K-Drama Wave In Brazil: The Rise Of ASTRO’s Cha EunWoo As The Nation's Sweetheart

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K-Dramas have taken the world by storm, and Brazil is no exception. Over the past few years, Brazilian audiences have fallen head over heels for these addictive Korean series. K-Dramas reached the Brazilian market during the pandemic and have only grown in popularity since then. According to Netflix, interest in K-Dramas sextupled in Brazil between 2019 and 2022 and the country is currently their 3rd biggest K-content audience! The Asian content focused streaming company Viki has also reported that out of its 90 million subscribers worldwide, 11 million are from Brazil.

So, what’s driving this K-Drama craze? Let's dive in and see why Brazilians can't get enough of K-Dramas, and how one star, in particular, ASTRO’s Cha EunWoo, has become Brazil's ultimate heartthrob, whose popularity culminated in a sold-out concert in São Paulo.

 

Why do Brazilians Love K-Dramas?

K-Drama Wave In Brazil: The Rise Of ASTRO’s Cha EunWoo As The Nation's Sweetheart

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Many K-Dramas tackle universal themes like love, friendship, and perseverance, but they also bring fresh perspectives and cultural nuances that feel both familiar and exciting. From navigating first loves to dealing with family drama, there's something in K-Dramas that resonates with everyone despite their origins. K-Dramas come in all shapes, forms and genres but it's the romantic stories that have gotten Brazilian audiences attention.

Among the most loved K-Dramas in Brazil are: “True Beauty” (2020), “The King's Affection” (2021), “King the Land” (2023) and the all time Brazilian's favorite “Crash Landing on You” (2019).

The popularity of Romance K-Dramas in Brazil is due mainly because