HW 5: Draft of Chapter 2

Chapter 2

DISCUSSION

Aspects of Korean dramas do Filipinos like?

Definition and Popularity of Korean dramas

The Definition of Korean dramas, refers to televised dramas, in a miniseries format, produced in South Korea. Many of these dramas have become popular throughout Asia, with a growing choice in other parts of the world. K-dramas have contributed to the general mystery of the drama fever. Korean dramas run from 16 to over 100 episodes. Most series have episodes an hour long. One of the shorter 16 episode k-dramas might run 960 minutes. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_drama)

      Zarzuela or Sarswela called in the Philippines is a Spanish lyric-dramatic genre that alternates between singing and speaking scenes, the final incorporating dances. It is a genre and integral part of Filipino music, it was adapted by the ancestors and suits to the Filipino taste. Zarzuela can make a good music to the Filipino.

       The first Korean drama aired in the Philippines was Endless Love I: Autumn in my Heart since 2003. It was the first connection with the four  part Endless Love drama series. Korean dramas have been an inestimable part of Philippine TV shows, providing the sponsor channels with good ratings. There are about 130 Korean dramas dubbed in Filipino and aired on leading local channels. Koreanovelas, which Filipinos usually named Korean TV drama series, it has been attached to the Philippine society for the past seven years. Today, there is no time you cannot watch a Korean drama in the Philippine television. The success of this drama inspired the local network to secure more Korean dramas.

According to some lovers of K-drama, there are some elements of a Korean drama. The arrogant male lead who secretly hides a sensitive and romantic nature (usually due to something that happened in the past, or a family issue), The best friend who falls in love with the male/female lead but is destined to be nothing more than a best friend, and yet ends up being happy for their friend anyway, The old lover who comes back and tries to ruin everything but fails, Someone gets amnesia, The realistic ending where everyone is happy. (http://www.notboredny.com/2011/12/elements-of-korean-drama.html)

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 viewers became more investigative about Korean culture, and we are now officially hit by the “drama fever.” As for the growing addiction of many Filipino viewers to Korean drama, one of the reason is maybe because the story itself is  not too long.

And one thing is for sure that Filipino viewers don’t like about local dramas is that they always introduce too many characters and come to the point that you wouldn’t even keep in mind who were the original cast. That made us fall in love with Korean dramas.

Another reason why Filipinos are so attracted to Korean dramas 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.

Factors influencing of Korean dramas to Filipino

     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 viewers.

     B.   Personal Experiences

Many people, or should I say many 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 food.

     C.   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.