From Rajma Chawal to Ramen, From Khichdi to Kimbap,
From Chai to Boba,
From theaters to Netflix,
From Bollywood dhamaka to the K-Drama mania,
A study.
Rise of K-Drama
The first K-Drama was made as a movie in 1956, ‘Death Row Prisoner’. This genre started gaining interest during the 60’s and 70’s. Youngsters of the 90’s and 00’s started liking genres that were relatable to them in this form as well.
K Impact on India
Since the lockdown hit India was when the watching preferences of people started exploring different compasses. One can easily say that influences our cultural identities or habitual practices.
Actor Akshay Kumar following his movie ‘Raksha Bandhan’ stated that he must change himself based on his fans’ expectations. This scenario can suggest that the audience’s interests have seemingly changed after watching a reality striking series of episodes.
K-Drama and Bollywood
But what is more interesting? Korean films have been inspired by and remade in Indian Film Industries as well, reasons list as the storylines were found engaging, perfection in production quality, relatable themes, cultural similarities and strong characters. It is identifiable if we compare past Indian films to latest ones on how strong a character’s personality has been developed into. The impact these characters leave on the audience today is visibly seen.
Some of these remakes include Barfi[Lover’s Concerto], Murder 2[Chaser], Radhe[The Outlaws], Netrikann[Blind]. Etc.
Indian teenagers, lives and K-Craze
Indian teenagers have been captivated by Korean culture notably. Musical Bands such as BTS, Black Pink and others have been influencing their interests towards entertainment in a vast manner besides K-Drama.
Though K-Drama has been admired for its reality striking story lines and relatable themes, it also creates an illusion on them to expect such occurrences in their lives, which run on a completely different order of societal cultures and differences. Calling it an addiction and time-consuming piece of distraction be let secondary, the consumption of Korean food, which is known for its spice and tradition is also raising concern. The complete difference in the body structures and functioning makes it question why it is essential to consume the traditional food of a completely different set of people in our routine, when we have no idea what it could cause to us as we live quite close to the equator and experience the sun dominantly. Yes, a lot of loopholes under one big pit are interconnected.
Uncharted Territory
K-dramas have some really interesting and lesser-known aspects that might surprise us. For example, many K-dramas use a unique filming technique called “real-time production.” This means that while episodes are telecasting on TV, the cast and crew are still filming the show which allows them to adjust the story based on viewers’ reactions, which is again quite different from most shows. Another interesting fact is that K-drama creators often use “product placement” in a subtle way where instead of obvious ads, you’ll see products or brands naturally into the story, which helps without interrupting the storyline. Additionally, many K-dramas are influenced by traditional Korean medicine and folklore, as we can notice characters using herbal remedies or referencing ancient myths, that adds a unique cultural layer to the stories. The art of making K-dramas also involves a special focus on “second leads,” characters who often have strong followings and sometimes overthrow the
main leads. Finally, the show’s endings
are sometimes deliberately left abrupt to spark discussions and fan attention, which keeps viewers engaged even after the series has ended, causing buzzing tweets and posts.
Conclusion
Though, the golden times of Indian cinema and culture has now changed, Korean drama has spread positivity and removed the gloominess that spread amongst people mentally. Putting aside the disadvantages as western culture had influenced us once, one must be proud and happy that cultural differences of two separate countries can be united through entertainment too. At the end of everything that tunes a human’s rhythm, it relies upon how he learns and grows from it.
Let Seoul to Mumbai continue a wonderful journey of sharing. Sharing culture, entertainment and harmony.
~ S Keerthana Manasswini
