K-Drama is taking over the world. How can older adults learn from this venue? K-Drama stands for "Korean Drama" on television, now streaming in many languages throughout the world..
DramaFever is one of the primary distributors of international content in the U.S. Suk Park, co-founder of DramaFever, said:
“Eighty-five percent of DramaFever’s audience is non-Asian, with 45 percent being Caucasian and 25 percent being Latino. All types of ethnicities are seeking out foreign content because it speaks to them more than … traditional television." Source
Some of the reasons for K-Drama popularity are as follows:
Engrossing storytelling and fresh storylines
High production
Quality acting
Appealing settings and wardrobes
Compelling music
Emphasis on strong females, social vlaues
Empowering female friendships
Exploration of cultural stigmas
Very few characters are all good or all bad
Many characters show personal growth
Range of genres, including, but not limited to:history, romance, social status, law, comedies, horror, school, mysteries, politics, mysticism
Supported by the Korean government
Covers themes with which viewers worldwide can identify
My hopes for the future of K-Dramas:)
Include lead actors who have a range of physical characteristics, instead of lead men all tall and slim and society's view of handsome, and lead women all society's preference for physically attractive and slim
Include healthy eating and drinking values (most K-Dramas includes alcoholic scenes)
Include more over 40-year-old lead characters
Include LGBTQ leads
My personal favorite K-Dramas:
Since individuals have a variety of interests, best to do an Internet search for “K-Drama.” Iindividuals of any age or stage or background can appreciate the opportunity to expand their worldview and self-understanding. If you would like to start watching K-Drama to expland your world view, following are two of my personal favorites:
Resources
Vox, "Here's why millions of Americans are binge-watching Korean dramas," by Brandon Ambrosino, updated December 21, 2021
Collider, "Why Korean Dramas Are So Much More Addictive Than You Think," by Kelcie Mattson, Dectmber 30, 2022
Hollywood Insider, "The Rise of K-Drama: How K-Drama Took The World by Storm," by Anica Munoz, December 30, 2022
ELLE Singapore, "How K-Dramas Became So Popular and Why the World Can't Get Enough," by Regina Kim, August 18, 2021