Filipino Director Asks Fans Why They Love K-Dramas, Fans Give Their Honest Answers — And They’re Not What You’d Expect At All
Starting from popular K-Dramas such as the classic Stairway to Heaven…
…continuing to well-known Korean drama series dubbed in the Philippines like Full House, with the popular bear dance of Song Hye Kyo:
…and finally, securing most of the spots in the “Top 10 List of TV Shows and Movies in the Philippines” in the latest ranking by Netflix:
it’s no wonder Filipino filmmakers have taken a notice to the immense popularity of K-Drama in the Philippine entertainment scene.
And instead of complaining about it…
…one Filipino director by the name of Jose Javier Reyes took to Twitter to ask the fans about their reasons for liking K-Drama, in an effort to understand the fandom further.
Just wondering because I want to know your thoughts: WHAT MAKES KOREANOVELAS SUCH FAVORITES FOR FILIPINOS? What makes them DIFFERENT? #direkasks
— Joey Javier Reyes (@DirekJoey) April 9, 2020
Here are some answers from the fans:
1. Aside from great storylines, K-dramas also play a part in promoting their country’s tourism
1. Storylines. Original and compelling even if kdrama cliches are present.
2. Cinematography.
3. OST
5. Actors and actress are not in love teams thus they have freedom to work with each other.
6. 16 episodes.
7. Location! Omg ☺️— isy’ ♥ 👩🏻🌾 (@isy1619) April 9, 2020
2. They don’t need irritating characters or over-the-top annoying individuals to make it work
Hindi po nila kinakailangan ang kontabida sa pagpapatakbo ng istorya
— Dhette Cruz (@JediZiah) April 9, 2020
They don’t need an antagonist for the sake of the plot.
3. The actor’s facial expressions are on point
The story plot and development are very interesting. You wouldn’t want to miss what’s next. Their main acting tool is the facial expression.
— Lhizz (@lusciouslhiz) April 9, 2020
4. K-Dramas are a great platform to talk about sensitive issues, too
(a) their peculiar concepts when it comes to plot ideas, esp. sensitive topic (e.g discrimination about women, corruption, biased media and etc)
(b) the majority are not dragging
(c) their art of producing kdramas (cinematography, strong background story on each character)…
— 𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍 ✨ (@drammmajjigae) April 9, 2020
5. You won’t find 100+ unnecessary episodes here
Koreanovelas are fast paced as compared to teleseryes,
They’re not into loveteams which I think is a big factor too.— dale simon (@dale14304) April 9, 2020
6. They also don’t focus on love teams: it’s more on the plot
1. Fixed timeframe (16-20 episodes);
2. Novel/fresh plots (typically);
3. Does not depend on love teams;
4. Awesome cinematography;
5. The supporting cast are also great.— 캐시 💗 한국드라마 ☺️ (@mjcathy24) April 9, 2020
7. Filipinos really love that K-dramas have fixed number of episodes, huh?
1. Mostly solid plots, beautifully written scripts
2. No unnecessary additional characters that has no purpose but to extend the drama
3. Can live with or w/o love angles (NO LOVE TEAMS)
4. Fixed number of episodes
5. Cinematography— ll NAKAKA-PROSTATE! ll (@ANLUfet_) April 9, 2020
8. Engaging stories for the win
The kdrama genre is very diverse. The writer’s imagination is wide and creative, and even out of the box. The stories are engaging. Fresh OSTs. They stay true to the script by limiting the number of episodes. Different team ups l. You wouldnt know what to expect. Sana dito din.
— Greysie (@greysbee) April 9, 2020
All of the answers sent by the Filipino fans are insightful and well thought out– contrary to the belief of another Filipino director who thinks that fans like K-Drama because they have “actors whiter than white”. Check out the next article below for full details:
