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How K-Dramas created a stir and gained love and support from Indian viewers

Korean Dramas or K-Dramas have completely swept the people of India and won over our hearts. The sublime storyline, splendid soundtrack, unique culture and adorable actors have all contributed into getting us hooked. The ‘Korean wave’ or spread of Korean culture happened in bits and pieces but gained momentum with the airing of the worldwide blockbuster show ‘Descendants of the Sun’ on Zindagi Channel in India.

The Plot

What makes these dramas special is the earthiness of the stories. Unlike Indian TV shows which comprise of theatrics and whole new level of extra, K-Dramas remain realistic allowing us as viewers to relate. There are no thalis falling or mandir ki ghantis ringing; the characters, their problems, the setting and storyline all remains grounded. These dramas usually have 20 episodes, with the plot evolving and keeping you on toes with every episode. And thus, the story leaves an impact rather than being stretched for years where the same actors even play their own children.

Although usually famous for its heart-breaking and toe-curling romance, these dramas do justice to every genre. Shows like Goblin and Descendants of the Sun have raised the bar in every aspect of television content and thus every show- be it romance, thriller, action- has become addictive. Another reason for this susceptibility to getting addicted is the deep understanding of emotions in these shows, viewers do not remain spectators but as though become an active part of it. They feel the pain of the characters, cry along with them, feel the chills and suspense, gush with them- such is the command and charisma it holds.

The Soundtrack:

The dialogues, characters, story is all tied together by the soundtrack of the show, and K-Dramas have provided us with stellar music and music artists. These shows also come with beautiful locations, sets and cinematography all beautifully woven by music by popular and talented artists from Korea. While these sets have attracted people to visit South Korea, the OST of these shows has become a gateway for many into K-Pop as well.

The Characters

The best quality about the characters is this sense of relatability we have with them, we get to connect with them and the problems they face. As the story unfolds, we begin to get more and more attached to the characters. Each character has her own unique story, the other characters do not just exist to further the story of the protagonists.

K-Dramas are very subtle with regards to romance and only imply certain things, leaving their viewers wanting more. This innocence and the good-looking actors also add on to charm of the characters. The surreal performance by Korean actors brings these characters to life.

Culture

These shows give us glance into the culture of these people, the clothes, language, lifestyle, food, families and so on. A pattern in these K-dramas is that it depicts two extremes- the very wealthy and the poverty stricken. Most shows focus on pressures in school life, authoritarian parental relationships and importance of money. Among these what has gained major attraction are the skin routines and remedies and the funky and trendy sense of fashion, which Koreans are famous for.

This is only the first wave which has created such a strong place for itself in the hearts of the Indian audience, the future holds endless possibilities for this culture.

Featured Image Credits- grafpicf

Shivani Dadhwal
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The Hallyu storm has taken over Delhi University, with students going gaga over famous K-Dramas let us look at some of the common Korean words that have blended into our lives.

1. Sa-Rang-Hae (I love you)
Every fan would know this phrase by heart, these are the words that bring our protagonists together and seal their love forever. So next time you desperately want to reveal your feelings to your crush, go over and say it, she/he won’t understand a thing, and if they do, keep them for life.

2. Hyung/Oppa/Unni/Noona
The most complex set of words used in K-Dramas are words used to address someone older than you. Here is a guide to these words
Unni : what a female calls an older female.
Oppa : what a female calls an older male.
Noona : what a male calls an older female.
Hyung : what a male calls an older male.

3. Aeomoni or Amma / Abbujje or Appa (Mother/father)
While calling your parent’s formally, many a times we use Aemoni for ‘Mother’ and Abbujje for ‘Father’. In informal settings we lovingly call out Amma and Appa. Even our parents are now familiar with our obsession and used to our multilingual tongue.

4. Wae? (Why?)
Screaming at incredulous and unbelievably stupid ideas by our friends, we scream Wae to get across the ideas that this is dubious plan. This Korean word is used the most.

5. Mian-Ae (I am sorry.)
Rather than saying Sorry, we say Mian-Ae. Most emotional sequences in K-Dramas involve this phrase in one way or the other. Hence, this one is unforgettable.

6. Aarran-So (You got that?)
Asking politely or frustrated, this phrase comes in handy. Korean is such an emotive language that parts of it has become a close part of our everyday routine.

7. Soonbae/Hoonbae (Senior/Junior)
Often heard in Delhi University societies, use of these words has changed the dynamics of hierarchy. Now, Soonbaes and Hoonbaes together fangirl over Korean Dramas.

8. Kam-saham-nida (Thankyou)
One of the most commonly used words in our daily life is now, being replaced by a weird sounding Korean phrase. So, Kam-saham-nida for reading this article.

Image Credits: Cosmopolitan

Sakshi Arora
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