Korean drama come in a variety of genres that are sure to delight fans. Each drama uses different genres to differentiate the storyline and these drama are among the most popular.
One of the reasons why Korean drama are becoming increasingly popular is because there are various genres that can captivate the audience. Therefore, they will not get bored watching every drama because there are many choices.
In general, Korean drama often fall into the genres of romance, fantasy, slice of life, thriller, and horror. However, there are actually several other genres that are frequently used in well-known Korean dramas.
What are the most popular genres? Let’s find out the answer in this article!
The Most Popular Korean Drama Genres
1. Romance
Korean drama series, with themes of romance and romanticism, are very popular and preferred over other genres. Their success may be due to the fact that Korean drama lovers are predominantly young people.
Basically, it’s not just about romantic relationships between two individuals. Many Korean dramas in the romantic genre also feature romantic stories in the context of family, friendship, or love between fellow human beings.
2. Thriller
The thriller genre is also a favorite choice for many Korean drama fans. The reason is that this genre invites curiosity and challenges. Moreover, the suspenseful scenes can increase adrenaline.
Although frightening, Korean dramas of this genre are actually quite popular. Many hope that this genre will continue to grow, as there are still only a limited number of such dramas available.
3. Comedy
Korean dramas always manage to deliver the best comedy dramas with stories that will make you laugh out loud. Heartwarming humor, funny characters, and exciting storylines are the hallmarks of this type of KDrama. Usually, KDrama comedy dramas are also combined with other genres, such as romance or fantasy.
4. Melodrama
The word melodrama comes from French and has Greek roots. In French, melodrama means musical drama or song drama. According to the KBBI (Big Indonesian Dictionary), the term melodrama refers to performances such as stage plays or films that are full of emotion.
In addition, this drama is also suspenseful and touching, prioritizing tension over reality. Melodrama is often used as a genre that emphasizes the feelings and sentiments of the audience.
5. Kingdom
Some of you may be bored with the royal theme. However, many people are interested in Korean dramas with this theme. The story is formal, but it still presents funny scenes, so it is not boring.
In addition, the costumes also attract attention due to their unique designs. Don’t forget the natural appearance of the cast, who showcase Korean-style beauty.
6. Horror
The horror genre has fewer options than other genres. This is a bit strange, considering that most Korean actors and actresses are attractive, so it’s hard to imagine them in scary roles.
However, there may be a need to cater to the tastes of audiences from various backgrounds. Therefore, Korean dramas in the horror genre are still available as an option.
7. Family
There are some people who are bored with family-themed Korean dramas. However, many people actually love them. This is because dramas of this genre can reflect everyday life more realistically.
These dramas explore themes such as family, work, finances, and relationships between characters. In addition, their moral messages and motivational themes can inspire viewers to live better lives. It is no surprise that Korean dramas of this genre are widely loved by audiences.
8. Romantic Comedy
According to some people, Korean dramas that focus solely on romantic stories are boring. Many of them prefer dramas that have a mix of funny scenes to make them more exciting.
Romantic comedy dramas have their own appeal. More precisely, the stories are not too serious and are quite entertaining. As a result, viewers feel amused and find it difficult to stop watching until the end of the episode.
In addition, most romantic comedy dramas from Korea also have lighter storylines. Therefore, they are suitable for filling your free time with entertainment that does not burden your mind.
9. Medical
In recent times, the medical genre has experienced a significant increase in popularity. This interest has arisen because many people are fascinated by the depiction of emergency situations and the quick and realistic medical responses to them.
With the growing interest in dramas, there are a number of titles in this genre that you must watch. Among them are Doctor John, released in 2019, Doctor Prisoner (2019), and two seasons of Hospital Playlist, which aired from 2020 to 2021.
10. Sageuk
KDrama sageuk is a type of historical drama set in a specific period in Korean history, such as the Joseon, Goryeo, or Silla dynasties. These dramas give viewers a clear picture of life and culture during those times.
The stories presented in sageuk dramas are carefully crafted with attention to detail and historical accuracy, so as not to cause controversy. Producing sageuk dramas requires a large budget to create traditional Korean settings and costumes called hanbok.
11. Makjang
Makjang is a type of drama that is not yet well known to most people. The Makjang genre literally means taking something too far or reaching the limit without regard for the circumstances.
This drama genre depicts plots full of mystery. The scenarios in makjang dramas often involve dramatic elements such as infidelity, revenge, murder, birth secrets, and things that are hard to believe in real life.
Well, those are the ten most popular genres of Korean drama. Which genre is your favorite?
