The intense depiction of emotions requires relatable and often sensitive characters – the male leads in Korean dramas in particular are often praised by female viewers for their sensitivity. This partly explains the emotionally charged nature of the dramas, which rely more on the dramatisation of evolving relationships than the constant introduction of new incidents and characters. Korean dramas often follow a miniseries format, telling compact stories in a predetermined, fixed number of episodes rather than over several seasons. The reconciliation of traditional values with modern, urban lifestyles is something that viewers of all ages and backgrounds can relate to.

A central theme is jeong – a Korean term for human affection – which can be expressed through friendship, family ties, or romantic love. Romance is an important part of Korean dramas, but so are traditional family values – a factor that strikes a chord with Asian viewers who share cultural affinity with Korea, and makes the dramas reliable family entertainment in other parts of the world. But there is more to Korean dramas than meets the eye – here are just a few of the secret ingredients that make them so special. In recent years streaming sites like Netflix have boosted the popularity of K-Dramas, with audiences across the globe now easily able to binge-watch the latest series as soon as they are released.īut what gives K-Dramas their universal appeal? Academics and journalists alike have been asking the same question for many years, with many focusing on the dramas’ attractive stars, romantic storylines and high production values. There’s no denying that Korean dramas have gone from strength to strength as a cultural export since the beginning of the Korean Wave in the late 1990s.

Best korean dramas on netflix 2019