“What’s Wrong with One More Episode?”: A Qualitative Study on Why Korean Dramas are a Hit in the Philippines (2024)

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Annabelle B. Bonje

Abstract/Executive Summary

With the rising popularity of the Hallyu Wave, numerous Korean trends have been taking over the world, specifically Korean Dramas. This type of media has been the talk of the town, particularly in the Philippines. Ever since the Filipinos' first introduction to K-Dramas in the 1990s, the demand for it has only grown, especially during this pandemic. With its continual movement, it is important to investigate and understand how this phenomenon affects the Filipino people. This study aims to understand the ongoing popularity of Korean Dramas in the Philippines and how it affects and influences various aspects of Filipino lives. This study also intends to identify the components of Korean dramas that make them popular among Filipino audiences and the parallels that can be observed between Filipino and Korean lives based on the said dramas. To answer the research questions and achieve the research objectives, a phenomenological approach was taken to help describe this phenomenon. A total of 12, male and female, self-proclaimed Korean Drama fans ages 18-45 were interviewed via Zoom. To analyze the data, thematic analysis, with reflexivity in mind, was employed to look for recurring themes. Based on the previous literature and interviewees, the unique and non-repetitive plots, talented actors, and quality production have contributed to the popularity of K-Dramas. Furthermore, K-Dramas have influenced their viewers' food preferences, beauty standards, and interest in a foreign country. Lastly, Filipinos have developed a frustration towards their own country due to the better things they see in these K-Dramas.

Keywords

Korean dramas; Filipino lives; influence; cultural identity; fantastical view

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Media and Philippine Studies (MPS)

Start Date

13-5-2022 10:30 AM

End Date

13-5-2022 12:00 PM

DOWNLOADS

Since April 28, 2022

COinS

May 13th, 10:30 AMMay 13th, 12:00 PM

“What’s Wrong with One More Episode?”: A Qualitative Study on Why Korean Dramas are a Hit in the Philippines

With the rising popularity of the Hallyu Wave, numerous Korean trends have been taking over the world, specifically Korean Dramas. This type of media has been the talk of the town, particularly in the Philippines. Ever since the Filipinos' first introduction to K-Dramas in the 1990s, the demand for it has only grown, especially during this pandemic. With its continual movement, it is important to investigate and understand how this phenomenon affects the Filipino people. This study aims to understand the ongoing popularity of Korean Dramas in the Philippines and how it affects and influences various aspects of Filipino lives. This study also intends to identify the components of Korean dramas that make them popular among Filipino audiences and the parallels that can be observed between Filipino and Korean lives based on the said dramas. To answer the research questions and achieve the research objectives, a phenomenological approach was taken to help describe this phenomenon. A total of 12, male and female, self-proclaimed Korean Drama fans ages 18-45 were interviewed via Zoom. To analyze the data, thematic analysis, with reflexivity in mind, was employed to look for recurring themes. Based on the previous literature and interviewees, the unique and non-repetitive plots, talented actors, and quality production have contributed to the popularity of K-Dramas. Furthermore, K-Dramas have influenced their viewers' food preferences, beauty standards, and interest in a foreign country. Lastly, Filipinos have developed a frustration towards their own country due to the better things they see in these K-Dramas.

“What’s Wrong with One More Episode?”: A Qualitative Study on Why Korean Dramas are a Hit in the Philippines (2024)

FAQs

How do Korean dramas influence the Philippine industry? ›

As such, Korean culture and trends as seen in Korean dramas have invaded and been deeply rooted in Philippine society today. Korean dramas have greatly influenced the food, fashion, cosmetics, music, and entertainment industries, as well as people's views and preferences.

What is the negative impact of Korean drama? ›

Korean dramas can affect the character of today's youth, leading to changes such as delaying worship activities, ignoring assignments, watching Korean dramas until late at night, and obsessions that affect daily life. K-pop culture has the potential to erode local culture and preferences among school children.

What are the effects of Koreanovelas on Filipino viewers? ›

Watching Koreanovelas has influenced Filipino values by promoting cultural closeness, affirming hierarchical family relationships, and providing a cultural window into Korean way of life. The study found that watching Korean dramas influenced the understanding of Korean culture among Filipinos.

What is the problem with K-dramas? ›

K-Dramas tend to romanticize and oversimplify real-life challenges, such as mental health issues, financial struggles, and interpersonal conflicts. These complex problems are often resolved in a matter of episodes, creating a false sense of ease and trivializing the difficulties that individuals face in real life. 5.

Why is Kdrama so popular among Filipinos? ›

Based on the previous literature and interviewees, the unique and non-repetitive plots, talented actors, and quality production have contributed to the popularity of K-Dramas. Furthermore, K-Dramas have influenced their viewers' food preferences, beauty standards, and interest in a foreign country.

Why do Filipino love Korean dramas? ›

Unpredictable Plot

Something else Filipinos find appealing about Koreanovelas is their incredible storylines. Every drama is unique and realistic. Although some of them may tend to fall into cliches or formulaic plots, they're not afraid of experimenting with new ways of telling these kinds of stories.

Is kdrama good or bad? ›

Kdramas are literally made in heaven. It will make you addict like really!!! The story plot is super amazing, refreshing. And the actors are soo good..the way they present the characters in dramas you will surely fall in love with them.

What are the negative effects of Kpop culture? ›

However, there are also negative impacts. Korean entertainment can lead to changes in behavior, such as delaying worship activities, ignoring assignments, and staying up late to watch Korean dramas. It can also result in a preference for Korean culture over one's own culture and fan wars.

What is the Kdrama so not worth it about? ›

New friends, new loves and new experiences mix together inside a colorful college dormitory in Korea that's home to students from around the world.

Which country watched kdrama most? ›

Seasia Stats | 🇵🇭 The Philippines has become the country that watches the most Korean dramas in the world! According to Insider Monkey's data pu...

Why do people love K-dramas so much? ›

K-Dramas often provide an escape from reality, offering a world where emotions are heightened, and happy endings are common. This is appealing during stressful or challenging times.

Why are Korean dramas so popular in the US? ›

K-drama global popularity seems inextricably tied to the industry's deep interest in exploring class themes, an understandable cultural fascination for a country that saw such rapid economic growth in such a short period of time, the so-called Miracle on the Han.

Which K drama is banned in Korea? ›

The King: Eternal Monarch: Why the Controversial K-Drama Is Banned in South Korea - IMDb.

Why is Netflix removing K-dramas? ›

However, this also means that all of these exclusive K-dramas are marketed as “Netflix Originals.” The reason why these K-dramas are leaving is that the streaming rights Netflix paid for were only for a limited amount of time. Typically ranging anywhere between five to ten years depending on the deal.

Are K-dramas banned in China? ›

China Bans K-Dramas and Korean Movies; only a few programs are allowed to be broadcast. China has strictly imposed its ban on broadcasting any Korea-related content in the country since the first half of 2023!

What is the influence of Kpop in the Philippines? ›

It impacts their lifestyle choices, such as fashion and purchasing idol goods. Moreover, KPOP culture affects students' behavior, leading to changes in their values and interests, including making new friends and diversifying aesthetics.

What is the importance of drama play in Philippine culture? ›

The Phillipine theater is important and plays an important role on promoting Filipino culture and heritage. It showcases the beauty and talent filipinos have. Furthermore it seeks to entertain people and as well as imparts knowledge through telling a story in a creative way.

How popular is Korean drama in the Philippines? ›

K-drama viewing among Filipinos, in particular, grew to 350 percent in 2020.

How did Korean culture became popular in the Philippines? ›

Korean TV dramas and movies rose to popularity in the Philippines in the early 2000s. Since then, we've only grown more and more fond of them. Korean shows dubbed into Filipino were aired on local networks.

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