South Korean dramas, or K-dramas, have captured global attention with their gripping plots, compelling characters, and universal themes. While their popularity has skyrocketed due to high production values and stellar acting, experts are highlighting an unexpected benefit—mental health improvement.
Healing Through Storytelling
According to Korean-American therapist Jeanie Chang, K-dramas resonate with viewers on an emotional level, helping them process grief, trauma, and other psychological challenges. Chang emphasizes that while the cultural context of K-dramas is distinctly Korean, their core messages—family expectations, hope, and resilience—are universally relatable.
“The way these dramas depict heavy topics like grief and depression can inspire viewers to confront their own struggles,” Chang explains. Watching characters navigate and overcome life’s difficulties often offers a roadmap for viewers to handle their real-world issues.
An Emotional Reconnection Path
Jeanie Barry, an American schoolteacher, discovered K-dramas after a personal loss. A friend recommended the series It’s Okay to Not Be Okay during a difficult time, and it profoundly impacted her ability to process grief.
“I cried a lot during the show, but it also gave me hope,” Barry shared. Since then, she has watched over 100 K-dramas, citing their emotional depth as a reason she has largely stopped watching English-language TV.
Similarly, Erin McCoy, another American fan, credits K-dramas with helping her manage long-standing depression. “They allowed me to feel again,” she said, adding that experiencing the characters’ emotions helped her reconnect with her own.
Art Therapy in Action
Experts like Dr. Im Su-geun, a psychiatrist in Seoul, suggest that watching K-dramas aligns with the principles of art therapy. First introduced in the 1940s, art therapy traditionally involved activities like drawing but has evolved to include visual media.
“K-dramas can offer fresh perspectives on personal challenges and provide a form of emotional release,” Dr. Im explains. While not a formal prescription, therapists could recommend specific dramas to patients dealing with breakups, loss, or anxiety, offering them insights and coping strategies.
Global Phenomenon
K-dramas gained a massive global following during the pandemic, with viewership on platforms like Netflix increasing sixfold between 2019 and 2022. Shows like Crash Landing on You and Squid Game have become cultural phenomena, breaking language barriers and resonating with audiences worldwide.
As Chang aptly puts it, “Mental health is about how we relate to others and ourselves, and K-dramas beautifully capture this journey.” Whether through art therapy or emotional connection, the therapeutic potential of K-dramas is a testament to the power of storytelling.