I.
Introduction
Korean drama refers to TV series, it was produced in the Korean language for Korean audiences and it
is also available with English subtitles for other viewers. Many of these dramas become popular
throughout Asia, especially in the Philippines and have contributed to the general uniqueness of the
Korean wave. Most Korean drama series has also become popular throughout East Asian countries
such as Japan, China, and Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand.
Korean dramas are full of entertainment, with dramatic plots, adorable and handsome male actors,
both main and supporting, and have always a pretty leading lady. It typically involve conflicts such as
marital relationships, relationships between in-laws, and sometimes, a complicated love triangle,
there is also a lot of comedy and fantasy. Korean drama has become very popular all over the world
because of its soap operas. Korean writers have been exercising their creative muscles on writing and
a lot of people noticed it. The guys behind the production are also doing their homework. The result
is that a best production that really seen by many people and add Korean flavor to it, which
surprisingly attached to the viewers around the world.
Korean wave is a phenomenon which refers to a worldwide popularity boom in Korean culture
exports. Korean wave stands for Korean dramas and movies, combined with a mixture of k-pop music
and dance, clothing, foods, customs, sightseeing, cosmetics, and Korean language. Without a doubt,
Korean wave has formed an immense fashionable power in the world.
The youths are the one who are most influenced by the Korean Wave and one of those are the
Filipino youth. The new generation today is different and they are easily captured to the things
around them. These youths are exposed to the different kinds and genres of music, television dramas
and also in their taste of fashion. Everywhere like in schools, malls, stores, while riding a jeepney and
even to recreational places such as parks and also to tourist places, the effects of Korean wave in the
Filipino especially to the Filipino youth can definitely see.
The objectives of this study are to find out the reasons why the youth are addicted to Korean dramas,
to know the advantages and disadvantages of watching Korean dramas, to study how Korean dramas
influence the youth and to study the effects of watching Korean dramas in one's lifestyle.
The youth especially, the students would benefit from this study because they would be able to know
their limitations and the right thing to do. This paper would also help the fans of Korean dramas to
know more about their interest and likes. They could be motivated to demonstrate their involvement
in this area of interests through certain behaviors. And also this study can help the future researchers
to do the same studies. It also helps to make the study easier.
The rising popularity of Korean Culture throughout the world is called Korean Wave. The Korean
popular culture which spread mainly through the mass media is now enjoying high popularity outside
Korea and this is how the Korean Wave occurs (Yu,2008). The phenomenal Korean sensation is
describe from another term called Hallyu, this is a Korean pronunciation of Korean Wave which is
defined by Korean Tourism Organization (2004) as the recent cultural phenomenon of South Korean
pop culture sweeping throughout the world (Kim & Ryoo, 2007). Korean Wave (Hallyu) mainly
consists of television dramas, film, pop music, movie stars animation and comics including mobile
content like cell phones and iPods, video or computer games, as well as the latest fashion, food,
home appliances and cosmetics, assertively expanding to things like dance, sculpture, painting,
cuisine, plastic surgery, tourism and language (http://jakartapost.com)
"Filipinos love drama and stories that we can relate to. Most of the time, the Korean dramas are quite
escapist and moving. Aside from the touching plotlines, the production is really a visual experience of
places that most of us are not accustomed to seeing," Albacan said. (http://koreatimes.co.kr)
Korean dramas have an interesting story and fun to watch. Korean drama also preferred for teenagers
and youths. The teenagers love Korean Drama because they can watch their favorite actors or
actresses. Korean drama is the best popular drama in Asia.
(https://11socialkoreandrama.wordpress.com)
II. Korean Dramas
A. Reasons Why Youth are Addicted to Korean Dramas
Here are the reasons why youth are addicted to Korean dramas:
1. The soundtrack that lingers long after the drama has ended.
When the soundtrack plays, the viewers can't help but relive their favorite drama moments. It might
have been years since the drama first played on the screen. However, it makes no difference because
the moment the soundtrack comes on, they are transported back to that time and place.
2.Those Romeo-Juliet tortured love lines.
The drama characters don't know it yet, but by the end of the first episode, the viewers know they're
meant for each other despite everything that stands in their way. The viewers can't help but root for
them and see them through their aches and pain.
3. Those infuriating cliffhangers that leave the viewers wanting more.
Just when the viewers thought their life would be complete with that new episode, the drama has to
leave them with the worst cliffhanger in all of drama history.
4. The oh-so-stylish and at times over-the-top fashion that the viewers secretly try to incorporate in
their own style!
With the exception of sageuks, every drama seems to involve at least one character whose closet the
viewers wish to have.
5. Learning has never been so fun.
Never has learning about a nation's history, language and culture been as absorbing and effective as
when the viewers watch a Korean drama.
6. The scenes in Korean dramas that leave the viewers laughing out loud and make a bad day so
much better.
The viewers have seen some pretty weird situations but they never fail to make them laugh, even
when they involve evading serial killers and all the other baddies.
As the Filipino youth watch, some begins to really appreciate Korean culture, think it is fun to learn
some Korean, and enjoy the social aspect of sharing this fun online with others and in-person with
friends and family.
People get into kdramas in large part due to the way they are portrayed. Regardless of whether the
drama is action, suspense, cutesy and light or melodramatic, the focus is on the building of the
relationships and understanding how and why the characters behave the way they do. Emotion and
thoughts are verbally expressed to give the viewers lots of insight. It makes them feel included when
watching.
B. Advantages and Disadvantages of Watching Korean Dramas
Advantages of watching Korean dramas
1. Desire to learn Korean language.
The major benefit that the viewers can get while watching Korean dramas is learning a few Korean
words and phrases. They can easily eavesdrop on the Koreans having conversations in their language
and instantly know how they relate to each other. They can even try to broaden their knowledge in
Korean language if they want and practice it by watching dramas without subtitles in case, if they
ever want to visit Korea.
2. People can have some knowledge about the Korean culture.
The viewers will learn a little about their cultures, traditions, behaviors, trends, how the men treat
the women and visa versa. Getting to learn their way of life, how Koreans behave in certain situations
and the way they do their work, school work, etc. By watching those dramas, they will most likely
learn to be aware of jealous haters, secret enemies, con artists, abusive, mean, dishonest, greedy,
two-faced, backstabbers, gold-diggers, home-wreckers, loan sharks, and bullies.
3. For some people, the benefit of watching Korean drama is that they are inspired to become an
actor or actress that's why they are motivated to work hard.
Disadvantages of watching Korean dramas
1. The youth are having difficulties to focus on their studies
When there are dramas waiting, it’s difficult to focus on study. When news about their favorite actor
signing on a new drama erupts while they're studying, they can’t help but read all related articles
about it even though there are many tasks to be done. And when the drama is getting so good, they
just want everything to wait and they want to finish it already. But it’s not that easy that’s why they
stay up all night so now, they don't have enough time to study which can lead to get a lower grades.
2. They don't have enough sleep.
It doesn’t matter how early or late they start. Once they start watching an episode, one episode
leads to ten or more and before they know it the sun has risen. The dark circles under their eyes start
to become bigger and they even forgot to eat just to finish the drama which can cause them to have a
sick.
3. They're more addicted to Korean culture than their own culture
Now, many Filipinos forget about their culture especially, the teenagers because nowadays, they wear
Korean’s fashion and even Korean cosmetics. And it makes them spend more money easier.
4. They have no time for other things.
Basically, the biggest and most horrible side effect of being a Korean drama lover. There are the old
dramas that they want to watch and there’s always a new batch of Korean dramas debuting every
month. Watching a completed drama in one go takes a whole weekend, unless they won’t sleep of
course. Live watching can be pretty time-consuming as well, which some people do.
C. Factors Influencing Korean Dramas to Flilipino Youth
a. Philippine Entertainment
Entertainment in the Philippines has greatly gained advantage by the television and cinemas. It can
be noticed that every day, there are so many people attached to their TV just to get their daily
happiness of entertainment. In effect, it is clear that the everyday lives of all Filipinos are influenced
by TV shows and TV personalities.
Aside from that, some Filipinos entertain themselves by watching films produced both locally and
Korean. Philippine TV aired Korean dramas many times, directors and producers in the Philippines do
their best in order to have a unique and touching film concept that will capture the hearts of many
Filipinos. That's why producers come up to the idea of having a Filipino version of Korean dramas.
Korean dramas really influenced the Philippine TV to make their series popular with the viewers.
b. Culture
Most Filipinos are really attached to Korean culture. Future projects are aimed to generate a deeper
attraction among the Filipinos regarding the unknown aspects of Korean culture such as art and
literature, among others.
From accessories, dramas, food and clothes, everything about Korean stuff can be found almost
everywhere in the Philippines these days. It could be in the malls, online shops, and bazaars are now
stocking up for the demand of this culture infusion. Most Filipinos super admire their fashion and
watch Korean dramas like crazy.
c. Personal Experiences
Filipino viewers have been attracted and addicted to Korean dramas after finishing watching a
Korean drama. Korean drama made everyone to get hooked into it and this made Filipino viewers to
have a personal meaning about Koreanovelas.
Koreanovelas changes the life of other Filipinos and other viewers around the world, it has become
part of the people’s everyday life. From the Korean stuff and food delicacies, with a tongue being
used for mixing Korean with native language, fingers spontaneous typing Korean websites and a
stomach craving for Korean foods.
III. Conclusion
Korean Drama or K-Drama can give the viewers many impact in their lives, positive impact and
negative impact can be persuated to do bad things or good things. Korean dramas can influence and
change one's lifestyle, but one thing they must know, everything in their lives are not the same as
Korean drama’s story. The viewers must be smarter to choose what they watch and they must also
know their limitations for their own sake.
The aspects of Korean drama that Filipino like are its uniqueness because its story were not
repeatedly happening per drama, conservatism, romance and twitches scene, the plot of the story,
and the characters. Filipinos watch Korean dramas because it suits their taste. Korean dramas are
more realistic than local dramas and Filipinos can relate most in Korean dramas.
It did not take long for Korean dramas to become hits in the Philippines. Filipinos fell in love with
Korean dramas, and that is why Filipino youth became more investigative about Korean culture, and
they are now officially hit by the drama fever. As for the growing addiction of many Filipino youth to
Korean drama, other reason is because the story is wisely manipulated thus keeping the viewers
asking for more. But one thing is for sure, Korea has definitely achieved a space not just in the world
of fashion and television, but also in the hearts of many Filipinos.
Outline
I. Introduction
II. Korean Dramas
A. Reasons Why Youth are Addicted to Korean Dramas
B. Advantages and Disadvantages of Watching Korean Dramas
C. Factors Influencing Korean Dramas to Filipino Youth
III. Conclusion
Dedication
The researcher would like to dedicate this study to Almighty God, to her beloved families and friends,
and to the teacher of this subject.
The researcher would also like to dedicate this project to the future researchers to serve as one of
their sources.
Acknowledgement
To finish a research paper successfully is really an achievement. It is a pleasure to the researcher.
However, behind this project are people who stayed before, during, and even after conducting this
research paper. Extension of gratitude is a must for these individuals who contributed a lot for the
success of this project.
The researcher would like to express her deep appreciation and gratefulness particularly to the
following:
Mrs. Khristmas Torres, the English teacher;
Ms. Judith Marasigan, the student teacher in English;
To her family and friends, who shared their support whole-heartedly;
Above all, to Almighty God, for His unstoppable love and guidance as the researcher doing this study.
Definition of Terms
Cliffhanger. A situation or contest of which the outcome is suspensefully uncertain up to
the very last moment. It is also a melodramatic adventure serial in which each installment
ends insuspense in order to interest the reader or viewer in the next installment.
(http://www.dictionary.com/browse/cliffhanger)
Con artist. A person who cheats or tricks others by persuading them to believe something that is not
true. (https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/con_artist)
Drama fever. A disease where viewers are addicted to watch dramas and when they can't think of
doing anything else but watch dramas. (http://findwords.info/term/dramafever)
Entertainment. An action, event or activity that aims to entertain, amuse and interest an audience.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainment)
Korean drama. It refers to televised dramas in the Korean language, made in South Korea, mostly in
a miniseries format, with distinctive features that set them apart from television series and soap
operas made elsewhere. It is also known as K-drama.
(https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_drama)
Korean wave. It refers to the phenomenon of Korean entertainment and popular culture rolling over
the world with pop music, TV dramas, and movies. Also known as "Hallyu" in Korean.
(http://www.korea.net/Government/Current-Affairs/Korean-Wave?affairId=471)
Sageuk. refers to any Korean TV or film drama based on either historical figures, incorporate historical
events, or use a historical backdrop. The term is typically reserved for dramas taking place during
Korean history. (http://koreanhistoricaldramas.com)
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