The impact of K-dramas that gained international acclaim

Similarly, 2019’s Crash Landing on You (affectionately known as ‘CLOY’ to fans), a romantic comedy with a geopolitical twist and an “inside look” at the depiction of an otherwise hermit kingdom, captured hearts internationally.

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The story of a South Korean heiress (Yoon Se-ri, played by Son Ye-jin) who accidentally paraglides into North Korea and falls in love with a North Korean military officer (Ri Jeong-hyeok, played by Hyun Bin) offers a quirky combination of humour, romance, and political intrigue. Its success highlighted the ability of K-dramas to deftly handle complex themes while maintaining broad appeal.

The historical 2018 K-drama Mr. Sunshine, set in the early 20th century, showcased the genre's capacity for high production values and epic storytelling. It tells the story of Eugene Choi (played by Lee Byung-hun), a Korean boy who escapes to America after a traumatic event, only to return years later as a US Marine officer and find himself having to navigate the turbulent times leading up to the Japanese occupation.

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Mr. Sunshine’s exploration of Korea’s fight for independence from Japanese colonial rule not only educated international viewers about a lesser-known period of history but also demonstrated the cinematic quality that K-dramas can achieve.

Not forgetting, 2022’s well-loved Extraordinary Attorney Woo, which garnered praises for its sensitive portrayal of a brilliant young lawyer on the autism spectrum (Woo Young-woo, played by Park Eun-bin). The heartwarming and uplifting series combines intricate courtroom battles with touching human stories, offering a profound look at inclusivity and resilience.

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The show’s success has contributed to increased awareness and understanding of neurodiversity, illustrating how K-dramas can serve as powerful vehicles for social change and inclusivity. Due to the stellar performances by the cast and the compelling narrative, the production company for Extraordinary Attorney Woo confirmed that it would be renewed for a second season–a rarity for a K-drama.

The global popularity of these series has had far-reaching effects. Firstly, it has significantly boosted South Korea’s soft power, enhancing the country's cultural influence on the world stage. This phenomenon, often referred to as the Hallyu, has led to increased interest in the Korean language, cuisine, and tourism.

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The fashion and beauty industries have also felt the impact of its global reach. Clothing, accessories, makeup and skincare, and even furniture items featured in popular series often sell out rapidly, with fans eager to emulate the style of their favourite characters. This has led to collaborations between K-drama stars and international luxury brands, further cementing the link between Korean entertainment and global fashion trends.

Moreover, its success has influenced the broader television industry. Streaming giants like Netflix have significantly increased their investment in Korean content, recognising the global appetite for these series. This has not only provided a platform for Korean creators to reach international audiences but has also inspired production companies worldwide to diversify their content and storytelling approaches.

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The culinary world, too, has experienced the K-drama effect. Shows like Itaewon Class and Crash Landing on You have popularised Korean dishes and drinking customs internationally. From chimaek (chicken and beer) to banana milk, foods featured prominently in K-dramas have seen surges in popularity abroad, leading to increased interest in Korean cuisine and culture.

The tourism industry in South Korea has also benefited tremendously. Fans from around the world flock to filming locations, eager to experience the settings of their favourite shows firsthand. This “K-drama tourism” has become a significant economic driver, with local governments and businesses capitalising on the trend by offering themed tours and experiences.

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Perhaps most intriguingly, K-dramas have played a role in international diplomacy and cross-cultural understanding. By offering glimpses into Korean society, history, and values, these series have fostered a sense of connection and empathy among viewers from diverse backgrounds. This cultural exchange has, in some cases, even contributed to improved international relations and increased cooperation between nations.

That being said, the rise of K-dramas has not been without challenges. Concerns have been raised about the potential for cultural stereotyping and the pressure on actors to maintain unrealistic beauty standards. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions about working conditions in the Korean entertainment industry, highlighting the need for sustainable practices as the sector continues to grow.

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But looking ahead, its future on the global stage appears bright. As production values continue to rise and storytelling becomes increasingly sophisticated, these series are likely to maintain their international appeal. The industry’s ability to adapt to global tastes while retaining distinctly Korean elements will be crucial in sustaining this success.

This article/explainer was assisted by AI. We are dedicated to bringing you into our world with more meaningful content, and AI is allowing us to explore this frontier and deliver more content you will love.

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