The Difference in Taste of K-Drama Viewers in Korea and Overseas, Romantic Comedy vs Realistic

Kapanlagi.com - Korean dramas are now increasingly popular worldwide. Those who used to be anti-Korean suddenly become fond of watching and even addicted to every episode.

However, there is a difference in taste between viewers in Korea and international viewers. Dramas that are very popular overseas actually receive low ratings in their own country. For example, IT'S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY and THE KING: ETERNAL MONARCH. In Korea, these two dramas received average ratings. Outside of Korea, these two dramas became hits and even one of the most-watched on Netflix in many countries.

As reported by Koreaboo, one representative from a Korean drama production company (let's call it A) explained about this difference in taste. A also explained the appeal of Korean dramas that are liked by international viewers.

1. Storyline

(credit: KBS2)

If a production house focuses on selling their work overseas, they prefer to showcase romantic comedy genres. According to A, copyright buyers abroad tend to be less interested if offered other genres such as medical.

"90% of foreign buyers reject medical dramas, regardless of their quality. Maybe because romantic comedies like DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN have been successful and popular worldwide," said A.

It's a different story with South Korean viewers who are already tired of romance. They prefer to watch dramas that are not too focused on the main character's love story and have a broader genre.

2. Realistic or Not

(credit: SBS)

Copyright buyers of Korean dramas abroad also don't mind buying fantasy genre dramas, such as THE KING: ETERNAL MONARCH which tells the story of parallel worlds. It is proven that this drama starring Lee Min Ho is popular in many countries.

Meanwhile, drama viewers in South Korea prefer things that are realistic. Many say that THE KING: ETERNAL MONARCH is completely unrealistic in its storyline.

3. Product Placement

(credit: SBS)

One viewer in Korea was asked why they no longer watch dramas. The viewer said they didn't like it because there were too many product placements (ads in every scene) and they thought it was excessive.

Regarding product placements, production houses are trying to sell their dramas to foreign countries (like Netflix) in order to reduce these advertising scenes. This method is also widely used now because it is difficult to find advertisements during the pandemic.

Viewers in foreign countries are considered not to care about product placements. The most likely reason is that they are new viewers who only focus on the story, not the details.

4. Visuals of the Stars

(credit: tvN)

Another thing mentioned that makes viewers like Korean dramas is the actors and actresses. Viewers in foreign countries are said to really like it when the main actors are handsome/beautiful and also popular Hallyu stars.

Therefore, even if a drama has low ratings in Korea, producers don't worry too much, as long as the drama they make is popular and a hit overseas.

So KLovers, what kind of dramas do you like?

(kor/pit)