[LET'S GET TO KNOW] Your Guide to Asian Dramas: Genres and How it All Started (Korean Edition)

Let's get to know Asian drama genres

There are many genres in dramaland....almost too many!
 

From romance comedies to psychological melodramas to chinese vuxia to korean sageuk's to action thrillers to...yeah....there's a lot ._. I think I finally understand what my friend, who got me into Asian dramas meant when she said "Once you're in, you can't get out". I don't think you can ever truly get tired of "dramas", sure you can feel like a genre follows the same pattern or some plots are very similar to one another, but if that's so then all you need to do is switch genres or why not switch the drama country + genre? That's a double combo, right?
To say "asian dramas are all the same" makes you, in my opinion, seem a bit closeminded, but hopefully, after this blogpost you might get a bigger picture of what asian dramaland has to offer. Now, to say that most romance comedies are about "a rich guy falling for a poor girl", however, could be more accurate than the previous statement, but it's still not quite true, because in the recent years there has been quite a lot of refreshing plots that only partly or not at all, overlap with the "rich guy falling for poor girl" concept.
With that said, the point of this post (actually this entire blog) is to introduce both new and old drama fans to new dramas, or to be more precise, new genres! Because there's just so much to explore in dramaland that it's pretty much impossible to say that you've already seen it all.
Before I start the post I just want to say that this will just be about korean dramas, because I feel like there's a lot to talk about. I'll also recommend dramas from every genre as I go through them, however, it's important to know that the dramas I recommend AREN'T the only ones out there, the handful of titles I'll present can perhaps be a good introduction to the genres but feel free to use mydramalist to find other dramas too :) I'll also try to keep the text as orgazined as possible, even though it's very difficult to stick to one genre without comparing it or mentioning another one. So yeah, without further ado, let's get started ~



For those of you who are new to the term "drama," it's basically televised TV series; however, what makes them different from let's say american tv-series is that they don't/very rarely run for more than one season. When the drama is over, it's really over, you've gotten the full story. They run in a miniseries format with a set amount of episodes. How long a drama is depends from country to country but also on the genre. In Korea the most common number is 16, 20 or 50 episodes, where every episode is 40-70 minutes long. There are also so called "family dramas" in Korea, that have 100+ episodes, but then every episode is usually only 20-30 minutes long so in the end it still reaches the "usual" 50 episodes amount range.

Background information and how it all started:

South Korean dramas: (Hangul: 한국드라마 hanguk deurama) or K-drama refers to televised dramas spoken in the Korean language, and made in South Korea. Korean dramas are usually shot within a very tight time-frame, often just a few hours before the actual broadcast. Screenplays are flexible and changes such as the episode amount being shortened or prolonged (only by 1-3 episodes) as well as plot changes may accure (because of those shortening/prolonging) during the final part of the production, it all depends on the viewers' feedback and views range.

Official Poster of Winter Sonata (2002)

Korean dramas are usually directed by one director and written by one screenwriter, thus having a distinct style and language, unlike for example American television series, where often several directors and writers work together. There are a handful of big tv stations that air dramas, those are: SBS, MBC, KBS, jTBC, OCN, tVN and TV Chosun, with SBS and KBS being the largest ones. The drama episodes usually air twice a week if they're "regular dramas" if they're so-called "family dramas" however, they can air one episode every day. Korean dramas have existed since the 1960's but they didn't spread to the rest of Asia, no the rest of the world until the early 2000's. One of the dramas that made that first step was Winter Sonata. Airing in 2002, it is widely considered to be the drama that launched the Hallyu Wave throughout Asia and worldwide.Winter Sonata was the very first korean drama to hit Japan (which is quite a big thing because if you know history, Japan and South Korea weren't/aren't really best friends) and the Philippines and not only did it become so popular, that it inspired an anime and a musical play, It also improved the image of South Korea among the Japanese and set fashion trends all throughout East Asia. Suddenly everyone wanted to dress and get their hairstyles done to look like the main cast.



Yon-sama welcomed by
japanese fans at the airport

The main actor Bae Yong Joon (orange-brown hair in the picture, also nicknamed Yon-sama) recieved so much love from japanese fans that Junichiro Koizumi, the Japanese prime minister at the time, was quoted saying that Bae was more popular in Japan than himself. When the drama aired in the Philippines in 2003, it quickly became one of the highest rated shows, and just like in Japan, philippines middle-aged women were crazy about Bae Yong Joon, making him one of the hottest stars in East Asia at the time. It was the first step towards what would become a worldwide phenomenon known as the "Hallyu".

Official poster of 'Jewel In the Palace' which

tells the story of an orphaned girl who went

on to become the King's first female

physician. Setting the example of a strong

female lead. 

Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, refers to the Korean pop culture phenomenon that has gained emense popularity since the early 2000's and it's ever so growing, even as we speak.
Kpop, korean food and culture, and historical herritage are all part of the Korean Wave, however, one thing that probably went through the biggest "boom" was the Korean drama. Dae Jang Geum (also known as 'Jewel In the Palace') which aired in 2003, quickly became the top program with an average viewership rating of 46.3% and a peak of 57.8% (making it the 10th highest rated Korean drama of all time). Produced for US$15 million, it was later exported to 91 countries, heightening the popularity of Korean pop culture abroad.

Interesting fact: "Based on a survey conducted by IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting), Dae Jang Geum ranked as the most popular drama of IRIB from March to April 2007 with 57 percent viewership and 92 percent satisfaction".

Interesting fact2: "Dae Jang Geum was also aired in Zimbabwe, under the title Jewel in the Korean Palace. The station also had a promo wherein viewers have to answer three questions from the drama. It was said that almost one-fourth of the population joined the "Jewel in the Korean Palace Quiz".

With Dae Jang Geum, more and more titles followed in the wave. Korean movie and thriller classic Old Boy was awarded The Grand Pix, and a few others recieved awards at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. However, it wasn't until 2008/2009 that the Hallyu "exploded" into what we now consider the popularity of korean dramas. After 2009. the phenomenon of "subtitles" in various languages through Viki. gooddrama.co, dramafever etc came to be. We're talking about the so-called classics  Boys Over Flowers, You're Beautiful, Coffee Prince and Secret Garden etc which statistically speaking, were the dramas that got international fans, who were either too young or missed the small sparks of the hallyu back in 2002-2003, interested and absorbed into the world of Korean Dramas. The popuarity also sparked something what dubbed some actors and actresses Hallyu-stars. Whether you're new to dramaland or not, you probably know, or at least have heard some of the names: Lee Min Ho, Park Shin Hye, Yoon Eun Hye, Hyun Bin, Ha Ji Won and Jang Geun Suk. They are, still today considered the "hallyu-stars", the contributors to the imense popularity of korean dramas worldwide. Just to prove my point with some facts here are a few very recent articles:
Popularity in China 2015, Lee Min Ho In China

Official Poster of My Love From The

Star (2013) Tells the love story of an

anti-social genius who happens to be an

alien and a snarky and arrogant 

famous actress.

But as tragic hits, some of our favorite "older" male actors will have to leave for the military (also known as the 22-month mandatory military service, which you as a fan will end up hating on the same despiseful level as school homework, busy morning traffic and brocolli), but it's also kind of good because it leaves room for new faces and new talents to shine. Of course, every year new stars have entered the scene, such as Kim Soo Hyun, Joo Won, Ji Chang Wook, Kim Woo Bin, Lee Jong Suk etc who have gained just as much popularity as the founding hallyu stars. Most recently, Kim Soo Hyun (who was already well-known for his roles) took Asia, no the entire world, by storm through the Hit drama My Love from the Star.

Not only did it gain enourmous popularity in South Korea, it pretty much slayed at all the award shows. Jun Ji Hyun was proununced a all-around star and became a fashion icon on the streets of Seoul, the drama's popuarity also resulted in a chicken and beer craze in China. If you don't believe me, check the article down below: Chicken and beer. It also became the most expensive Korean drama sold in China as of February 2014, at US$35,000 per episode. Japan...I don't even have to get into that. It's basically the same as in China. Main actor, Kim Soo Hyun was been ranked numerous of times as the hottest East Asian actor and held tons and tons of fanmeetings for his Japanese fans. If that's not enough to prove it, a recent article will:
Kim Soo Hyun needed 600 guards at China's airport. In Japan, I believe I read somewhere that he had to use a private jet because the Narita Airport was so crowded by Japanese fans. My Love from the Star even spread further any any drama in the Hallyu as it recieved love-calls from Hollywood where producers pronunced that an american remake will be made. (How awesome isn't that? Well, the popularity i mean, no the remake ._. I'm honestly shivering at just the me thought of that...ugh we all remember the remake of "The Heirs" right? No? Good, save yourself from the torture).

Yeah...let's not even make an attempt to count them all.
He's popular in China and Japan. It's a fact people xD

Most recently. the dramas Healer and Kill Me Heal Me, have set their steps in the hallyu-wave. Ji Chang Wook is the next hottie on China's and Japan's radars and a lipstick that was used by the main actor Ji Sung in Kill Me Heal Me, when he played his female split personality "Yoona" sold out in the entire country just the day after the episode aired.
With that said. There is no stopping the Hallyu! I wonder what dramas and actors will become the next hits in the years to come ~

The genres: 

Now, the first thing I have to say about korean drama genres is that they are quite complex. A drama can both be a romance comedy but at the same time be a psychological melodrama. A very good example of that is let's say Kill Me Heal Me. It may sound kind of obvious to some, but I just want to point that out because with that in mind, it's pretty much impossible to say "I want to watch something that is "just" a romance comedy" or "I'm only watching thrillers". Sure there are exceptions, for example, Boys Over Flowers is pretty much a pure romance comedy. I guess it has a slight hint of melodrama there too because of Go Jun Pyo's familydrama-issues but hey, without making it too complicated let's just say that it's a romance comedy. But you realize pretty quickly that if you dig a little bit deeper, that it's not that simple. Therefore, the drams I recommend to one genre may actually fit in to other genres as well, but yeah...I'll try not to make it too complicated xD With that said let's begin the introduction:

Sageuk:
Sageuk's are basically "historical" dramas. Which means, dramas set in a historical time period such as the Goguryeo time-period or the Joseon era etc. Sageuk's tend to be long, very detailed and may likely contain archaic language, cover wars and other historical events, concentrating on kings, famous military leaders or political intrigues. However, that is not always the case. There are exceptions, to eveerrrrrrything. Sadly, or actually it's good xD I told you this is going to be a bit complicated. Not every sageuk is long. You have The Moon That Embraces the Sun (2012) which is 20 episodes long and then you also have Jumong (2006) which is 81 episodes long. Both are 100% Sageuk's, they cover historical events, more or less (The Princess' Man is more fictional), they concentrate on the royal family and/or people surrounding the royal family and they have romance and political intrigues. However every sageuk vary. You have for example sageuk's that have little to no romance, such as Jingbirok: A Memoir of Imjin War (2015), which is the perfect drama for you who love a purely political historical drama. If you want a drama that focuses more on the royal family and their internal conflicts watch The King's Face (2014), if you want a historical story with romance in the focus check out The Princess' Man (2011) or Jang Ok Jung (2013).

Empress Ki (2013) High budget drama
which tells the story of a simple but
badass woman and the king of Korea and the
Emperor of Yuan. Highly recommended!

You quickly realize that, oh....so sageuk's aren't all the same? No, it basically just means that they're set in a historical time period. The Sub-genres however, can vary enourmously. So to say that you don't want to watch a sageuk because they're all long, that's in my opinion quite a poor excuse. There are some who are 20-30 eps long too. Now, the only valid excuse to not check out a histrical drama is basically if you say "I don't like historical stuff", but not even that is that simple. You see, there are time-traveling modern-time set sageuk's too. You have time-traveling from modern time to let's say the Joseon era dramas, such as Faith (2012) and Time Slip Dr. Jin (2012) but you also have dramas like Rooftop Prince (2012) and Queen In Hyun's Man (2012) that are set in our modern time, but one of the two main leads have time-traveled from the past. And not all historical dramas focus on "kings" as wikipedia states. There are tons of historical dramas with Queens as the main characters. Queen Seon Duk (2009) and Empress Ki (2013) are just examples of some mindblowingly good historical dramas with strong female leads. Or if you don't want to go back to the Joseon Era why not check out some historical dramas that are closer to our time, as in set in the 1930's during the Japanese Invasion and occupation of Korea (North + South). If that's so, then the drama Bridal Mask (2012) is a must-watch! Overall, I think it's important to know that sageuk's have a lot to offer. Depending on your taste, I'm sure you can find at least one that is worth checking out and enjoyable.

God's Gift - 14 Days (2014) Action Thriller about a mom
who travels back in time to try to prevent the
kidnapping and murder of her daughther.

Supernatural:
Dramas where the characters have some sort of supernatural ability and/or the setting is supernatural. Those may or may not go hand in hand with sageuk's, the time-traveling ones are pretty much supernatural-subthemed. But you also have dramas such as Gu Family Book (2013) or The Night Watchman's Journal (2014), which are supernatural dramas, based on legends and set in a historical setting. But the majority of supernatural themed dramas are set in modern time. Supernatural abilities for example, which are covered in dramas such as I Hear Your Voice (2013) or The Girl That Sees Smells (2015). Ghosts have been a very popular theme lately, dramas such as Oh My Ghost (2015), Who Are You? (2013) and The Master's Sun (2013) are some of the many. Or why not check out a ghost drama that is more focused on solving crimes? Then Ghost Seeing Detective: Cheo Yong (2014) is the perfect choice! Or why not just a time-traveling supernatural drama? Examples of that are God's Gift - 14 Days (2014), Nine: Nine Times Time Travels (2013) and Operation Proposal (2012). Or if you want to watch completly different spicies than humans play the main role, why not check out My Love From The Star (2013) or vampire-drama: Blood (2015)? If you want to mix it up and see your sexy vampire main lead solve crime cases why not check out The Vampire Prosecutor (2011)? or the upcoming drama Vampire Detective (2016)? Or why not check out a drama about body-switching? Secret Garden (2010) and I Love Lee Tae Ri aka "I love Italy" (2012) are worth checking out.

Action/Thiller/Invesigation:
I think the genre speaks for itself. However it may and may not include romance and comedy. Just because it's an action thriller it doesn't mean that it has to be serious all the time.

City Hunter (2011) romance

action thriller between a

trained assassin and the

female bodyguard of the

man the assassin is

set to kill.

Two Weeks (2013) or Time Between Dog and Wolf (2007) are examples of very action-packed, fast-paced thrillers while dramas such as You're All Surrounded (2014) are more on the comedic side. It's also not possible to talk about Korean action dramas without mentioning titles like Iris (2009) and City Hunter (2011). From what I've seen, South Korea is very famous for its Action thrillers both when it comed to movies and dramas. Old Boy (2003), as I mentioned before is a korean movie classic. Same goes for the movies Friends (2001), A Bittersweet Life (2005) and The Man From Nowhere (2010) which have recieved a lot of love both inside and outside South Korea and won numerous awards. If you want dramas that are like "CSI:Miami" then you can check out the God's Quiz seasons (there are 4 out at the moment).

Psychological/medical:
Dramas that deal with psychological issues or physical health-issues and they may or may not have a hospital/medical setting. In recent years I've seen a trend in dramaland where they draw a  parallell line between melodramas and psychological thrillers, but it doesn't always have to be that way.
If you're into American TV-shows like House that are mainly about the medical part and hospital setting then the dramas Brain (2011) Dr. Frost (2015), Medical Top Team (2013) and Good Doctor (2013) might be something for you. If you want more focus on the romance between let's say the patient and the doctor then It's Okay, That's Love (2014) and Kill Me Heal Me (2015) are the dramas you should check out. Or why not a drama which is medical but also has comedy? Dr. Stranger (2014) and Emergency Couple (2014). You also have psychological thrillers such as White Christmas (2011) Missing You (2012).

Incomplete Life (2014) Which.
due to its realistic portrayal of
a working place quickly became
is one of the most talked about
dramas in South Korea.

Political/Law/Business:
These dramas, just like the title says, are about politics or business, and the internal conflicts within the government or a set company. Now, there isn't that many dramas that are purely about politics or business, the tend to usually mix with romance comedies, or action thrillers.
But here I'll list some that I think are worth checking out if you're interested in something purely of this genre: A New Leaf (2014), Assembly (2015), Golden Empire (2013) and Incomplete Life (2014).

Yellow Boots (2012) Long but awesome
melodrama which makes you wonder how
far a person is willing to go to not get caught 

Melodrama:
Oh boy. This is probably the most difficult genre to explain with words. I've tried to find a good explanation on the internet but it was quite messy so I decided to take matters into my own hands and just describe the genre from my own experience (since this is my favorite kdrama genre and all). Melodramas are basically dark, angsty and complicated romance dramas which usually (but not always) revolve around family conflicts, unjustice and revenge. Character development is a must in these dramas as the characters tend to go through enourmous pressure, both physically and mentally. Melodramas explore morality and are rarely black or white. Most character in recent melodramas tend to have the same traits as anti-heros and that is something I personally love. Complex characters, a very complicated plot that makes you question your own beliefs and morality, that makes you analyze the smallest details....that is to me, a melodrama xD.
However not every character is a anti-hero, some do start of and remain "good" and pure despite all the unjustice they face and never give in to temptation of revenge. Some do get their revenge but through clean methods, while other sell their souls to the devil and go straight for an-eye-for-an-eye revenge which leads them to become not just anti-heros but perhaps even new antagonists. Some people, from what I've heard, say that melodrama plots can be over the top and over-dramatic, but I don't agree. They're supposed to be very dark and complex, it's supposed to be very detailed so you can analyze and explore the darkest corners of the human mind. When someone kills your parents, burns down your house and leaves you scarred and homeless over a night with no one in the world to care for you, and when you know who did it but the police doesn't take you seriously...would you vow to take revenge? Some of you would, someof you won't. Me? I don't know. I haven't really thought about it. But those dark thoughts about revenge and justice, to take matters into your own hands and perhaps even claim that you're God who will bring justice to the world...I dunno but that's definitely something that makes melodramas so interesting. You never know what road that the character may take and even if they do take it, you don't know if they'll stay on the path or go astray.



Anti-hero or new antagonist. You start to wonder..
Main character from Shark (2013)

 Melodramas are unpredictable and they keep  

 you on the edge of your seat because you don't 

 know if you should cheer for the characters or 

 cry because they'r slowly doing insane.  Villains are awesome and complex in melodramas. Sometimes the people who you think are evil may not actually be the evil guys, perhaps it was actually the main character all along? It has happened a few time that I've had a love-hate relationship with the supposed "villain" in a drama. I couldn't help but to actually empahatize with him. Sure his methods were wrong but in the core, I kind of understand why he did all the things that he did. Most recent example of that is the main antagonist of Mask (2015) I ended up loving him most. That drama was phenomenal.  Now the ending is probably the best part about a melodrama, when you watch the characters road towards revenge or justice you keep wondering if the drama will have a happy or a sad ending. Or perhaps a bittersweet one? You never know what you'll get xP. I'd love to recommend dramas thst have let's say bittersweet endings, but if I write it here, it will be a spoiler. Therefore, if you wish to know what dramas have what ending, do message me either in a private message on mydramalist or through my email and I'll tell you ^^. Some melodramas that I love and recommend (they focus on various topics and they're not always about revenge. Keep that in mind. Melodramas are not always about revenge. Every plot is deep and symbolic though, that I something they all have in common).

That Winter The Wind Blows (2013), Mask (2015), Yellow Boots (2012), Falling for Innocence (2015), Cruel City (2013), Bridal Mask (2012), Kill Me Heal Me (2015), My Love From The Star (2013, yes, that is a melodrama, see? Melodramas are not always about revenge), The Incarnation of Money (2013, comedy + angst at its best) Shark (2013) Bad Guy (2010), Secret (2013) Innocent Man (2012) and Yong Pal (2015).  
 
Romance/Comedy:
Yeah, I know, two genres, but they usually go hand in hand so I decided to put them as on.
Romance comedies are also quite complex. It almost feels like the story and setting can vary depending on what kind of audiece you're trying to attract. Romance comedies can be cute and innocent and have a high school "first love story" - setting. Such as Boys Over Flowers (2009), School 2015: Who Are You (2015) and The Heirs (2013). But they can also have a more mature feel where they either portray older characters Lie To Me (2011) The Vinyard Man (2006), That Time We Were Not In Love (2015) but the romance is still kind of pure and innocent. Or you can have a very mature feel to the story, no matter how old the characters are. The "I Need Romance" series (2011, 2012, 2014) and Marriage Not Dating (2013).

Coffee Prince (2007) MUST-WATCH! Yes, the white-shirt-

dressed "guy" is a girl. Yes, it's awesome. Yoon Eun Hye

deserves more than the 100 awards she already won for her

awesome cross-dressing and tomboyish portrayal of the

character. Simply mindblowing.

Something that is quite popular in Kdramaland, or asian dramaland as a whole are the so called "noona-romances" which basically is a older woman - young man romance. If you want something cute and innocent check out A Witch's Romance (2014) or Oh Dal Ja's Spring (2007). If You want something more sexy and mature check out Secret Love Affair (2014). Romance comedies can also be mixed with action or melodramas. Dramas can also be a bit more "controversial" where they involve homosexuality (which is still a no-no in some countries) and or crossdressing or the still-taboo-In-South Korea topic of being a "divorcee or single mother". Coffee Prince (2007), Greatest Marriage (2015), Reply 1997 (2012) and The Lover (2015). 

Family dramas:
Family dramas are usually the more chill and cozy dramas that you can watch with your entire fsmily and probably relate to, especially if you're from an asian family. They tend to be kind of slow and not the plot is not as eventful as other dramas. They tend to focus on the conflicts that can accure within a family and usually deal with topics that can happen to almost anyone. Usually the story revolves around a big family where all three or four generations live under one roof and/or various families that are either neighbours or somehow connected and entangled to one another. Family dramas are usually long, around 50-100 episodes. Some family dramas I really enjoyed are: The King's Family (2013), Hooray For Love (2011) and Mom (2015-currently airing).


Phew, I think that's about it guys xD sorry that this post is so long ._. I hope you'll survive reading through all of it and that you found it useful xD
If you have any questions on the stuff written or about the dramas mentioned, leave as comment down below ^^
Well then, until next time ~

Source: Wikipedia, Korean travel guide book from 2012, other books.