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ABC News
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Streaming giants have helped bring Korean dramas to the world – but much is lost in translation
In less than a decade, Korean TV dramas (K-dramas) have transmuted from a regional industry to a global phenomenon – partly a consequence of the rise of streaming giants. But foreign audiences may not realise the K-dramas they've seen on Netflix don't accurately represent the broader Korean TV landscape, which is much wider and richer than these select offerings. At the same time, there are many challenges in bringing this wide array of content to the rest of the world. The rise of hallyu Korean media was transformed during the 1990s. The end of military dictatorship led to the gradual relaxation of censorship. Satellite media also allowed the export of K-dramas and films to the rest of East Asia and parts of Southeast Asia. Some of the first K-dramas to become popular overseas included What Is Love (1991-92) and Star in My Heart (1997). They initiated what would later become known as the Korean wave, or hallyu . The hallyu expansion continued with Winter Sonata (2003), which attracted viewers in Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia. Dae Jang Geum /Jewel in the Palace (2005) resonated strongly in Chinese-speaking regions and was ultimately exported to more than 80 countries. A breakthrough occurred in 2016. Netflix entered South Korea and began investing in Korean productions, beginning with Kingdom (2019-21) and Love Alarm (2019-21). In 2021, the global hit Squid Game was released simultaneously in 190 countries. Squid Game season three promises an ending to the gory competition. But Netflix only scratches the surface Last year, only 20 per cent of new K-drama releases were available on Western streaming platforms. This means global discussions about K-dramas are based on a limited subgroup of content promoted to viewers outside South Korea. Moreover, foreign viewers will generally evaluate this content based on Western conceptions of culture and narrative. They may, for instance, have Western preferences for genre and themes, or may disregard locally-specific contexts. This is partly why Korean and foreign audiences can end up with very different ideas of what 'Korean' television is. Historical dramas, such as Swordsman starring Yoon Soy, have played a pivotal role in the development of Korean TV drama. ( Reuters: Truth Leem ) Genres When a K-drama is classified as a sageuk (historical drama) but also incorporates elements of fantasy, mythology, romance, melodrama, crime fiction and/or comedy, foreign audiences may dismiss it as 'genre-confused'. Or, they may praise it for its 'genre-blending'. But the drama may not have been created with much attention to genre at all. The highly inventive world-building of pre-Netflix dramas such as Arang and the Magistrate (2012) and Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016) prominently feature all the aforementioned genres. While foreign viewers may think visual media begins with readily identifiable genres, many K-dramas aren't produced on this premise. Themes Western viewers (and other viewers watching through a Western lens) might assume 'liberal' themes such as systemic injustice, women's rights and collusion in politics entered K-dramas as a result of Western influence. But this is a misconception. The emergence of such themes can be attributed to various changes in Korean society, including the easing of censorship, rapid modernisation, and the imposition of neoliberal economics by the International Monetary Fund in 1997. Kim Ryeo-ryeong's novel The Trunk has been adapted into a K-drama. ( Supplied: Netflix ) Although gender disparities still exist in South Korea, economic uncertainty and modernisation have prompted a deconstruction of patriarchal value systems. Female-centred K-dramas have been around since at least the mid-2000s, with women's independence as a recurring theme in more recent dramas. Local contexts A major barrier to exporting K-dramas is the cultural specificity of certain elements, such as Confucian values, hierarchical family dynamics, gender codes and Korean speech codes. The global success of a K-drama comes down to how well its culturally-specific elements can be adapted for different contexts and audiences. In some cases, these elements may be minimised, or entirely missed, by foreign viewers. For example, in Squid Game, the words spoken by the killer doll in the first game are subtitled as 'green light, red light'. What the doll actually says is ' mugunghwa-kkochi pieot-seumnida ', which is also what the game is called in Korean. This translates to 'the mugunghwa (Rose of Saron) has bloomed', with mugunghwa being South Korea's national flower. These words, in this context, are meant to ironically redefine South Korea as a site of hopelessness and death. But the subtitles erase this double meaning. It's also difficult for subtitles to reflect nuanced Korean honorific systems of address. As such, foreign viewers remain largely oblivious to the subtle power dynamics at play between characters. All of this leads to a kind of cultural 'flattening', shifting foreign viewers' focus to so-called universal themes. A case study for global success Nevertheless, foreign viewers can still engage with many culturally-specific elements in K-dramas, which can also serve as cultural literacy. The hugely successful series Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022) explores the personal and professional challenges faced by an autistic lawyer. Director Yoo In-sik described the series as distinctly Korean in both its humour and the legal system it portrays, and said he didn't anticipate its widespread popularity. Following success in South Korea, the series was acquired by Netflix and quickly entered the top 10 most popular non-English language shows. The global appeal can be attributed to its sensitive portrayal of the protagonist, the problem-solving theme across episodes, and what Yoo describes as a kind and considerate tone. Viewers who resonate with these qualities may not even need to engage with the Korean elements. Many K-dramas that achieve global success also feature elements typically considered 'Western', such as zombies. While the overall number of zombie-themed productions is low, series and films such as Kingdom (2019–21), All of Us Are Dead (2022), Alive (2020) and Train to Busan (2016) have helped put Korean content on the map. One potential effect of the zombie popularity may be the displacement of Korean mythological characters, such as fox spirits, or gumiho , which have traditionally held significant narrative space. Local production under threat The influence of streaming giants such as Netflix is impacting South Korea's local production systems. One consequence has been a substantial increase in production costs, which local companies can't compete with. The early vision of low-cost, high-return projects such as Squid Game is rapidly diminishing. Meanwhile, Netflix is exploring other locations, such as Japan, where dramas can be produced for about half the price of those in Korea. If this continues, the rise of Korean content may slow down. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.
Pink Villa
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
What is Song Kang's next big project post-military discharge? All about Four Hands plot, character details and more
Song Kang appears to have already locked in his next project, months ahead of completing his military service. The actor began his enlistment as an active-duty soldier on April 2, 2024. He is officially slated to be discharged on October 1, 2025. Despite still being in uniform, industry insiders are already buzzing about his potential comeback. And the frontrunner? A youth-focused drama titled Four Hands, centered around music, growth, and personal transformation. Four Hands According to a June 30 report by SPOTV News, Song Kang is in talks to headline Four Hands. It's a new series that explores the journey of young musicians at an arts high school. The title is inspired by the classical piano technique where two players perform together on one piano. Set across the characters' adolescent and adult years, the story weaves together themes of friendship, first love, rivalry, and artistic ambition. As the characters navigate intense training and personal challenges, the drama promises to delve into how passion for music shapes their identities and relationships over time. Song Kang as a Piano prodigy If cast, Song Kang will take on the role of a piano genius whose calm personality hides a deeply complex inner world. Described as having both a delicate and sharp charm, his character will likely offer the actor a chance to show off a more nuanced and emotionally rich performance. This role seems especially fitting after his time away from the screen. Given the maturity that often comes with completing military service, fans are eager to see how Song Kang will bring new depth to his acting. The role he's eyeing demands both emotional vulnerability and artistic intensity. Comeback already in motion? Nothing has been officially confirmed by Song Kang 's representatives. However, the buzz around Four Hands suggests that preparations are already underway. Industry sources claim that discussions with Song Kang are expected to resume in full force post-discharge. The project is widely expected to become his first drama after returning to civilian life. Reports also indicate that the actor has been receiving multiple offers during his service. It's a proof of his continued popularity and demand within the entertainment industry. The decision to lean toward Four Hands signals a deliberate choice to pursue a project with emotional weight and strong storytelling. Production gears up without delay Even as Song Kang completes his service, the production team behind Four Hands isn't wasting time. Casting and pre-production efforts are in full swing, with the aim of finalizing the lineup and setting the stage for filming later this year or early next. Anticipation builds for Song Kang's return Song Kang is known for his breakout performances in dramas like Love Alarm, Sweet Home, My Demon and Navillera. He has carved out a name for himself as one of the most prominent actors of his generation. His return to the screen is among the most anticipated events in the K-drama world. And Four Hands might just be the perfect project to mark a new chapter in his career.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
This ‘Weak Hero Class 1' actor is exempted from military service! Find out why he does not have to serve—deets inside
Military service in South Korea is mandatory for all able-bodied men in the country. This particular actor, however, has been exempted from doing his mandatory service. In recent reports, it was shared that fans of Shin Seung Ho , well-known for his appearance in 'Alchemy of Souls,' do not have to worry about the actor going on military hiatus anytime soon! Find out why he has officially been exempted from military service. 'Love Alarm' actor Shin Seung Ho exempted from military service Shin Seung Ho has officially been exempted from military service, as reported by K-media news outlet Tenasia. On June 18, the reports were shared stating that the actor is not considered an able-bodied man due to a major injury. Due to this, the actor has been officially exempted from serving in the military. His agency also stated in response to the reports and confirmed that since the actor suffers from ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), he will be unable to complete his military enlistment. On the other hand, Sports Chosun also reported on the matter, stating that 'Shin Seung Ho underwent surgery for a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, while performing personal schedules in 2021 and was subsequently exempted from military service.' The actor underwent a physical exam to define fitness level The reports also shared that the 'Omniscient Reader: The Prophet' actor underwent an official physical exam to determine whether he should be serving in the military or not. According to the test, it was found that he is not of full health and cannot serve properly in the military, thus exempting him from mandatory service. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Поза во сне может многое рассказать о вашем характере! Удивительные Новости Undo More about Shin Seung Ho Shin Seung Ho began his career on the soccer fields and then slowly shifted towards modeling for all kinds of brands. The actor then finally went out of his comfort zone and entered the realm of the Korean entertainment industry through his 2018 debut in the popular online web series 'A-Teen.' Seung Ho has since then starred in a lot of films and dramas, such as 'Homemade Love Story,' 'The Good Bad Mother,' and ' Double Patty ,' and has continued to rise through the ranks in terms of popularity.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Actress Go Min Si is under scrutiny as school bullying claims arise ahead of a new drama; the agency issues a statement
Actress Go Min Si is well known for her roles in various TV shows and films such as ' Sweet Home ', 'The Frog', 'Love Alarm', and 'My Sassy Girl'. Recently, however, the actress has been going viral for all the wrong reasons. Go Min Si has come under public scrutiny after allegations of her being a school bully in her early years have surfaced. The allegations are getting strong reactions from fans as well as netizens. Go Min Si was involved in an alleged bullying controversy Go Min Si's latest drama ' Tastefully Yours ' has been doing wonders ever since the release of the first episode. This success, however, can be massively impacted by the recent school bullying accusations against the actress. As per Allkpop, a social media post on a fan forum went viral on May 26 after it was posted. It alleged that the actress as a school student had been involved in bullying her fellow peers. From verbal abuse to ostracising fellow students and extorting money, Go Min Si was allegedly involved with all these questionable activities. The post also read that the actress had dismissed her actions as 'simple mistakes' and had allegedly moved on in her career as an entertainer without issuing any apology or showing any kind of regret for her actions. Go Min Si's agency shares a statement on the matter After the initial post went viral yesterday and caused a major stir online, Go Min Si's agency issued an official statement in the matter, sharing how the rumours are false and that they will be proceeding with legal action. The agency shared in their statement, 'We would like to address claims that have been raised anonymously on certain online communities regarding our agency's actor. We want to clarify that these claims are clearly false and unfounded.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Roar into Style! Leopard Print Slim Fitting Dress! Undo Unleash Your Wild Side: Leopard Print Slim Dress! Undo Level Up Your Look: Men Tracksuit with Hoodie! Undo Get the Look: Rhinestone Juicy Sweatsuit - Shop Modefash! Undo Complete Your Look: Women's 3-Piece Sweatsuit - Undo Chic Comfort! Women's 3-Piece Sweatsuit. Undo Shop Exclusive Deals & Save Big! Undo Modefash: Ultimate Comfort - Men's Tracksuit with Hoodie! Undo Sparkle & Shine: Trending Rhinestone Juicy Sweatsuit! Undo Don't Miss Out! Exclusive Deals at Undo Continuing, they also shared that 'We express our deep concern and regret that malicious posts based on false information are damaging the reputation of our agency's actor. We appointed a legal representative today and have begun reviewing and taking legal action, both civil and criminal.' They also added a request in the statement for netizens to be careful about what they post and share online, as they harm not only the celebrity but their family as well. They shared in the statement that 'We ask that everyone refrain from reporting and circulating speculative reports about our agency's actor without verification, as such actions can cause deep harm not only to the actor but also to the actor's family.' About 'Tastefully Yours' Go Min Si's latest K-drama , 'Tastefully Yours', has been doing numbers ever since the drop of the first episode. The show follows the lead, Mo Yeon Joo, a chef who decides to open her very own restaurant in the district of Jeonju. Her life then collides with Han Beom Woo , the rich heir to a food company. The story follows the two characters as they navigate through challenges and fall in love despite all differences.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Netflix K-drama Dear Hongrang faces 'incest' allegations amid poor reviews: Explaining the complicated 'siblings love triangle'
Netflix's new K-drama Dear Hongrang is making headlines, and while some of the attention comes from its stellar cast — Lee Jae Wook, Jo Bo Ah, and Jung Ga Ram — most of the conversation is centred on a controversial incest plot that has left many viewers feeling uncomfortable. (Note: Spoilers ahead!) Dear Hongrang: Plot explained The show dropped on Netflix on May 16 and is written by Kim Jin Ah and directed by Kim Hong Sun. It had already generated buzz thanks to its big-name cast, with Lee Jae Wook from Alchemy of Souls, Jo Bo Ah from Tale of the Nine Tailed, and Jung Ga Ram from Love Alarm. Set in the Joseon dynasty, the story follows Jae Yi (Jo Bo Ah), who's blamed for the disappearance of her half-brother Hongrang — a tragedy that breaks their family. Her stepmother, Min Yeon Ui, is especially devastated and holds Jae Yi responsible for losing her only son, who vanished one night after promising his sister a camellia. To cope with the loss, the family adopts a boy named Mu Jin (Jung Ga Ram). Over the years, several men have shown up claiming to be the missing Hongrang, but each one ends up exposed as a fraud. Then a new man (Lee Jae Wook) arrives, saying he lost his childhood memories. Min Yeon Ui believes he's her son, but Jae Yi isn't so sure — and she's determined to find out who he really is. In the process, Jae Yi starts developing feelings for the man claiming to be her younger brother, while her adopted brother, Mu Jin, quietly struggles with his own love for her. The tangled relationships have left many viewers feeling uneasy, with some calling the plot borderline incestuous and unnecessarily provocative. Fans react to Dear Hongrang's controversial sibling-style love triangle The complicated and controversial love triangle in Dear Hongrang has sparked heated discussion online, especially on Reddit's r/KDRAMAS subreddit. One user pointed out the show's uncomfortable tone, writing, 'So what do we think of this new K-drama? It's leaning towards incest, though they aren't blood related... but they call each other siblings. It feels like a love triangle between siblings. I'm only one episode in, lol.' Another viewer chimed in with mixed feelings: 'I kinda loved it. The story is a little messy — but that's what makes it entertaining! My biggest issue was the pacing. Some moments felt rushed, while others dragged on too long.' A third fan criticized the romance angle, saying, 'Honestly, the relationship in Dear Hongrang felt forced. It's like they cast good-looking leads and thought that was enough. She waited years for her brother, then randomly fell for a guy pretending to be him — and I still don't understand why. Even after the twist, their romance just didn't land. But I'll give them this: beautiful cinematography and a great performance from the female lead. She really carried the show. I just wish I knew what the point of it all was.' Others took issue with the characters still calling each other 'brother' and 'sister,' with one user saying, 'It's so cringe. Just call each other by your names.' Another added, 'Yes, we find out he's not her real brother — but she doesn't know that at first. So it gives off these unsettling vibes. She was already overly attached to her real brother, so when this guy shows up, the energy is just weird. It's a strange creative choice, and I'm not sure it worked.' But is there an actual incest plot in Dear Hongrang? There's no actual incest plot in Dear Hongrang, as no blood relationship exists among the key characters. The man pretending to be Hongrang turns out to be an assassin, and Jae Yi always knew he wasn't really her brother, so their feelings don't cross that line. Mu Jin is adopted, so his crush isn't technically incest either. But since the characters still call each other 'brother' and 'sister,' it makes things feel weird and uncomfortable for many viewers. Conclusion: Is it incest? No. Could the story have been clearer without all the confusing sibling vibes? Absolutely.
