INTRO TO KDRAMA REVIEWS BY SULPHIA IQBAL

INTRO TO KDRAMA REVIEWS

BY SULPHIA IQBAL

In the last decade, Korean-based music (known as kpop) and Korean-based drama (known as kdrama) have become more and more popular here in the States. There are a lot of reasons as to why that is the case, but these are the main 5:

1. Korean dramas have definitive endings. Unlike American shows, Korean shows do not end their season ( yes Korean shows have only one season ) with a cliffhanger. The endings are almost always satisfying.
2. The quality cinematography of kdramas is always on point and is one of the industry’s biggest attractive qualities. The dramas are produced very well, mainly because so much money is put into the work. Personally, I haven’t seen American shows with shots as creative as the ones in kdrama. With drama (and as photography student I get really excited about this), I’m always seeing obvious use of photography rules like the rule of thirds and framing and it’s always pertinent to the message of the shot. They are used in a way that is fitting of the tone in scenes and the overall story plot. The scenes are beautifully and delicately crafted to convey theexact mood directors want viewers to experience.
3. Maybe even bigger than the charm of the cinematography is the appeal for the original soundtracks created for the drama. While most people don’t really get excited over a soundtrack for an American shows, it is the complete opposite in kdramaland, which is an actual term used by kdrama addicts : ). As I type, the song “Stay With Me” from the OST of the drama Goblin is playing in my earpods. Because there are so many talented artists in the kpop world and the fandoms centered around them are so huge, songs featuring these artists in kdramas almost always become big hits. OST’s are such a vital part of the whole appeal for kdramas because in some cases, they convince people to watch certain dramas. And it’s not surprised people are obsessed with the music in OSTs - they artfully stir emotions within viewers and help them to better experience the atmosphere of a scene. It seems very dramatic as I type this out, but I cannot deny how meaningful OST have become for kdramas and its’ fans.
4. Kdramas are especially good at resonating with viewers at an emotional level. They are interestingly unrealistic and realistic at the same time. For example, I have started crying so many times while watching drama that have almost nothing to do with my life; and yet, I would feel like I could relate to the character's story so much. This probably has to do with how drama writers work extremely hard to create characters who are relatable, but simultaneously objects of envy. While they seem desirable and perfect on screen, everyday Koreans are quick to remind us that dramas are not an accurate depiction of Koreans. The male leads in nearly every drama have been so perfect that, unfortunate for Korean men, the expectations for them are ridiculously high. There are so many people who move to Korea just because of what they expect of the country solely based on kdramas and kpop. So you can say kdramas have literally changed lives.
5. Lastly, the stories and acting cover a variety of genre. For example, you could be watching a horror drama, and yet you’ll be laughing nearly half the time. One drama alone could be a mix of comedy, mystery, action, romance, horror, and history. The actors are very good at multitasking too; in the drama I mentioned before, Goblin, a character that is the  funniest on the show is also a very serious grim reaper, who is trying to take away the main character's life. That doesn’t seem very appealing or funny right now, but I assure you it is actually one of the most internationally acclaimed kdramas and is known to be a fan favorite to viewers world-wide.

There are actually a lot more reasons that I have for you to watch kdramas, but it is probably best to actually watch one. Below is a list of kdramas I have watched and will possibly be reviewing:

• Sassy Go Go
• Heirs
• Strong Girl Bong Soon ( On Netflix )
• Suspicious Partner
• While You Were Sleeping
• Doctors
• Weightlifting Fairy
• What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim
• W
• Lawless Lawyer
• Legend of the Blue Sea
• Just Between
• I Am Not A Robot
• Descendents of the Sun
• Are You Human Too?
• Goblin
• Suits ( Korean Version of the American one )
• My ID is Gangnam Beauty
• Mr. Sunshine ( On Netflix )
• Healer
• Come and Hug Me
• Beating Again ( On Netflix )
• Hwarang
• 100 Day My Prince
• Thirty but Seventeen
• Your Honor
• Third Charm
• Where Stars Land
• Beauty Inside
• The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
• 12 Nights