Hooked on K-Dramas: What They Taught Me About Life

Kamsahamnida—that word has been stuck in my head lately. It means “thank you very much” in Korean. No prizes for guessing why—I've been on a Korean drama binge for the past three weeks. Yes, I am a late bloomer. And let me tell you, they are dangerously addictive. So much so that even my regular chores have taken a backseat!

What makes these dramas so captivating? When I think about it, I can draw a few parallels:

1. Korean culture, at least as portrayed in these dramas, reminds me a lot of Indian culture from the ‘80s. I say this specifically because, post-liberalization and the brain drain, we seem to have embraced Western influences more than our own traditions.
2. There’s a certain warmth in their visuals—nothing jarring or loud. Everything is so easy on the eye, creating a soothing effect.
3. The sound design is subtle. No unnecessary high-pitched screeches. Even when a scene demands it, it’s kept brief.
4. The storylines—some of them are so beautifully crafted. It’s heartwarming to see topics like autism, marital depression, mental health, euthanasia, and rare genetic disorders like CIPA handled with grace and dignity.
5. And the biggest one for me—the sheer respect the characters show each other, even towards antagonists. There’s an underlying sense of dignity in the way actors carry themselves on screen, regardless of their roles.

Contrast this with Indian TV serials, where family members seem to be on a never-ending cycle of plotting against each other. If people are constantly fed such negativity, what impact does it have on their subconscious minds? I strongly believe this has contributed to the growing discontent in many families today.

From the K-dramas I’ve watched (guess I’ve been lucky to pick the right ones), I’ve learned a few simple but powerful lessons—how to let go, how to forgive, how to walk away from negativity with grace, and how to use inner strength to uplift others. Maybe that’s what keeps me coming back. Perhaps, in a world where goodness feels harder to find, these dramas offer a comforting glimpse of it.

It’s not that we lack good Samaritans in our society. But why doesn’t our mass media highlight them? Why does every “hit” show revolve around family revenge? Where are the stories of forgiveness, acceptance, and resilience?

As a teacher, I see firsthand how children mirror the negativity around them. It’s worrying when a child refuses to participate in a march past just because she can’t stand first in line. It’s even more alarming when a boy gives a fatal push to his friend off a bus seat in a moment of rage!

When I ask children to list good qualities, most struggle to go beyond “being kind” and “helping others.” Even then, their idea of kindness is limited to giving alms to beggars or offering water to a sick person. How can we expect children to grow up with strong values if they aren’t exposed to real-life examples of empathy, cooperation, and moral reasoning?

Moral science textbooks remain just that—textbooks. PE periods, which could teach teamwork and cooperation, are sacrificed for extra science lessons. Parents are hyper-focused on making their kids competitive and “leaders,” but qualities like compassion and humility are dismissed as weaknesses.

My husband once mentioned a study that suggested Korean employees are overly submissive. I don’t know about that. But from what I’ve seen in these dramas, submission isn’t the message. If anything, they showcase resilience, integrity, and quiet strength—qualities we could do well to reinforce in our own children.

Maybe it’s time we take a leaf out of their book—or should I say, their script?

Well, until my next tirade... Annyeong (bye)! 

“Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking.” – J.C. Watts.

•