-chilling thrillers and heartwarming family stories, you are a perfect fit to be a K-drama fan. K-Dramas have taken the world by storm, leaving an indelible impression on the global entertainment industry with their captivating plots, mesmerizing actors, and unforgettable music. In this article, we take you on an exciting tour through the history of K-Dramas, introduce you to some of the most well-known dramas, and explore their extraordinary impact on the world.
History of K-Drama
1960s
In the early 1960s, South Korea began airing dramas on national television. At that time, television was a luxury item for households. Initially, the content of dramas was controlled by the military government, and most of them were created to educate the public and support the government's initiatives. The first Korean TV drama series, "Backstreet of Soul," aired in 1962. This K-drama was more like a lecture on the challenges of urban life than family entertainment. Following that, another drama supported by the government's anti-communism drive, 'Real Theatre,' aired for two decades between 1964 to 1985.
1970s
In 1969, the ban on gaining revenue from advertisers was lifted, leading TV networks to invest more in producing and promoting dramas. After the 1970s, dramas became a more popular form of family entertainment. During this time, most drama stories revolved around the everyday lives of people rather than political agendas. Dramas like "Assi" and "Yeoro" depicted characters enduring hardships during the Japanese colonial rule and the Korean War. The drama "Susa Banjang" (chief Detective) aired from 1971 to 1989.
1980s
On December 01, South Korea introduced color TV broadcasting to its citizens, becoming the 81st country to do so. With the advent of colorful programming, outdoor filming became more common. Many K-dramas during this era were influenced by Japanese TV dramas. As the entertainment industry expanded, film directors and writers began focusing more on love and daily life stories to attract a broader audience. Consequently, more young viewers were drawn to these K-dramas. "Love and Ambition," which aired in 1987, is considered a representative drama of this period.
1990s
The 1990s were the heyday of K-Drama broadcasting, with viewers eagerly awaiting their favorite dramas each day. During this period, the competition among TV networks intensified as more TV programs and dramas were produced. Trendy dramas that captured the attention of the younger generation gained prominence. Hits like "Our Heaven," "The Last Match," and "Jealousy" featured popular stars such as Jang Dong Gun, Choi Jin-sil, and Shim Run-Ha. Additionally, there were domestic dramas like "What's Love?," "Daughter's House," and "Men in a Bathhouse." Due to relaxed governmental regulations, more dramas were released in this era.
2000s
With the growth of social media and online video services, K-dramas gained the opportunity to reach a much larger global audience. Increased investments and sponsorships helped produce high-quality K-dramas. Film producers and directors started traveling overseas to film dramas in beautiful locations like Paris, the USA, Budapest, Greece, Shanghai, and many other countries worldwide. Casting became highly competitive, with actors and actresses carefully selected for their roles. Most 2000s dramas drew inspiration from Hollywood movies, incorporating elements like gunfights, car chases, and various action sequences. Dramas like "Iris" (아이리스) and "Athena: Goddess of War" (아테나: 전쟁의 여신) are unforgettable for fans.
2010s to Present
Furthermore, contemporary romantic dramas led by hits like "Full House" (풀하우스), "Secret Garden" (시크릿 가든), "My Love from the Star" (별에서 온 그대), and "Descendants of the Sun" (태양의 후예) gained immense popularity.
Moreover, historical dramas also garnered increasing attention from viewers and started being broadcast in other countries due to their interesting stories and high-quality production. Notable historical dramas include "Empress Ki" (기황후), "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" (달의 연인 – 보보경심 려), "Moon Embracing the Sun" (해를 품은 달), "Dong Yi" (동이), "Dae Jang Geum" (대장금), and "The Slave Hunters" (추노), among others.
The demand for K-dramas increased over the years, especially after they began including different language subtitles. Female fans outnumbered male fans, as Korean dramas transported viewers to romantic fantasy worlds with handsome Korean actors who instantly captured hearts, alongside beautiful Korean female leads. The short episode format and engaging storylines made viewers wonder if they could ever be a part of a drama in real life.
K-dramas do not solely focus on history, romance, comedy, action, or melodrama. Stories set in the school and teenage era gained more attention from fans recently. These dramas evoke nostalgia for viewers' teenage years and high school experiences. "Boys Over Flowers" (꽃보다 남자), "Playful Kiss" (장난스런 키스), "The Heirs" (왕관을 쓰려는 자, 그 무게를 견뎌라 – 상속자들), "Dream High" (드림하이), "Reply 1988" (응답하라 1988), "Extraordinary You" (어쩌다 발견한 하루), and "True Beauty" (여신강림) are among the most famous K-dramas of all time.
K-Drama Format
Usually, K-dramas are directed by a single director and often have a single screenwriter. This approach results in each drama having a cohesive directing and dialogue style. In contrast, in countries like the United States, multiple directors and writers often work on a single drama or film. In South Korea, dramas air on television from Monday to Friday, typically during the 19:00 to 21:00 evening time slots. The number of episodes is determined by the story, with most historical and cultural dramas running over 40 to 50 episodes, while dramas in other genres run for 20 to 16 episodes.
Plots and Storylines of K-Dramas
The uniqueness of Korean dramas lies in their ability to keep viewers engaged, episode after episode. They excel at creating a solid emotional connection with the audience, making it hard to stop watching until the final episode. Imagine witnessing the story of a young and humble high school girl falling in love with the richest boy in school. Dramas like "Boys Over Flowers" and "Heirs" offer such compelling narratives. These are real-life stories that resonate with viewers, making them favorites over action and horror movies.
Korean dramas encompass a wide range of genres, including action dramas, historical dramas, school dramas, industrial-related dramas, horror, comedy, and romance. Most trending dramas feature romantic scenes laden with emotions and deep themes. Furthermore, nearly every Korean drama addresses social issues prevalent in Korean society, including mental illness, gender inequality, suicide, classism, bullying, corruption, racism, and many others.
K-Drama Actors
From 1970 to 2000, actors like Choi Min-Sik, Song Kang-ho, Jeon Ji-Hyun, and Kim Hye-soo were renowned figures in the K-drama industry. While they may not be as frequently heard of today, they laid the foundation for Korean TV series.
After 2010, a new generation of leading actors emerged, including Lee Min Ho, Lee Jong Suk, Kim Woo Bin, Kim Soo Hyun, Ji Chang Wook, Song Joong Ki, Park Seo Joon, Lee Joon Gi, Park Bo Gum, Gong Yoo, Kim Hyun Joong, Hyun Bin, and Cha Eun-woo.
Furthermore, actresses like Jun Ji Hyun, Park Shin Hye, Song Hye Kyo, Shin Min Ah, Ku Hye Sun, Bae Suzy, Choi Ji Woo, Son Ye Jin, Park Min Young, Ha Ji Won, Gong Hyo Jin, Lee Young Ae, Kim Go Eun, Park Bo Young, and Han Hyo Joo have gained fame as leading actresses in the K-drama industry.
The Global Impact
K-Dramas have not only captured our hearts but have also left an indelible mark on popular culture. Fashion trends inspired by K-Drama characters have swept across the globe. Iconic scenes, memorable quotes, and even the famous "finger heart" gesture have become cultural phenomena.
Conclusion
The K-Drama industry has come a long way from its humble beginnings. With its captivating storytelling, charismatic stars, and global appeal, it has become a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment world. As fans, we can't help but be excited about what the future holds for K-Dramas. So, if you haven't already, join the millions of fans worldwide and dive into the enchanting world of K-Dramas. You won't be disappointed!