Korean drama (Korean: 한국드라마) refers to televised dramas, similar to Western miniseries, produced in the Korean language for Korean audiences. Many of these dramas have become popular throughout Asia and have contributed to the general phenomenon of the Korean wave. Most popular Korean dramas have also become popular in Japan and in China. Four of the most internationally popular Korean dramas are Autumn in my Heart, Winter Sonata, Full House and Stairway to Heaven. Recently some Korean Dramas have become quite popular in Latin American countries such as El Salvador, Mexico and Chile.

These shows typically involve conflicts such as marital relationships, money bargaining, relationships between in-laws (usually between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law), and often, complicated love triangles.

Korean dramas have recently become popular in the United States, particularly among Asian Americans and older viewers, as many of them see these dramas as an alternative to the violent and racy content of American soap operas. Korean drama fan clubs have appeared in Hawaii and California. Cable channels in the U.S. (such as AZN) feature several korean dramas during primetime. The dramas are not dubbed, but subtitled in English. Aside from dramas, AZN even has a program called "Drama City" which reviews some of the latest dramas, interviews directors and producers, and recommends which Korean movies to watch.

Korean television (comic programs, dramas, news, and other genres) shares some similarity with Japanese television as opposed to American (Western) television. Some popular Korean dramas such as Dae Jang Geum ("The Jewel in the Palace") have also showcased traditional Korean ways of life, and often depict Confucian values.

Korean stars have now become familiar faces throughout Asia - for example Choi Ji Woo, Kwon Sang-woo, Song Seung Hun (Song Seung Heon), Bae Yong Joon,Song Hye Gyo and Lee Young Ae.

The format was parodied in MADtv with Bobby Lee and Korean American guest-stars Sung Kang and Cathy Shim. Korean drama cliches also appear in a comedic way, including the camera set-up style, constant replayed clips, melodramatic music, and the tragic love triangle. These skits were supposedly filmed by Korean drama directors.

See also

• Contemporary culture of South Korea
• Dorama
• Fantaserye
• Japanese television drama
• Korean wave
• List of Korea-related topics
• List of Korean television shows
• Taiwanese drama
• TV series (China)
• Philippine drama

External links

• spcnet.tv - Asian drama reviews
• Korean and Pan-asian drama info and reviews
• Large English Speaking Forum devoted to Korean Dramas
• koreandrama.org - Updated Korean Drama
• HanCinema.net - The Korean Movie & Drama Database, news, stars, pictures
• RuKorea.com - The Korean Drama, Movie, Actor and Actress

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