Okay, since I've got a lot of time on my hands... here's my observation on having watched around more than a hundred episodes worth of K-dramas/comedy dramas. Note that this is based on what I've seen, so there might be biases to taste here. Feel free to add to my observations on the comments section.
Some clarifications before we jump in. This is not ranked according to any areas of importance, though I might sift through what I see as good - or not so good. Most of these are also series that I've watched - mostly through Netflix, though there are quite a few I've seen outside of them... I will mention some differences here as well.
Some clarifications before we jump in. This is not ranked according to any areas of importance, though I might sift through what I see as good - or not so good. Most of these are also series that I've watched - mostly through Netflix, though there are quite a few I've seen outside of them... I will mention some differences here as well.
Lastly, I do not claim ownership of the pictures I use here, as I am neither a producer, director nor creative writer for such shows. I will mention the shows they're from in he captions provided.
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| The King: Eternal Monarch's episodic introduction always ends in this wide Korean city view |
The cinematography:
This can be breathtaking - definitely artistic, and most definitely visually appealing. Be it showing the slums, the city or countrysides, these shows take great pleasure in showing great angles, picturesque vistas, and somehow make sure each scene is visually clean (at the very least), to fantasy-like appealing. Be it set in Seoul, another country, or even historical pieces.I noticed that a favorite scene they try to capture locally are those with Cherry Blossoms in the background, or even Christmas motifs.
On the other hand, a series will at times feature a different location, like Alhambra, Spain (in Memories of Alhambra), parts of Sweden (in Crash Landing on You), Hollywood and some neighboring places (in Inheritors) - be that where it is, the director(s) will try and capture the beauty of the location, and you just can't help plan for your next trip to visit such a place.
On the other hand, a series will at times feature a different location, like Alhambra, Spain (in Memories of Alhambra), parts of Sweden (in Crash Landing on You), Hollywood and some neighboring places (in Inheritors) - be that where it is, the director(s) will try and capture the beauty of the location, and you just can't help plan for your next trip to visit such a place.
The sets:
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| Greece setting for Descendants of the Sun |
More so historically, or fantasy sets are equally done with an artistic view. Remember the Grim Reaper's office in Goblin? Minimalist designs come into play.
Even the houses of the rich are well designed. Who can forget that little 'North Korean' community in Crash Landing on You - contrasted with the very stylish houses in the South?
Then there's the Greece setting in Descendants of the Sun complete (later added - not in picture) with the portable field hospital units. All meticulously researched and designed. It seemed legitimately a location shot vs. a stage setting. On the other hand, a classic example of said stage setting was the ocean scene in Goblin when he wrecked a medium-sized ship. That looked like it was filmed at the ocean, but was a large tank filled with water. So yeah,,, South Korean production set and effects team are on top of their game.
Even the houses of the rich are well designed. Who can forget that little 'North Korean' community in Crash Landing on You - contrasted with the very stylish houses in the South?
Then there's the Greece setting in Descendants of the Sun complete (later added - not in picture) with the portable field hospital units. All meticulously researched and designed. It seemed legitimately a location shot vs. a stage setting. On the other hand, a classic example of said stage setting was the ocean scene in Goblin when he wrecked a medium-sized ship. That looked like it was filmed at the ocean, but was a large tank filled with water. So yeah,,, South Korean production set and effects team are on top of their game.
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| Inheritors (or the Heirs) presents the young rich with fashionable clothes |
Although these are more obvious in historical pieces, they are equally present in the modern setting. The protagonists will always wear nice looking clothes - almost out of a GQ magazine.
Maybe it helps that they do have four seasons - so they can show off different fashion senses. It has even come to a point that if someone wears a very fashionable outfit, for a night out, they are commented to look like they came out of a Korean drama. Maybe its the simple elegance of their looks - but the clothes they wear are equally noticed - and department stores, or online shops will take advantage of these shows to sell similar (if not exact) lines.
Maybe it helps that they do have four seasons - so they can show off different fashion senses. It has even come to a point that if someone wears a very fashionable outfit, for a night out, they are commented to look like they came out of a Korean drama. Maybe its the simple elegance of their looks - but the clothes they wear are equally noticed - and department stores, or online shops will take advantage of these shows to sell similar (if not exact) lines.
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| Diaries of the Nightwatchman costume designs look colorful - yet take into consideration historical illustrations for accuracy |
The historical costumes are nothing to be ignored either - they are quite stylish - and if I initially thought they just made that up - the fact that other shows use the same fashion design consistencies make me think there may be a historical reference that these people use, when pertaining to how people dress in Joseon times. An example of this would be a character in Legend of the Deep Blue Sea, having the exact same outfit (as an official of the Joseon government) with a different character in Diary of a Night Watchman. Two different shows, two separate characters - similarly designed costumes. Accidental? I don't think so.
The formulaic stories set up:
Since Netflix episodes are either 20, 18, 16, 13, 8, or rarely even less - with exception to movies, that are, for the most part following a 2-hr limit, there seems to be a formulaic style being followed by these series... this can be both good and bad. Here are a few things that seem to fit that mold. Good because it becomes a guide - for the writers, and directors, on when certain milestones should happen. Bad, because if you know these milestones, then watching the shows can be predictable.
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| Supporting role of Doctors help flesh out the story and lend credence to the doctor's hospital lifestyle |
There will be ensemble roles - other supporting roles often times to help keep the story moving - to offer additional meat in the milieu being played - at times, they have comedy relief roles to portray. others - maybe represent a disapproving parent, an estranged black sheep of the family, or even a rival gangster - again, it depends on what the story is about - they're simply there to add spice, as part of their ensemble. Not all the time... but they're there. Be it obvious, or situational.
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| Crah Landing on You emphasizes lifestyle differences through the main actor's and supporting actors' 'comments' |
The culture:
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| Leads from The Doctors act out an older person 'patronizing'| a younger person |
Conversely, they sometimes treat younger people with a bit more friendly gestures - like teasing, head patting, etc...
Strangers may not be friendly, but they should not be rude, either.
Women are to be respected - and at times, protected, by their male companions. You can't just hold hands, go near and embrace anyone - more so, kiss (even on the cheek). Personal space is definitely respected.
There is something special with showing affection, even if its just an embrace from behind, which apparently carries a lot of meaning. Hopefully, these characteristics are absorbed, and practiced by the young viewers. You can also (based on at least three shows I've seen) a definite show of respect for all Koreans (even North Koreans, albeit with reluctance and suspicion), and while there are the usual 'punks' and 'gangsters', these characters are never meant to stay too long. There is more emphasis on what is good - vs. what is bad.
Crying:
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| From Memories of Alhambra |
Mastering the art of being tear-jerkers:
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| From Descendants of the Sun |
These stories... if they show a sad episode, chances are you'll most likely cry with them - or for them. These story-tellers, directors and actors really know how to make their audience cry. From the protagonists finally succeeding in an emotional struggle, to estranged families reuniting - albeit just in time before someone dies, to a character's painfully recalling a tragic event.
These story plots can come in different ways, and angles - and I once was bemused when I would hear a friend or relative say they were crying as they watched this, or that Kdrama. Now? I can definitely relate, just ask my wife. There have been times that she has caught me tearing up as I watch certain episodes.
The penchant for supernatural (ghosts, deities and Grim Reapers):
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| A trio of Ghosts from Diary of a Night Watchman offering some comedy time |
I loved Goblin because it had a great milieu - it had deities walking around, rubbing elbows with mortals, it talked of destinies - some long winded, it had grim reapers collecting souls of the recent dead, and they had great fashion sense as well, a connection to history, and the Goblin. Heck, I found the bromance (i.e. grudging respect, building friendship, camaraderie, discovered past connections eventual forgiveness) all interesting.
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| Along with the Gods 2 promotional poster |
I later watched Hotel del Luna seeking for something similar (I did not even really give it much thought that IU was in the starring role, nor the enormity of her fame) - somewhat delighted to the fact that the hotel was a halfway house to ghosts who had died - but for whatever reason (usually unfinished business), decided to stay on Earth, and not travel beyond. Everyone was a ghost - except for the hotel's manager (someone needed to be alive to get the necessary business permits).
I marveled at the twin Along with the Gods movies' milieu - how death is not the end, but how Paragons (recently dead people who've lived righteous lives) are defended against certain trials (great costumes again), and how these tials are connected to virtues - and the Deities connected to them judge whether a Paragon passes on into reincarnation - or not. I'm also curiously watching Black for similar connections to Grim Reapers (more of that in a while).
While The Diary of the Nightwatchmen gave me additional glimpses of the Korean mythos, a bit of historical drama - and ghosts as well.
While The Diary of the Nightwatchmen gave me additional glimpses of the Korean mythos, a bit of historical drama - and ghosts as well.
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| Grim Reapers come in all shapes, characters - and time references, as seen in Black |
Plus, it puts up a few ideas as well. And you will have a clue to when the person became a Grim Reaper; based on the clothes they wear (from the Joseon times, to the present K-pop culture), and their overall character. Putting these characters together also adds some comedic situations.
Nationalistic pride:
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| The Crash Landing that started it all - Crash Landing on You |
I know that South Koreans are obligated to join their military at a certain time of their lives. Three years, if I'm not mistaken. Some countries may find this too restrictive, but having a near constant threat up North does give them a valid reason for this practice, Because of this, there seems to be a strong sense of nationalism (and story/plot conflict potential).
This was fairly obvious with Descendants of the Sun, and other shows that somehow glimpse into the life of both North and South Korea (e.g. Steel Rain and their adaptation of the hit US show Designated Survivor).
Crash Landing on You even had us all looking at the stark differences between lives in the North and South Korean borders. The nice thing about the series was that it did not poke too much fun at such stark differences, and any differences emphasized were delivered in a near comedic manner.
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| Descendants of the Sun's nationality flair could have been a long recruitment message to join their military |
I already mentioned some on-set filming of a 'sea' episode in Goblin - but it will also be the role of the special effects team to make Goblin - a complete fantasy character, look and act believable, based on how realistic their effects will be,
Likewise with Hotel del Luna, Black and other fantasy-drama churned out of the South Korean production houses.
Likewise with Hotel del Luna, Black and other fantasy-drama churned out of the South Korean production houses.
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| The Goblin's sword - ever present, but invisible to all save the Goblin's bride. Simple, but great effect. |
Rich milieu:
You can't fault K-dramas with a lack of imagination - their genre falls under a wide range of topics - historic story pieces of Joseon times, conflict resolution between the modern day North and South borders, Romance, Drama, Dramedy (a.k.a. light comedy dramas),
Horor pieces (like Kingdom) , Fantasy worlds or Magical beings... and yes, deities tampering with life of everyone (like Goblin). Whatever your taste, is... they see to have it.
The Soundtrack:
This is a late addition to the article. I simply forgot to mention this, but it should have been obvious. After add, I mean, aside from the acting, the background music adds to the emotion of the scene. This is true in Hollywood, and oh boy, these K-shows deliver in that department too.
Most shows have their own set of original sound tracks. These songs are beautifully done, and the instrumental pieces are likewise well orchestrated. Music does add a dimension to story telling - one that even if done in a different language, can touch the heart. K-drama producers know this, and do make good use of music to help add emotional dimension to their shows - be they upbeat pieces, or romantic tunes. And yes, you pick up a few words here as well - like 'Saranghae' (hope I spelled that right). It won't be a surprise if many K-drama aficionados have some (or a lot of) songs from these shows in their music lists.
Other Observations:
Now for a few more observations. I don't know if the following are literary adaption exercises, or industry best-practices / directorial purview - or if they happen to be cultural as well... but here are some of the funny, at times (intendedly?) stupid things that characters in Kdramaa show, or do.
- Talking out loud, in lieu of thinking. Thus being heard by others. This becomes root for a funny moment, or discussion. Like I said, it might be part of the narrative - so viewers can follow the story better. But does this mean these characters can't keep secrets because their mouth tends to put them in trouble?
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| Unexpected moments are emphasized - in this case, with the Goblin's shocked eyes. Yes, this 909 year old guardian can still be shocked. |
This sets tha narrative to question - was their companion too forward? Aggressive? Often, this then leads to...
- 'And the world stops' moments. You know... those penetrating looks, those sudden heart-stopping moves, those shocking reveals that end a dramatic scene, and the actors act like a deer, frozen on the spot due to very bright headlights?.
I don't mean King: Eternal Monarch time stops everyone either - I mean just the immediate surroundings stop when the protagonists realize they're in a pickle.
Yes, sometimes this becomes a tool to end an episode, and often repeats itself in the next episode, as a silent reminder to the viewers who possibly saw the last episode a week ago. Luckily, for the binge-watching audience, they suffer no such memory problem - unless they somehow fell asleep. Far as I'm concerned, maybe there's a way to skip this, just like the repetitive intros can be skipped.
But at times, it also means something gets added to the narrative. In which case it becomes a plot device, to bring the viewers back - to present a (now more complete) picture of what has transpired. At times, however, this 'frozen in time' situation allows the villain a chance to escape and torment the heroes another day. So the question is... 'why do they freeze' at all?
- Product endorsements that are starting to be annoying. Its one thing to meet in a 7-11, or drink Soju in an orange tent, so long as the narrative continues, that's fine... the products are noticed, but the story continues, hence these products simply become a minor - near ignoreable event. Cops drinking Maxim coffee - so with employees in a pantry - that's okay, these things happen in real life. But to suddenly say 'this coffee is really good' short of stating the brand name (which is in the styro cup used by the cop) - and somehow the action repeats itself after an episode, or two... it's kinda 'in the audience's face' already - hence becoming blatant.
Maybe these shows, or producers are starting to become victims of their suceeses. I understand that product endorsements bring in money to help with the production costs, but these shows have to scale down the placement a bit, Just use the product - let the audience figure it out, and for heaven's sake, try to put them into proper story context. Make up? Fine, let the actress show its what she uses to present that flawless skin.
Buying crispy chicken? A natural for lunch-outs or take home dinner, milk tea as it happens to be beside the character's place - a bit of a stretch, but still not impossible, taking ginseng at work, specially after a long day - that's just fine. Meeting in the store, or shop, because there is a natural reason is okay too.
Having to pause and admire a beauty product, while the other person says what a fine item it is? In a stake-out? Too much. Offering the product to someone like you were formally presenting it like a sales person - and your character is not a sales person. Nope... too out of character, not to mention out of the narrative. These are when they need to be scaled down. If they'll accept product endorsements, fine... but please write it in to fit organically. Not 'in your face'.
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| Those captions help make us non-Koreans understand what is happening. And here in K2, it shows interesting interplay between characters |
As explained above, I've learned of - and continue to better understand the culture. I also learned that the Netflix viewpoint is relatively sanitized, as I've seen at least one short Korean film that was a lot bloodier in presentation.
And I continue to practice the art of reading sub-titles while watching. A trait I started, BTW, by viewing Japanese anime.
And I continue to practice the art of reading sub-titles while watching. A trait I started, BTW, by viewing Japanese anime.
Anyway, let me end on that note. If I remember other reactions, I'll just add them to this blog entry at a latter time.
Hope this not too short reaction helps others understand K-dramas a bit more. and for the seasoned K-drama fans - let me know if I missed a few things.
Ahn-yong-hee kah-say-yo ) good bye.
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