My love affair with Korean dramas began long before they became a global sensation. It was the early 2000s, and the idea of binge-watching a series on a streaming platform was unheard of.
As a student, I intentionally allotted a portion of my allowance to buy DVDs of the latest K-dramas. My obsession was so intense that I would even purchase them online, knowing that they offered a unique blend of storytelling, culture, and emotions that Western shows rarely captured.
However, as life moved on—graduating from university, entering the workforce, and juggling adulting responsibilities—my once-passionate relationship with K-dramas took a backseat. I often found myself thinking that the time spent watching these shows could be better utilized in acquiring new skills (like taking online courses or engaging in real hobbies) or pursuing more “productive” activities.
Then came the Hallyu or Korean wave—a phenomenon that swept across the world, turning K-drama into a global craze. As the series began flooding streaming platforms and gaining unprecedented popularity, the pandemic hit, and suddenly, everyone around me was talking about Crash Landing on You on Netflix.
What once felt like a guilty pleasure became a shared cultural experience, uniting millions under the banner of Korean drama. In fact, I am typing this while eagerly waiting for the next episode of the latest Korean drama series Love Next Door.
Despite the growing popularity, I occasionally found myself questioning whether spending 16 to 20-plus hours engrossed in a series was truly worth it. But recently, I’ve come to realize that watching K-drama is far more than just a passive indulgence. It’s a cultural experience, a therapeutic escape, and, in many ways, a form of mental self-care. It’s like traveling to a different world from the comfort of your couch or bed —a world filled with useful life lessons, rich traditions, and deeply relatable characters.
What are the benefits of watching K-drama? Here are five ones I observed that can contribute to our mental health:
Emotional catharsis and healing
K-dramas have a unique way of tapping into our emotions. They often explore complex themes such as mental health, grief, and self-acceptance, providing a safe space for viewers to confront their own feelings. Take It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, for instance. The series beautifully addresses the stigma around mental illness, showcasing the importance of empathy, healing, and self-love.
Through its characters’ journeys, viewers are encouraged to embrace their imperfections and seek help when needed. This emotional catharsis can be incredibly healing, allowing us to process our own experiences in a meaningful way.
Cultural education and appreciation
Watching K-dramas is like embarking on a cultural journey without leaving your home. These shows offer a window into Korean customs, traditions, and societal values, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of a different culture.
Reply 1988 is a perfect example of this. Set in the late 1980s, the series captures the essence of life in a Korean neighborhood, emphasizing the importance of family, friendship, and community. The nostalgic portrayal of simpler times resonates with viewers worldwide, reminding us of the universal values that connect us all.
Promoting positive relationships
K-dramas often depict healthy, supportive relationships that can inspire viewers to cultivate similar bonds in their own lives.
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is a heartwarming tale of love, friendship, and community in a small seaside village. The show’s emphasis on kindness, understanding, and mutual respect serves as a gentle reminder that building strong, positive relationships is essential for our well-being. Watching characters navigate their relationships can provide insights into how we can improve our interactions with others, fostering a sense of connection and belonging.
Encouraging resilience and perseverance
The protagonists in K-dramas often face significant challenges and adversities, yet they persist with resilience and determination.
Goblin tells the story of a goblin cursed with immortality who seeks redemption and meaning in his life. The show explores themes of fate, love, and sacrifice, encouraging viewers to find strength in difficult times and believe in the possibility of a better tomorrow. The resilience displayed by the characters can serve as a source of inspiration for viewers, reminding us that even in the face of hardship, there is hope.
Mindful escapism
Sometimes, the best way to take care of our mental health is to simply escape the stresses of daily life, and K-dramas offer the perfect avenue for this. The intricate plots, stunning cinematography, and engaging characters provide a form of mindful escapism that allows us to momentarily disconnect from our worries and immerse ourselves in a different world. Shows like Queen of Tears transport viewers into a world of fantasy and romance, where the boundaries of reality are blurred, and anything is possible. This temporary escape can be incredibly rejuvenating, helping us return to our lives with a fresh perspective.
K-dramas go beyond entertainment. They provide emotional release, cultural insights, relationship models, resilience, escape, and boosting mental health.
Korean-American licensed therapist and mental health expert Jeannie Y. Chang’s book How K-Dramas Can Transform Your Life: Powerful Lessons on Belongingness, Healing, and Mental Health offers a read that is truly entertaining and highly educational.
