How K-Dramas Could Improve Their Representation Of International Audiences Considering Their Global Popularity

"Sh**ting Stars" Screenshot / tvN

Hallyu (the Korean wave) has been in the spotlight as a global phenomenon for many years. Be it K-Drama, K-Beauty, or K-Pop (and the list goes on),  Korea has been earning the praises of global audiences.

Recently, there has been another particularly evident spike in K-Drama's popularity as Korean productions have taken over global OTT streaming platform charts. This rise in popularity has sparked a renewed interest in Korean production companies to begin targeting overseas markets, as well.

“Korean creators are always known for their creativity and this new success on a global level opens doors for them to try something new. I think they will have a better understanding of what works globally in a very short time.”

- Seo JangHo, CJ ENM's senior vice president of content business

Despite this enthusiasm from Korean creators, and much to the dismay of K-Content fans, the representation of international audiences and subject matter has sometimes missed the mark and needed to be called into question.

Fans are sometimes left scratching their heads or baffled by K-Drama scenes that aim at presenting a globalized image but miss the mark. Global viewers and their cultures/countries are sometimes misrepresented by the very K-Dramas that they appreciate, be it intentionally or unintentionally, causing upset. As a matter of mutual respect, it is important for these companies to do due diligence for the audiences that they serve.

"Reducing racism and increasing consideration of foreign cultures will make Korean dramas and films more competitive in the global market."

- Jimmyn Pa