So, I started with the k-drama based on the books I was reading. LOVED it. Watched it a second time. Decided to try out another one. HULU recommended a few so I picked the first one. Thought it was also great. Found and watched a third which had the same main male actor as the second one. He wasn’t as happy in the third one and I missed his smile. So I watched the second one again (just the good parts). Now I’m watching the third one again.
Before you judge me too harshly, let me make it clear that k-dramas are only one season long. It’s not like I was binge watching multiple seasons or anything.
What’s so amazing about k-dramas, you ask? Well, let me tell you.
Just like anything else, of course, k-dramas have their issues. First of all, they are in a different language. This poses a problem not because I can’t stand subtitles (honestly, they’re always on in our house anyway), but because you cannot multitask while you watch. It’s hard to do chores or even have a casual conversation when you are dependent upon reading to understand. This also means I have to know where my glasses are. I’m terrible about wearing them, but it’s a necessity if I’m going to be doing that much reading, especially at a distance.
I think the best thing about these shows is that they aren’t explicit. And I’m not just talking about language. Even though these shows are geared for an older audience, I am not afraid to watch them in front of my kids. I truly appreciate this fact. Many a show I have watched for multiple seasons lost their way and resorted to a storyline that had lost its plot and I’ve given up on them.
Since k-dramas are only one season, they have a clearly defined story they wish to tell and they don’t have to resort to anything else. Plus, it feels like they always end. I mean, I know I’ve only watched three, but it feels like every character and story arc comes to some sort of completion by the finale. It’s a great feeling. No cliffhanger until next season. No unexplained storylines because of an early cancelation. Honestly, I think I prefer it. It almost feels like a really long movie.
I feel as though the silly little cons against k-dramas are far outweighed by the pros. I plan on watching quite a few more if you check my watchlist. Also, they’ve led me to some really fun music. And I have yet to come across a music video I had to skip because of content while we had dance parties in the living room.
So if you have the time and inclination (and you don’t mind subtitles) seriously, give it a try.
I came across this entry while idly browsing through the kdrama tag earlier today. I’m always a bit hesitant to barge in on a new blog but if it’s open to the public, I guess it’s ok to comment. 🙂
It’s funny how the things you mention as upsides of kdramas are among the things that initially draw me to dramas too. I’d add the cinematography as a factor as well. Ah, those were the days when everything was still new and shiny. Now I’m a grumpy old curmudgeon who is picky and hard to please to boot. 😉
You didn’t mention the dramas you watched, but there are as many different kdrama genres as there are within western shows, something for everyone, I guess. There’s also a thriving internet community of international drama fans. Dramabeans is a good starting point, if you are interested. It’s probably the oldest and most well known kdrama blog, that now is more of a community thing. I don’t post there myself but I do read the content pretty regularly.
Kdramas tend to be habit forming, so… be wary. 😀