Professionals Tell All: This Is Why We Love K-Drama
Clueless about why hordes of people are addicted to the Hallyu wave? We give you all the reasons why.
I write this as a self-confessed K-Drama newbie, since I started off on this journey just last February. One random evening, I decided to try watching 'Crash Landing on You', as Netflix kept prodding me to do so. I didn't have anything to do that night, so I did. Two months and seven K-Drama shows (plus two Korean movies) after, I don't see myself stopping anytime soon, only adding to the 'My List' tab on the app.
I have to admit, prior to CLOY, I had zero knowledge about the entire Korean craze except for K-Beauty and the usual samgyupsal joint in our neighborhood. Little did I know that the show would open me up to an entire new world of culture, food cravings, beautiful storylines, and amazing acting (from equally stunning actors and actresses)! This journey into the K-Drama world became a much-needed escape, a feel-good factor that made me keep coming back for more. I can honestly say that now, I truly get it.
Some people avoid foreign shows and films because of the need to read subtitles, but as Academy Award-Winning South Korean director Bong Joon Ho (of Parasite fame) said, "Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films."
So what exactly can one expect after getting past the subtitles concern? We asked a group of professionals about why they have come to love K-Drama so much, why they willingly lose sleep over these addictive shows, and why it's basically worth the time. Read on, and hopefully these reasons encourage you to open up to this wonderful world of Korean culture, one that has made 2020, a rather sombre year, still a happy one for a lot of us, one episode at a time.
Professionals Tell All: Why We Love K-Drama
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Charisse Vilchez, PR Business Director
"It gives you so much hope and it makes you believe in love! It's super feel good and their small kilig moments teaches you to pay attention to the small details and to not take things for granted. I think the idea that it’s still very eastern and some of the cultural references are relatable to us—like family, friends, working hard to reach your dreams. It's great how they make the story so seamless (to go with the love story)."
Kath Elefante, Creative Consultant
"The storytelling and the characters are so lovable! They grow on you and by the end of the series, you root for them 100%, even the supporting characters! Also, supporting characters are given depth—they're not just there for comic relief. The storyline is never predictable—you think you know what's going to happen next but it goes into a totally different direction."
Gerard Gotladera, Talent Agent
"The kilig aside, I think K-Dramas at best are so polished. In terms of story-telling, plot, twists, and the pace of their stories. Nothing and no one goes to waste. Also, they make sure stories are relatable. You also have a feeling people who work behind the scenes are just as good as the actors and actresses they hire. And you also get a sense that the shows have been processed, studied and deliberated on, etc. and the end product is always good. Lastly, you get that feeling that the shows are expensive, well produced and no one's holding back on budget."
Jay Wee, Hairstylist
"It's an escape that I can't find from other shows or Hollywood films. K-Drama is like a whole other world of funny lines, awesome fashion, great stories and eye-candy actors!"
Frances Pestañas, Banker
"The Original Soundtracks are amazing!"
Dale Reciña, Marketing Manager
"They make us realize that the smallest things matter..."
Erryel Monreal, Graphic Designer
"They know how to spice up cliché storylines as well as experiment with new stories and out-of-this-world themes. Improving cinematography every year as well!"
Nicole Santos, Senior Visual Merchandising Specialist
"I love how each K-drama has it’s own OSTs! Adds up to the kilig factor besides having a good story. The way the drama is shot and edited is perfect as well, doesn’t look low budget at all. Oh and the outfits/styling are always on point!"
Ochie Cedeño, Pediatrician
"I realized that K-Drama showcases 1) how fascinating their culture is; respect not only for elders but also to someone older. 2) Visuals - how even a tiny food stall could look so inviting. And drone shots show how beautiful Korea is. 3) The plot is simple yet touches your heart, no exaggerations in acting. 4) How unpredictable the choices of the characters would be but in the end, will make you think—'oo nga naman'. 5) Love is shown to be respectful and sweet, not necessarily vulgar or sensual."
Joyce Yu, Accounts Manager
"It's an escape, plus the focus on culture, their OSTs, and the oppas. Oh and the fashion!"
Patrick Pleno, Fashion Stylist
"Because the leading men are so great at acting, especially crying! I get so emotional."
Loris Peña, Stylist
"Because the men are always hot."
Harvey Alvarez, Freelancer
"I just started watching CLOY and I’m already hooked! Good thing about K-Dramas, you get to see people with great sense of TASTE in all aspects—fashion, skincare, FOOD and everything in between. Anything Korean is just so FASCINATING and inspiring!"
Tasha Santos, Digital & PR Manager
"I take my kilig where I can get it. #SingleLife! Also, the food, the fashion, and their perfect skin (even the guys)!"
Anna Rosete, Living Editor
"Very efficient and disciplined storytelling... it’s focused and done in a limited number of episodes so that makes them memorable. They don’t digress and cover the neighbor’s dogs and their uncles like some other series do."
Maita Baello, Stylist
"At first there was the likes of Full House, My Girl—the formula was kilig: chaebol guy, clumsy girl. It was very light so it was an escape! Then later on they got better at story-telling that it was not just about the kilig. The plots got more creative, like with W and CLOY."
Mela Sison-Laxamana, Group Marketing Manager
"Because I love seeing their fashion styles! Both male and female characters! And because kilig sensation from K-Drama is real! And of course, the skincare and the food, and eating habits!"
Emily Koa, Senior Marketing Head
"It gives me my ME time as it doesn't come easily these days, especially with a house to run and kids to take care of plus work. Watching K-Drama allows me to zone out, be kilig, cry, giggle."
Egel Bolalin, Marketing Consultant
"K-Drama stories are light, funny, dramatic—it's an emotional roller coaster ride. It lets you have feelings! The plot twists are not the typical and predictable storylines, but really, no matter what stories, it's how they deliver that "kilig" scenes that get you, and the next thing you know, you're looking for more! Characters and actors are so good! I think K-Dramas are aspirational too, the latest in fashion, beauty and food; basically my reference when I visit Korea!"
Ingrid Chavez-Hernandez, Entrepreneur
"Because it's well-made, and the material is unique! The stories unfold quickly and when you watch K-Drama you just know you'll be in for a surprise. Love how they also inject something philosophical, as well as something about their culture and history in the shows. They promote their country through music, food and the locations! Love their fashion!"
Kim Gatdula-Prado, Real Estate Professional
"At first, it was just all about the kilig and the cute oppas. But now that I have watched a lot of them, I think I like it more and more because of how they plot their stories. What you think will happen, won't. What you think won't happen, will! Each character is important, no character is just an extra. They all have stories to tell that make up such a good plot for every show. I'm sure at the end of the day, it's really just all about them cute oppas."
Janna Pablo, Event Mastermind
"I watch for the life lessons."
Liza Ilarde, Lifestyle Journalist
"I only started watching in January 2019 because all my fave series were done. While waiting for the new seasons, I decided to click on one K-drama and fell deep into the rabbit hole. Now when I watch American TV shows I get bored."
Joyce Tan-Bagos, Homemaker
"Script/subtitle translation is pretty amazing— hardly cliche, unpredictable... able to convey the feelings of the character. It takes skill too to tell an entertaining love story without having to resort to sensual scenes. I also like how the personal lives of actors and actresses in real life are kept private. They kind of function as ambassadors for Korea actually."
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