3 Reasons Why K-Dramas Are So Addictive

If you don’t watch Korean dramas by now, my question to you is, why aren’t you? Both my ‘Seoul Sweet Seoul‘ co-author Hana Yoo and myself are huge fans of Korean entertainment. In fact we devoted an entire chapter to Korean pop culture in the book! K-dramas are a big source of entertainment in South Korea, and their appeal has spread around Asia and in Asian American communities as well. They often create fast-spreading trends that range anywhere from fashion to popular quotes from the screenplay. Still not convinced? Here are some reasons you should start watching them with your mom!

1. Attractive Heartthrobs. There are lots of reasons to watch dramas (kill time, procrastinate), but the real reason is, of course, to fulfill your daily/weekly/monthly quota of face time with the likes of Jang Dong Gun, Song Seung Hun, or So Ji Sub. It’s said Korean male actors are some of the highest paid celebrities outside Hollywood. These dashing men are known to charm the ladies with their good looks, charisma, and in the case of So Ji Sub, an impeccable fashion sense.

And guys, no fear. The leading ladies of K-dramas are incredibly beautiful as well, like Song Hye Gyo of Full House, or Shin Se-Kyung of Fashion King. Can we just say — you had me at hello?

2. The Cliffhangers. Wait, hold on! You can’t just end the episode there, are you kidding me? I have to find out what happens to the girl. There’s no way he’s leaving her just because she’s penniless and eats like a horse, while he on the other hand is ridiculously handsome and infinitely rich. Or wait, is he?

3. I Feel Like I’m Back In Seoul! This last reason is probably true for most of us who do have some ties to South Korea and loved living there. While I’m sure many of the scenes are filmed in studios — like that ridiculous mansion in Boys Over Flowers — a lot of the street scenes are filmed in Seoul proper, a city so buzzing with life I’ve always wondered how the producers managed to receive permission to film at what are easily the most busy intersections of Gangnam or Gwanghwamun. Still, these scenes are great to watch — it’s like traveling to Seoul without the hassle of actual travel.

And if you are curious to learn more about Korean entertainment, and which dramas to watch, check out Seoul Sweet Seoul! You’ll be up to speed in no time.

(As for K-drama recommendations, we suggest you watch A Gentleman’s Dignity starring aforementioned Jang Dong Gun (which Hana tells me is like Sex and the City but with men) or Phantom/Ghost, an exciting cyber-crime thriller starring So Ji Sub.)