Drama in another interpretation would be a reflect of human life. Although my favorite genres are rom-com, fantasy and sci-fi which are opposite to reality, I enjoyed watching them and learn from them. Before I started Korean dramas (Kdrama), I only watch some films broadcasted in TV or sometimes the premier in cinema. At the time, my first Kdrama I could remember is You're Beautiful (λ―Έλ¨μ΄ μλ€μ) on TV, where by Jang Keun Suk become my no.1 idol. (the first and only idol I could recognize at the time, I can even recognize him on outdoor ads)
So what makes me started binge watching Kdramas during secondary school? Well, in short, everyone is talking about idols at school. As you've guessed, yes I binge watched a number of classic Kdramas, for instance, Secret Garden (μν¬λ¦Ώ κ°λ ), Boys Over Flower (κ½λ³΄λ€ λ¨μ) and The Heirs (μκ΄μ μ°λ €λ μ) just to squeeze into some conversations at school. I would say, the result is fantastic: I got more friends. As I watched, I know the storyline, I know what Kdrama is and a few of the actors my classmates are fangirling of. I'm not the type to follow trends, hence I sticked to Jang Keun Suk being my idol while I get to know their idols, and get to know the latest dramas.
The classics in Kdrama never disappoints. I love the storyline (although cringe) and I flattered. Then I continued watching a few that caught my interest even until today. Not only Kdramas, Taiwan, Japan, China, Thai and Malaysia's as well, I'm omnivores (ζι£οΌ)π as long as they caught my attention. Reasons? Listed as below:
- Story: it's like reading a storybook in real life (where I only have to read the subtitles, I can hear the voice and see real human in action). Oh by the way, I dislike watching films in voice over, I always prefer the original tone by the actors. Although storyline in drama can be soap opera, or sometimes max level cringe and cheesy, it's entertaining and fun to watch. I would see drama as 20% real life + 30% luck + 50% coincidentπ, and of course depends on the genre and story.
- Characters: I get to see the characteristics and perspectives of each character in drama. How they interact with each other, what makes them do so and think so, what will lead to problems and how do they solve it. While watching drama, we are viewers, as "ζθ§θ ζΈ ε½ε±θ θΏ·" (The player sees less clearly than the bystander), drama usually show us all the characters did, from facing people, in private, in behind, and even monologue. I can see and learn a lot of behaviors and psychology which later enhance my understanding in daily life. "Since dramas are exaggerated, maybe the real life can sometimes be that extreme as well", I told myself. And this thought also makes me sometimes feel blessed where my life are smoother and calmer than those in the dramas. π
- Knowledge: Watching drama about airline industry expose some knowledge and behind the scene of the experience of the people working in the field. What kind of customers they faced, what kind of work routine they are in and etc. Same applies to any other fields. Although there might not be complete knowledge and might be exaggerated, I still got to know bits and pieces about them, sometimes learning about new terms and careers.
- Language: I perceived myself as being weak in English language, so watching subtitled Kdramas helps me to improve my vocabulary where I will pause to search the meaning of new words in dictionary. Eventually, I fell in love with Korean language where I now trying to self learn it while watching. Killing two birds with one stone! π
- Meaning: Quotes from the characters and the message in the dramas are also great takeaway. Some stories are written well to convey great message, motivate people, point out certain issues in real life, or even challenges a new perspective.
- Entertainment: The interactions between the characters are too cute! Some dramas are light-hearted and they just made my day.
It has been a wonderful learning journey watching all kinds of drama. Hopefully to see more informative and well-written drama in the future!
