Everyone loves to get hooked on a good show, and trust me, I have been there one too many times myself. But, don't the American shows just seem to repeat the same old tacky story lines anymore? However, if you're willing to look a little further, dig a little deeper, you'd be surprised how entertaining foreign dramas are, specifically Korean, or K-Dramas. I know that reading subtitles for about an hour at a time doesn't necessarily sound that appealing, I was once in your shoes. But trust me it's so worth it, and I'm here to tell you why.
10. Inspire Hope
Most of the story lines give you a warm, little fuzzy feeling inside. A lot of them are adorable with even more adorable characters that you find yourself rooting for. The characters tend to defy the odds placed upon them, and when you watch their tale unfold it's nearly impossible to not root for the underdog, and to find yourself wanting to do the same in your own life.
9. Unbelievably Diverse
Like I said before, American shows grow less and less original by the day. When trying to find a Korean Drama to watch, you never have to worry about that being the case! Compared to T.V. here in America, these shows are pretty unrealistic for the most part. That being said, Korean dramas are very interesting, and they keep you hooked! There is such a wide array of dramas to choose from, and individuality is not something they lack. A lot of the dramas are focused around love stories, but each is unique and addicting in it's own way that makes you stop and ask yourself why you waited so long to watch. I dare you to find 5 that are scarily similar, it won't be easy.
8. Emotional Roller Coasters
If you're like me, then you like to actually feel something when watching a show. With Korean dramas, that's never something you'll have to worry about missing out on! They have the power to evoke just about every emotion that you posses, and they do just that. They make you sob, they make you watch to punch the screen, they give you the same anxiety that you feel when you send a risky text to your crush, and so much more. But it's not as painful as it seems! They also make you immensely happy. When your "ship" finally share that lip lock you've been waiting for since episode one, it feels like the best moment of your day, if not life.
7. New Meaning to The Word Binge
We have all lied to ourselves when it's one a.m. and you say, "Just...one...more...episode!" We've all been there, and we've all had too many "one last episodes" that were more of a way to make ourselves feel better about the whole thing. The worst part is when you have eleven seasons to catch up on in a week before the new season premieres live. There goes your entire week! With Korean dramas, say good-bye to wasted time and a familiar hello to your social life! Korean dramas are extremely short in retrospect. Most only have one or two seasons, some with eight episodes, others somewhere in the twenties, and anywhere in between. They're super easy to blow through in a few days, and you still have time to squeeze in some socializing! Or hiding away in your dorm, either works.
6. Fuels Desire to Travel
Most people want to travel at some point in there lives. Some people have a set place they'd like to see first hand, others just know they want to get out there. Some people are still on the fence. When you watch these dramas, they most definitely evoke a lust for exploring. Personally, after watching as many of these as I have, I would absolutely love to travel to South Korea, whereas prior I had no desire to whatsoever. Watching Korean dramas can give you a taste of life there, and inspire to travel, if not to Korea, at least past your hometown.
5. Cultural Perspective
It doesn't take a genius to know that life in Korea is much different than here in America. A lot of people are ignorant of other cultures, and through Korean dramas you get a better insight on how things are. You see the gender roles play out, you see how the society runs and what the "norms" are. That being said, as most shows, these dramas don't give a 100 percent factual telling of life in Korea, they do give you a taste, which is, to me at least, very intriguing.
4. Clean
Nowadays, whenever you click on the T.V., you're more than likely to see some form of nudity, or something scarily close to it, and hear vulgar language paired with profanity. That may or may not be your thing, but either way, you won't find a lot of these in Korean dramas. For the most part, they're very clean, lacking nudity (and most things close to it) and typically avoid vulgar language. If anything, when translated it comes off very proper. I consider this a pro because it makes them enjoyable for all ages.
3. Killer Soundtracks
Even when you can't understand the lyrics to the songs, if there are any, they beats and melodies are enticing. They are powerful and often times help evoke the emotions by their ballads. And if you love a song in a certain episode? Never fear because they almost always use the same few songs throughout the entire season, giving you time to hear it over and over again.
2. Cute Story Lines
As I mentioned before, the story lines are often absolutely adorable. They can be very cheesy, but in a good way if you can imagine. They really make you feel for each and every character, and even if the acting is somewhat mediocre, the actual path the stories go and actions the characters take grip at you and leave you on the end of your seat.
1. Attractive Stars
This may not be the top thing on everyone's list, but you've gotta admit, it's a pretty big perk. The actors are all insanely appealing to the eye for the most part. They don't always look like they've come straight from the cover a magazine, rather often times as if they lived on your block. This is very refreshing, because it shows and promotes uniqueness and proves that you don't have to be a model to be attractive.
