'K-drama!’ are we still into the Ekta Kapoor zone? Well, I'm sure we would have definitely doomed if that would have been the case. Though, what first came into my mind after I first read the topic was our famous television soap opera director; and her fancy with saas-bahu sagas and the letter 'K'. I was lost into the thought of all those years when I fought my family members to stop watching these serials and sleep instead!
While I was relieved that we don't have to talk about these annoying never ending sagas, I was also intrigued and delighted to speak about the recent wave of Korean Culture, more popularly known as 'Hallyu' in Korean. These Korean dramas have become a new getaway from the usual romantic comedy sitcoms. As I realize, not many of us know about the Korean culture laying its roots in the minds of South Asian people especially North-east Indian audiences.
Let us be all super fascinated by the story of Korean culture becoming the new popular culture in the world. South Korea, once known as a country under the influence of other nations of the world has turned itself into the most influential culture. Its entertainment industry has emerged, and Hallyu, has become the source of some of the most popular movies, television dramas and music. What first began with soap operas has made the movement grow to a level where the Korean sitcoms and its music have become the phenomenon. This is just like becoming 'Friends' or 'The Big Bang theory' (read: your favourite show) for us Indians. Every instance has to have a mentioning of some part of the series which co relates with your situation.
The Korean wave gained recognition and popularity in India with the Revolutionary People's Front putting a ban on hindi movie channels in Manipur. To fill up the vacuum in their empty minds with the desire for fun and entertainment, people turned towards Korean channels like Arirang and KBS. As far as I know, each person living there now has a personal favourite channel and series. The Korean wave has not just limited itself to movies and dramas, it's music is equally getting appreciated and followed. To those who get chills after listening to good music, Korean music is surely a delight for them.
What started as a military strategy for Iraq, Korean period dramas have escalated as wildfire across countries like China, Japan, Malaysia, Phillipines and Northeast India. It has begun gaining popularity among the folks of north India too. Even countries like the USA have seen strong following for k-dramas and have some of the biggest fan clubs and streamers.
While the reason for the success of Korean dramas in India can be many, one the most prominent reason is cultural proximity. From trade in the old days to Buddhism to palanquin bearers or the youthful romance. People either find the storyline too simple and easy to grasp yet powerful enough to keep them hooked or they simply drool over the fashion and good looks of the stars. Whatever the reason might be, the K-dramas are becoming the new 'in thing' for the youth. Maybe, it's all because of the digital media. Hail Google!
With all that information, which I feel is sufficient to make you atleast read about the Korean dramas once, I am off to watch my new favourite Korean drama 'The Heirs’. And well, you should it try too and stir some K-drama in your life.
This post has been written for the blogging competition being conducted by Korean Cultural Centre India, the country partners for First Frame 2014- Sixth International Students’ Film Festival conducted by MBICEM.
