The Healing Power of K-Dramas

It’s refreshing to see something that you hope will occur in your life, too. It makes you happy to find that your expectations are valid. That’s exactly what K-dramas do. Call them melodramatic and trope-filled, but isn’t that what we need in times of suffering and despair –or perhaps at any point? Regardless of how many times we have heard the tale, the classic Cinderella story will always leave an effect. Whether you agree or disagree, stories about enemies becoming lovers, friends becoming partners, forced marriages blossoming into real love, a chaebol heir falling for the average female (usually one of his employees) or the cliché that opposites attract will forever be appealing. And by offering us the emotions we may wish to experience in life, K-dramas frequently help us heal.

Would you disagree if I say that the character of Go Eun-chan in the oh-so-melodramatic (as many call it) Coffee Prince boosted your self-esteem in terms of your physical appearance? In challenging social norms and notions of same-sex partnerships, femininity and masculinity, wasn’t the narrative ahead of its time, making it a more relevant show for all, even today? Didn’t you like Gong Yoo’s portrayal of the guy who loved Eun-chan despite all her character flaws? He did give you a special feeling, right? Wouldn’t you fervently hope to meet a man like him who would cherish you unconditionally? You undoubtedly would. So, a K-drama like Coffee Prince with its characters helped us heal in that way.

Think of the conceited Gu Jun-pyo from Boys Over Flowers. He begins to loathe Geum Jan-di, a commoner, while yet being strangely attracted to her. Or, consider the haughty Baek Seung-jo of Playful Kiss, who consistently disparages and looks down on Oh Ha-ni. Despite their theatrical features or predictabilities, these are classics we like revisiting. When two characters who are completely at odds with one another fall in love in these dramas and others like them, they leave a positive effect on us, and we enjoy watching such stories just like we clearly love the idea of wealthy CEO Kang Tae-moo from Business Proposal who pursues and sticks by his employee, Shin Ha-ri, to the very end. We persistently enjoy the nuances of relationships that Korean dramas often depict, thus giving us a utopic realm of joy that heals.

In contract marriage-themed K-dramas like Full House, Princess Hours, Fated to Love You, Marriage Contract and Because This Is My First Life, there is a ton of traditional examples of cathartic components. Why? Because the way the events are shown is so realistic, and here I’ll reiterate: when you can relate to what you see and find it entertaining, you’re into something that (even though you might not realize it) is reassuring to you. Conditions of love-hate relationships in coerced unions gradually growing into a passionate romance can help us regain trust in others and love, thereby repairing our trust issues as well as improving our mental health thanks to K-dramas’ healing properties.

“You can never get out once you’re trapped in the past because you can’t even see the door,” Moon Sang-tae explained in a scene from It’s Okay to Not Be Okay. “So don’t forget any of it… Remember it all and overcome it.” It is quite gratifying to encounter such thoughts; words from another individual who can inspire. Such characters can be found in K-dramas. For instance, the worldwide runaway hit Extraordinary Attorney Woo depicts a person who is autistic, yet an exceptional attorney. She overcomes her fears in both life and the courtroom with confidence. The fundamental notion is that a person like attorney Woo can inspire courage to be extraordinary even though society perceives her in a specific way. They are healers, people like her.

Let’s think of more cases of crises in K-dramas. We saw a schoolgirl toiling with hardships in life and a magician with a tragic past in Annarasumanara. When the two cross paths they tend to each other’s wounds. It is a moving and inspiring story about growing up and being the one you want to be; a beautiful message about seeking happiness through faith in one’s dreams. So, that is what a K-drama can teach. Consider another drama, like the incredibly healing Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha. When Mr. Hong was accused of ruining a common man’s life everything went haywire. It was terrible for him that this episode became publicly known, and it was clear that he needed some time to gather himself and cry it out. He was so upset that he had previously thought about hurting himself. Being able to relate to all of the experiences because we are watching them on a screen helps us realize how important it is to connect and share. In essence, you learn from a K-drama and change your life, which is another healing process.

The commonality of characters and their circumstances in K-dramas often strike a chord. In Healer, the protagonists deal with their struggles for a better tomorrow while also dealing with their past traumas of abandonment. You are intrigued till the end because you can relate to what is happening. Correspondingly, K-dramas such as My Id Gangnam Beauty and True Beauty, which essentially convey that beauty is skin-deep and true beauty is rooted in embracing who you truly are, are equally relatable. As much as you like the theme, you also like the idea of the hottest guy in town rooting for the not-so-hot girl in these stories. These narratives have cathartic and uplifting qualities. Similar to a spate of K-dramas such as the classic Descendants of The Sun or a more recent smash like The Red Sleeve, they serve as good examples of leadership, fortitude, perseverance, crisis management and self-expression.

In light of their significant inspirations, K-dramas such as My Love from the Star and Legend of the Blue Sea are cathartic, evocative, and even thought-provoking. If you value the power of imagination, these Korean fantasy dramas may be the best way to revitalize your mind and soul. Because of the story’s imaginative premise and great storytelling, the possibilities that you and I only dream about might suddenly become real. The anticipation of the unfathomable is what brings the deepest joy. Fantasy provides a mental escape, a coping mechanism, and may even serve as a retreat from the pressures of reality, despite being extremely unlikely to be true. The components of healing are present there.

In a nutshell, the takeaway from this post is that every K-drama, regardless of genre, contains restorative characteristics. Whether they are melodramatic, unrealistic, cringe-worthy, cheesy, quintessential, innovative or graphic, the one thing that unites them is how each can teach and help you learn and grow. There are stories of unconditional love and friendship, bravery and valor, struggles and victories, fears and anxieties, loneliness and depression, relationship dynamics, and so much more. These dramas emotionally engage you as you watch them. You identify with the characters, feel for them, and your own growth is bolstered by theirs. K-dramas in fact do this, and in doing so, they help you heal.