In today’s world, Korean dramas, also called K-dramas, have become one of the
most popular forms of entertainment. Teenagers around the world are especially
drawn to them because of their emotional stories, attractive actors, and beautiful
music. With platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and other online apps, watching K
dramas has become very easy.
While these shows are fun, colorful, and emotional, watching them too much can
also have side effects. Like every trend, K-dramas have both advantages and
disadvantages.
Why Teenagers Love K-Dramas:
Teenagers are at an age where emotions, friendships, and dreams play a big role in
life. K-dramas show all these things beautifully, which makes them very relatable.
The stories usually talk about love, friendship, family, school life, and personal
growth topics that most young people can easily connect with.
The characters are well-dressed, kind, and confident. Teenagers admire them and
often try to copy their style, hairstyles, and even the way they talk.
K-dramas also use lovely background music and show beautiful locations, which
make watching even more enjoyable. Popular shows like Crash Landing on You,
True Beauty, Boys Over Flowers, and Descendants of the Sun have made Korean
culture famous around the world.
The Cultural Influence of K-Dramas:
K-dramas do more than entertain; they influence fashion, hairstyles, makeup trends,
and social behaviour. Teenage girls often imitate the clothing styles, makeup
routines, or even the gestures and expressions of their favorite characters. K-dramas
also popularise certain ways of speaking, polite behaviour, and social interactions,
which can impact teenagers’ perceptions of ideal conduct.
While this influence can be positive, such as encouraging interest in different
cultures or polite communication, it also has negative implications, which are
discussed below.
Side Effects and Negative Impacts of Korean Dramas:
K-Dramas have become very popular among teenagers and young people all over
the world. They are loved for their emotional stories, stylish actors, and beautiful
scenes. However, spending too much time watching these dramas can have several
side effects that affect both mental and physical health.
One of the biggest problems is addiction and binge watching. Many teenagers start
watching one episode but end up spending many hours or even the whole night
watching more. This habit can reduce their time for studies, hobbies, and spending
time with family. Watching late at night also leads to sleep problems, which make
them feel tired, less focused, and lazy during the day.
Another issue is poor academic performance. When teenagers spend too much
time on K-dramas, they lose interest in academics and get distracted easily. Their
marks may drop, and they may find it hard to concentrate in class.
K-dramas often show unrealistic love stories and perfect lives. They create an image
that life should always be beautiful, romantic, and dramatic. But real life is not like
that. When teenagers compare their real experiences with what they see on screen,
they may feel unhappy, disappointed, or lonely.
Body image and confidence issues are also common. Most K-drama actors look
perfectly slim, fair, and stylish. Teenagers who admire them may start feeling bad
about their own looks. They might try to copy their dressing style or even wish to
change their face or body to look like them. This can hurt their self-esteem.
Watching K-dramas for long hours also reduces social interaction. Teenagers spend
more time on screens and less time talking to friends or family. Slowly, they may
become quiet, isolated, or shy in social situations. Some even start copying the
behaviour, dressing, and speech of their favorite actors, forgetting their real identity
or culture.
There is also an emotional side to this. Some teenagers get emotionally attached to
the drama characters. When the show ends, they feel sad, empty, or lonely because
they miss those characters. Over time, this can lead to emotional dependence on
fiction instead of real-life connections.
Physically, sitting for long hours causes eye strain, headaches, and weight gain.
Lack of physical activity makes the body weak and lazy. Constant use of phones and
laptops can also harm eyesight.
Teenagers can enjoy K-dramas safely by following a few simple rules:
Watch in Limits:
Set a time limit. Watching one or two episodes a day is enough. Avoid staying up
late.
Finish Work First:
Complete homework and responsibilities before watching.
Take Breaks:
Don’t sit for hours continuously. Get up, stretch, or walk after every episode.
Mix With Other Activities:
Spend time outdoors, read books, play sports, or enjoy hobbies. Keep a balance
between screen time and real life.
Remember It’s Fiction:
Understand that dramas are made for entertainment. Real life is different. Don’t
compare your life with what you see on the screen.
Awareness on K-Dramas:
K-Dramas, or Korean dramas, have become increasingly popular among teenagers,
especially girls, due to their captivating stories, appealing actors, and emotional
narratives. While these shows can offer entertainment and cultural insights,
excessive watching may have adverse effects, including sleep disruption, reduced
social interaction, unrealistic relationship expectations, and low self-esteem from
comparing oneself to on-screen characters.
The role of parents in K-trend:
Parents are encouraged to monitor their child’s viewing habits, set healthy screen
time limits, and engage in open discussions about balanced entertainment. Early
awareness and guidance can help teenagers enjoy K-Dramas responsibly without
negative consequences. In case of any obsessive/excessive binge watching do
consult a psychologist or a behaviour therapist to moderate the addiction and
improve the academic performance.
Author Name : Richitha Reddy
Designation : Speech Therapist
Organization : Breeze CDC
