Understanding Korean Dramas: An American Perspective

Over the past decade, Korean dramas (Kdramas) have gained immense popularity, not only in their home country but also among global audiences. As an American, I have been steeped in the world of Kdramas, experiencing both a love and a deep-seated frustration with some aspects of the genre.

Critiquing the Plots and Styles

The Rich CEO and Poor Girl storyline is the most striking plotline that I often find overused in Kdramas. This archetype has been a significant contributor to the industry for years, but now it seems a bit repetitive. For instance, this narrative has been so thoroughly explored that it's hard for me to imagine any new twists or variations that haven't already been attempted.

Another aspect of Kdramas that gets under my skin is the excessive cuteness. I can't stand the nauseating amount of couple moments that many dramas seem to focus on, and it's almost unbearable to watch. Similarly, the intimate scenes in Kdramas are often less passionate and more robotic compared to those in American TV, with some kisses and hugs looking so insipid that they almost seem like a mere formality rather than an emotional expression.

The Over-Overdramatizing trend is also something that irks me. It's not uncommon to feel that some actors are trying too hard to make the show entertaining, almost to the point of being over-the-top. The intensity and emotion can be so exaggerated that it feels forced.

Why I Love Korean Dramas Despite the Criticisms

Despite these critiques, there are several reasons why I and many of my American friends continue to be drawn to Kdramas. When I showed my colleagues and friends these dramas, they were instantly captivated and found a unique charm in the shows' relatability and uniqueness.

Additionally, Kdramas have introduced me to the world of Korean pop culture, including Kpop, whose music I now enjoy immensely. The emotional depth and captivating music scores in Kdramas have made me a devoted listener of K-pop and other forms of Korean music. My viewing journey with these shows has also expanded my horizons, allowing me to recognize regional accents and languages, enhancing my understanding of conversations even without subtitles.

My Addiction to Kdramas

As a teenager with a voracious appetite for TV, I am hooked on Kdramas. While I often find myself dozing off during American TV shows, Kdramas always keep me engaged. The intriguing plotlines, emotional depth, and the suspenseful nature of these shows make me want to tune in for hours at a time. Recent favorites include ‘Romance is a Bonus Book’, ‘Golden Eyes’, and ‘My Amazing Boyfriend 2’, with ‘May I Blackmail You’ being a recent J-drama

Conclusion and Future Hopes

I watch Kdramas for many reasons – to escape reality, to be entertained, and to dream of a life filled with the romance depicted on screen. The availability of these dramas on popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu is a huge plus, though I do hope to see more added regularly to keep the audience engaged. My heart aches for Dramafever to return, as it was once a pivotal platform for Kdramas.

I want to express gratitude to the creators of these amazing shows, who bring something unique and relatable to the table, keeping viewers hooked from beginning to end.