9:14 AM
Spellbinding TV fare
Inquirer
Last updated 03:12pm (Mla time) 11/16/2006 THE HYPE over Korean dramas, which began airing alongside Chinovelas three years ago, is as strong as ever. Pinoy viewers can’t seem to get enough of such shows as "Jewel in the Palace," "Lovers in Paris" and "Endless Love." Just what is it about Korean drama that has Filipino audiences completely spellbound? Short and sweet One thing that characterizes a Korean drama is its relatively shorter length compared to its Filipino, American or Latin counterparts. While Pinoy teleseryes and American soaps usually have hundreds of episodes spanning years, sometimes even decades, Korean dramas usually follow a 16- to 20-hour-long episode format. Moreover, fewer characters are introduced, giving us a less complicated plot and a more realistic story line. "I think Pinoy audiences are fed up with soap operas that last for years. They want something they can invest in and at the same time would have a beginning and an ending. Korean dramas fit the bill since they are short enough for viewers to watch the entire run. And since they feature only a few main characters, the audience is able to become involved with them despite their shorter length," says Bambi Tan, a law student and an avid Koreanovela follower. The whole package Aside from its length, there is the plot itself. While some Korean dramas have one-of-a-kind plots, others have plot lines that border on cliché. These dramas feature Cinderella story lines or include plot devices that involve one or more leads contracting a terminal disease, losing his or her memory, or getting into an automobile accident. However, Pinoy drama fans do not seem to mind them, so long as these plot lines are backed up by solid acting, crisp dialogue, timeless music, and a good-looking cast. Breathtaking locations are a bonus. Korean producers have long recognized that good production values go a long way in terms of ratings, and they do not mind splurging on handsome-looking productions. The 2002 drama "Winter Sonata," for example. While the show featured a lot of plot devices (which included one of the leads developing amnesia, getting into a car accident, contracting a deadly disease and becoming disabled), it was nevertheless considered a classic not only by Filipino audiences but also by viewers across Asia. Its secret? It showcased sizzling onscreen chemistry between its lead actors, Bae Yong Jun and Choi Ji Woo, heartwarming melodies by renowned Korean composers such as New Age songster Yiruma, thought-provoking dialogue and, best of all, a timeless story of first love set against gorgeous Korean winter backdrops. The sites where "Winter Sonata" was filmed, such as Namiseom Island and the Chuncheon area, have become popular tourist spots. Enterprising travel agencies have organized tour packages showcasing these TV locations. Filipino values Another reason we Pinoys have taken a liking to Korean dramas is the values found in the shows reflect our own. "For instance, in romantic dramas, an entire series may contain only one or two kissing scenes and not much holding hands. Compared to Latin and American soaps that feature a lot of bed scenes, Pinoys find it easier to relate with Korean dramas," says Tan. Then she adds, "And besides, the rare hugs and kisses shared by couples in Korean dramas become much more meaningful and kilig." Family also plays an important role in Korean dramas, and characters always take into consideration their family members when making important decisions. Many Pinoys find that trait very familiar. Korean wave The Korean drama hype is not an exclusively Filipino phenomenon. In fact, by the time local networks began broadcasting Korean soaps in 2003, following the success of another East Asian drama, "Meteor Garden," many Southeast and East Asian countries, such as Taiwan, Singapore and Thailand, had already done the same two or three years earlier. Hawaii also began showing Korean dramas as early as 1989 through its KBFD network. Korean dramas have reached across the globe to countries such as Egypt and Mexico, and many predict their popularity will reach more places outside Asia in the years to come. The popularity of Korean dramas have also sparked worldwide interest in all things Korean, such as food, films and music. Many call this the Korean or "Hallyu" wave. In countries such as Vietnam and Singapore, it has become a trend for K-drama fans who wish to understand their favorite shows in the original language to take up Hanggul or Korean language lessons. Kimchi, kimbap, soju and other Korean food fare have never been more popular in Japan as they are now. Meanwhile, K-pop or Korean pop music is booming as well. In fact singer/actor Jung Ji-Hoon, better known as Rain, star of the popular 2004 miniseries "Full House" and one of the names usually associated with K-pop, sold out New York’s Madison Square Garden twice in his concert there last February. He is expected to hold a world tour next year. Movies that feature Korean drama idols are being exported at a hefty price tag because they are expected to rake in huge box-office returns. The 2005 movie "April Snow" starring actor Bae Yong Jun (whose star factor among Japanese middle-aged women rivaled that of the F4 during the "Meteor Garden hype" in the country), shown in various Asian countries including the Philippines, reportedly earned Y2.72 billion in Japan alone. Until when will the spell cast by Korean dramas last? Naysayers give it a couple more years. Tan disagrees. "Pinoys know a good storyteller when they come across one. As long as Korean dramas have beautiful stories to tell, they will always have an audience among Filipinos."
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