Korean Dramas are on the rise and Pakistanis seem to be quite fascinated. Though, is it a matter of debate whether the growing popularity also rests in a sense of relatability? Read on as we delve into the similarities between the cultures, and possible reasons why the K Drama genre is growing onto Pakistani viewers!
Korea’s soft power is taking over the world one K Drama at a time with K content, K music, K food and K snacks on the rise to claim their top spot in global supremacy! Korea’s soft power is in full swing! K dramas dominate Netflix top trends every week and we confess that we too have been obsessing over one Korean drama at a time. You can imagine the influence by the fact that the world famous K Pop boyband’s movie BTS: Yet to Come was released across Pakistani cinemas in February 2023 in over 10 cities!
But do you think the K Drama gripping factor is maybe relevance other than fascination?
Do we unconsciously or consciously find ourselves relating with K content? Quite possibly because we spot certain subliminal similarities between the two cultures (after now being obsessed over multiple Korean Dramas). Would you believe it, surprise, surprise – there are uncanny similarities between Korean & Pakistani culture, language, and history, making the former’s consumption feel more like “home” than Western content. Thus, it allows some Pakistanis to live vicariously through those characters, even more so because of the cultural proximity.
Let’s delve into what we recognized as so “Pakistani’ relatable…
1. Conservative Cultures
Both cultures are conservative when it comes to family and elders. Dating, PDA, work environments, and societal values and norms are high on the accepted list of do’s and don’ts. Elders must be greeted, doesn’t matter if you know them or not. There are certain etiquettes when eating, drinking or conversing in the company of elders. You can’t swear so casually, you even have to use a more formal tone. The narratives in particular present a very etiquette conscious, collectivist culture and close-knit family dynamics which adds to the relatability factor. Koreans seem to be very conservative about inter-racial marriages, we too aren’t so forthcoming when it comes to marrying outside cultures.
2. NO To PDA & Hyper Sexualization
Korean dramas are clearly quite PG friendly and show Korean society to be very conservative when it comes to public display of affection and avoid it in front of family members and friends. Also, K-Dramas depict the leads as hesitant when forming new relationships for the fear of society finding out, they take their time and the romance is not hyper sexualized like western content that we don’t really find relatable. The choice of outfits is also quite relatable and not done in a sexualized manner, being modest, appropriate and digestible enough for Pakistani audiences (who are used to Pakistani dramas). The romance is slow, innocent and gradual. Repeat: Minimal physical affection, yet cute, romantic moments thrown in to evoke a smile and, heart fluttering moments.
3. Tinge Of Misogyny?
As per K dramas, both Korean and Pakistani moms are worried about their daughters and children getting married and conspire to land them suitable rishtas! Though evolving, marriage and childbearing seem to be the primary responsibility of women in K Dramas. Women can progress in their career but oh no, can’t neglect their homes and families.
Moreover, the patriarchy, sadly, also exists predominantly in both cultures and the man is the head of the household and family. He is the one who makes all the decisions. Anything you want to do, you need to have his permission. In case you have watched the Korean drama, Dr Cha, you would know, she had to ask for permission from her husband (even though being a mom of 2 grownup children), to continue her education and enrol for her residency. Things aren’t much different in Pakistan and women must either take permission from their fathers or husbands. Women are not empowered as the west and have to depend on the man for providing and allowing her to take decisions.
4. Food & Career Choices
Korea is a country that has survived wars and dark times and has now brought itself out of the darkness and even though quite economically developed, the mentality and societal pressure to do better and succeed and the innate habit of comparisons is prevalent in both countries. Pakistanis too, as a nation, were born from a struggle and continue to survive in that daily struggle to do more and better. Career paths are more traditional and non typical career choices are frowned upon. Just like us, they too think highly of only being doctors, lawyers and scientists.
Also Korean Dramas revolve around traditional Korean foods; they feature their traditional food onscreen and it seems, just like us, they are as obsessed with their traditional delicacies as we are with Biryani, Karhai – Ramen, Bulgogi and Tteok-bokki for the average Korean person!
Subsequently, it goes without saying that both cultures are quite similar in some ways. However, they are also special in their own ways though with their own set of prominent problems that need to be addressed. Are you obsessed with watching K-dramas? Any recommendations?
