• Pop Culture

K-Drama Craze: 5 Stages of Watching Korean Dramas

Jan 02, 2023 by Gracey Maala

3 min read

AB_K-Drama Craze_ 5 Stages of Watching Korean Dramas

It's without a doubt that Korean dramas have become more popular as more viewers join the now-global Korean wave. There are only two types of people in this world: one who adores K-Dramas and regularly binge-watches them, and the other who has never heard of (or has heard of but never watched) a single episode. The fact that you have clicked on this article means you are a fan of K-Dramas or are curious about the stages you might soon be in.

Here are the relatable phases of getting hooked on K-Dramas!

As many of us get caught up in the K-Drama craze, there goes the catchphrase "Kinain na ng K-Drama," as if there is no way out! Thankfully, with streaming services like Viu, looking for a K-Drama to watch has been more accessible than ever– satisfying our guilty pleasure.

 

1. Discovery stage

Searching Looking For GIF By Kochstrasse 

From Kochstrasse Official GIPHY

You begin by searching for a drama to watch. Perhaps it’s the genre you like, a popular title, or the one where a familiar actor stars. You may also get recommendations from a friend who’s seen a lot of drama series. They may even give you their list of the top 10, which you can use as a guide for choosing what to watch first.

Once you get going, it’s usually the first episode that will make or break the beginning of your K-journey. It’s up to you whether you’ll judge it at Episode 1 or you’ll give it a chance. 

 

2. Swooning stage

Want You Love GIF By NICOLE DADDONA  

From NICOLE DADDONA Official GIPHY

Now you can’t stop watching! You are already at the “swooning” stage when you have fallen in love with the drama and everything about it. You got totally hooked, and the drama indeed touches your heartstrings. You also always look forward to the next episode and are curious about what will happen next. You stay up for nights desperately consuming episode after episode.

 

3. In-denial stage

 Illustration No GIF By GIPHY Studios Originals

From GIPHY Studios Originals

The drama is now part of your system. You are now getting affected by whatever's happening, and it's hard to accept that it's nearly over! It isn't easy to choose whether you'll keep watching up to the end or hold it for a moment so that you can grasp everything. You can't believe the show is ending, and you badly want another season.

 

4. Post-drama syndrome stage

Sad Girl GIF By Oksana Kurmaz Art & Animation 

From Oksana Kurmaz Art & Animation Official GIPHY

Congratulations! You have already finished a usually 16-episode-long drama. However, a good drama leaves you empty without the urge to watch another one because you are still invested in the one you just finished. You know that it’s just hard to let go. So, while the characters got their happy ending, there you are, back in reality. Sepanx is real!

What now? Do you need a “rebound” drama to move on? Perhaps you also notice the constant feeling that nothing else can replace the series while looking for a new, binge-worthy one. So there you are- stuck, listening to the drama’s OST.

 

5. Acceptance stage

Mental Health Love GIF 

From Doodlernie Official GIPHY

It would take time to move on; you don’t have to rush it! It might take you days, weeks, months, or years, but you’ll get there. We know it’s hard, but eventually, you’ll reach the acceptance stage. The time will come that you’ll start looking for another drama– another oppa, another noona. And you know that the cycle goes on. You’re off to a brand new start!

With a wide selection of drama series on Viu Premium with PLDT Home, it’s impossible that you won’t find a new gem. 
 

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