K-drama is taking over the world – and we just can’t get enough of the shows, series, and movies coming out of South Korea. From the phenomenal success of Squid Game to the irresistible rom-com Crash Landing on You, K-drama offers a unique, genre-blending viewing experience.

Want to put your finger on what exactly it is that makes K-drama so different from its traditional Western counterparts? From strange twists in the tale to a firm focus on character, there are several key elements that make -K-drama shine.

A Twist in the Tale

One of the key defining features of K-drama is that it typically deploys a ‘Western’ template – boys meets girl, triumph against all odds, rags-to-riches, etc – and fuses this with a South Korean twist. The story arc may seemingly play out traditionally, but there’s always some form of dark twist in the tale. A profound family secret is revealed, or the story plays out against a backdrop of grinding poverty, for example.

Hotel del Luna is a great example of this. Hotel owner Man-wol must go about running the establishment, day in and day out, dealing with the guests and all their foibles. Except the guests happen to be dead, with the hotel serving as a gateway that allows souls to pass on to the afterlife.

Taking it Seriously

Whether it’s a full-on fantasy, a gritty faux documentary, or a zombie series, K-dramas take themselves seriously. Series makers commit 100% to their vision, no matter how quirky or far-out, and this respect for the story comes across clearly to us as an audience.

Even lighter K-dramas are not just fluffy romances or watch-them-and-instantly-forget-them series. Every element of the show, from the most innocuous foley sound effects to the performances of its stars, is crafted to perfection and undertaken with total earnestness. And we can’t get enough of it.

Character Front and Center

Even with the stratospherically popular Squid Game series, a seemingly concept-driven shock show, the character is at the forefront. The series doesn’t just rely on its horrifying overarching plot but takes care to comprehensively develop our understanding of each of its main characters along the way. By pulling us in and stirring our sympathies, we not only buy into the unfolding events but feel the shocks more keenly as the story unfolds.

In this way, K-drama is often able to go beyond the boundaries of typical genre conventions. Characters drive the plot forward, often taking the tale to places that it otherwise wouldn’t be able to easily venture.

Richly Resourced

South Korean studios pour a huge number of resources into producing their dramas. Each series is usually a collaborative effort between multiple agencies, serving to boost quality and authenticity and meaning that even the smallest of details are present and polished.

The cinematography is nothing short of exquisite, the soundscapes are rich and varied, and every element of the set is dressed to perfection. Again, this helps with audience buy-in, heightens the emotions, and pulls us deeper into the tale.

Audience Interactivity

K-drama series often have an interactive element – although not in the direct way you may think. With episodes regularly shot and edited the week that they’re aired, writers and studio bosses are able to react quickly to audience feedback. For example, a character that’s become unexpectedly popular but was due to be killed off may be given a reprieve for a few more episodes, or a series that’s attracting exceptionally high viewing figures may get extended from eight episodes to sixteen.

This week-to-week writing format allows studios to keep their fingers on the pulse of their audience and make tweaks and changes as necessary. If ratings drop, action can be swiftly taken by altering the plot, introducing new characters, or adding a twist to the tale.

K-Drama: Sublime and Surreal

The engrossing, intense, character-driven nature of K-drama is one of its defining characteristics – as is its fusing of traditional story tropes with strange twists and surreal shocks. The high production value, excellent writing, and skillful directorial storytelling that K-drama is known for are also why we can’t get enough of the TV shows coming out of South Korea. 

With a stellar lineup due for release in 2024, K-drama’s world domination looks set to continue. The new series of All of Us Are Dead, and Squid Game are eagerly anticipated, as is the launch of the mystery thriller Alone in the Woods on Netflix. In short, there are plenty of K-drama binge-watch opportunities coming in the new year.