By ahjumama
First, don’t get the idea that I’m some kind of expert on this topic. My daughters first persuaded me to watch Korean dramas a few years ago, knowing that I love a good story (hey, I’m a literature teacher). I had been hearing about Korean dramas from students, too. I watched a little of one of the dramas from 2009 and was a bit unsure of what to think of the hairstyles and plotline. But then, one of my daughters talked my husband and me into watching Strong Girl Bong-Soon. I was hooked. And not just because my eyes had to stay glued to the television in order to catch all of the subtitles. Instead, it was the clean humor, fairly tame interactions, endearing characters, and high-level production quality that drew me in. (Plus, Park Bo-young was so cute in that show, right?) Since then, I’ve watched too many shows to count. I try to stay away from the really dark stuff, though. Squid Game is not my bag.
I think it was during our second or third series that I first noticed some recurring themes in the K-dramas I watched. So much so that it seemed that these themes or tropes helped define the genre. It became a game to see how many we could spot in each series we watched. No offense, K-drama enthusiasts, but a few of these are kind of silly. The list could be much longer, but after some agonizing, I have whittled it down to 12 recurring themes so this post won’t go on forever. I’m sure there are many more not mentioned here.
1. U-turn, preferably at night in the city
This one is my favorite. I look for it in every show I watch. Sometimes it happens more than once! Sometimes it doesn’t happen, but it seems rare… I wonder how many times people make U-turns in Korea in real life. It’s probably illegal at many intersections!
2. Karaoke
Someday I have to try singing away in front of other people at a bar. Just kidding. But it seems to be a way of bonding in K-dramas. It sure happens a lot!
3. Hospitalization due to exhaustion
The character always takes forever to wake up. Romantic lead or mom has to be waiting by the bedside. This happens to people all the time, right?
4. Rip out IV
This one is another personal favorite. It amazes me how the character isn’t dripping blood everywhere and just sweeps out of the room and out of the hospital.
5. A trip to the coast
This usually features a romantic interlude of some kind. I’m not dissing it, per se—I grew up on the coast. I like playing on the beach. I’m all for the romantic aspect, too. After all, my husband and I had our first date at the coast and he proposed to me there. But back to K-dramas. [SPOILERS] It was kind of amazing (as in, hard to believe) that they included one in The King’s Affection. But it was foreshadowed. You saw it coming, too, if you’ve seen that show.
6. Someone sitting alone at a bus stop
This scene is always shot from the street and I actually think it’s a great storytelling technique. Hey, it’s a great visual. Beautiful photography. Says so much. If it’s raining, you have pathetic fallacy, too. Some compelling scenes have happened at bus stops in K-dramas.
7. A character gets drunk on soju
This means someone has to carry them home piggyback. They never remember it, either. Why is it always at a sidewalk café?
8. Hangover soup after soju scene
This is a great tool for the writers. In the shows I’ve watched, it’s just one more way of developing a relationship. I mean, it’s homecooked, right? Or, personally ordered from a nearby restaurant?
9. Ahjummas
Sometimes found cleaning house using a Dyson. That and cooking side dishes and delivering them to their children—or “adopted” children. Oh, and offering free lectures on everything from how to get along with others to eating more sensibly. But also a shoulder to lean on. Important note: ahjummas sometimes play the silly, annoying character who acts as a foil for a sensible character. But they can also be the loyal supporter. I love those!
10. Eating tteokboki as comfort food
People eat that stuff like it’s num. In every show. You want to go out and get some, too, right? But it’s not penne pasta, folks. It’s rice cakes and fish and often a spicy sauce, and it’s like eating savory mochi. Talk about comfort food!
11. Rich guy buys the girl tons of clothes and possibly a makeover
Don’t I wish! Well, I’m happily married, but maybe a fairy godmother could come along… I’m just not into shopping, but if someone was helping me get it all done at once, I’d be game. And hey, when the rich guy is buying the clothes, the sky’s the limit!
12. It snows snowflakes or cherry blossoms
I mean, what better trope to signify romance? Don’t think cold or hay fever. It’s pretty! And start counting the camera shots. Like any good first kiss scene, there should be at least five or six camera angles. I think I counted eight camera angles one time!
Drama Queens 