Okay, so I'm into Korean Dramas- KDramas for short. Here me out before you click out of this. They are absolutely brilliant. Somehow, what would be nothing less than annoyingly campy if done by Hollywood is utterly endearing when done in a Korean television show. People usually think of watching foreign media as dull, for the pedantic or those attempting to seem more worldly than they actually are. But that's not the case here. KDramas are such refreshing entertainment, and so unexpected from a television show. In the U.S., we expect to be bombarded by politics, sex, and the most sensationalized thing we can think of on popular shows. Honestly, our television rarely lacks some kind of ideological agenda these days- one cannot escape the constant conversations of gender theory, sexuality, and politics in American television. You'd be happier leaving the T.V. off. But KDramas are different. They are not only creative, they are genuine without being made of gritty realism. Our media has grown so cynical. Korean Dramas aren't about focusing on the cynicism of the day; they instead, remind me of the old movies of America where no matter the morbid situation of their time, film was made to put on a show. I know what state the world is in; I'm neither ignorant nor willfully uninformed. But I don't want to focus on the issues 100% of the time. In KDramas, I've found television to be fun again, not just analytical. Basically, I love them, and I hope you will try them. If you are missing things culturally, http://www.dramabeans.com does a great job at recaps and explanations and reviews of so many shows. And most KDramas (free with commercials) can be found at http://www.dramafever.com!
Five Amazing Shows You Should Know:
1. Tomorrow's Cantabile (2014)
Run-Time of Each Episode: 1hr
This show combines kooky characters, breaking people out of their shells, one awesome violinist, and a whole lot of epic classical music.
2. Descendants of the Sun (2016)
Run-Time of Each Episode: 1hr
North/South Korea relations, army drama and medical drama, plus some heartwarming and heart-wrenching romance...with a few jokes thrown in. It's amazing. Just trust me.
3. Noble, My Love (2015)
Run-Time of Each Episode: 15-20 minutes
A normal person catches an entitled, cold man off guard. Hilarity and romance ensues.
4. Fated to Love You (2014)
Run-Time of Each Episode: 1hr
Many things go wrong. Some things go right. But as the title suggests, these two are meant to be. It's a wild ride watching them get there though, and you will experience the full range of your emotions. Bring tissues.
5. King 2 Hearts (2012)
Run-Time of Each Episode: 1hr
A marriage between a North Korean woman and a South Korean prince, in a world where South Korea maintains a constitutional monarchy. Things are tough enough for these two, just learning to like each other; but outside forces have much to do with them, as the relationship between a broken nation can improve or disintegrate on their successful love. A must watch.
So there you have it. I've been a bit vague, but these shows are something no one should spoil for you. So just give it a try. You won't be disappointed!
