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2021 has been an incredibly significant year, both in terms of science and technology as well as art, culture, and entertainment. Without a doubt, the industry that flourished globally this year, reaching a peak of success and critical appreciation is the Korean entertainment industry. From K-Pop to K-Dramas, Korean films to Korean folk music, and more, the world has its eye on the K-World.ย
When it comes to K-Dramas in particular, in 2021, there have been a number of prominent trends that changed the scene as an effect of the COVID-19 situation, the global popularity of K-Content, an increase in interest from OTT platforms, and more.ย ย
Here are 5 key changes we saw in the K-Drama industry in 2021!
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1. Predominant Genres - Revenge and Survival
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In 2021, the two most widely explored genres in K-Dramas were revenge and survival. From "Vincenzo", "Taxi Driver", "The Devil Judge", "My Name", "The Penthouse: War in Life" (Seasons 2 and 3), and "Reflection of You" (revenge dramas) to "Sisyphus: The Myth", "Happiness", "Dark Hole" and most prominently, "Squid Game" (survival dramas), the industry gave us some of the most gripping, meaningful, and exciting dramas this year belonging to the aforementioned dramas.
Perhaps owing to the way the world has been relentlessly fighting against the pandemic and making brave progress despite difficulties, the popularity of survival stories is higher than ever now because the sentiment of survival resonates strongly with a universal audience.
At the same time, revenge dramas provide just the right kind of catharsis viewers need to vent
