Korean dramas have become a part of the daily routine for many Filipinos, thanks to their extraordinary plots, great acting, and impressive cinematography. From swooning over romantic gestures to discussing plot twists with friends, the impact of K-dramas on viewers is undeniable.
Many start by casually watching, but it eventually develops into a long-running hobby before they realize it. If you find yourself spending more time on K-dramas than you used to, you might already be turning into a fan.
Need more confirmation? Here are the telltale signs that you’re becoming a true K-drama enthusiast:
1. Having a List of K-Dramas to Watch
Creating a mental note of the K-dramas you want to watch next is no longer enough. You start to compile a long list of K-dramas based on recommendations from online communities or highly rated reviews. You look forward to watching everything on your list but end up adding more and more. Ultimately, you never run out of K-dramas to watch, even after finishing several.
2. Staying Up Late to Binge-Watch K-Dramas
As you go through one episode after another, you lose track of time and sleep. The excitement of knowing what happens next in the series keeps you up at night, and the cliffhanger at the end of every episode makes it impossible for you to pause the video. You keep thinking to yourself, “One last episode!” but it ends up becoming two or three more until you finally fall asleep.
3. Following the Social Media Accounts of the Korean Actors/Actresses
Liking celebrities from K-dramas makes you inclined to follow their social media accounts. You go through their profiles to see previous posts and save some photos in your gallery. Then, you turn notifications on as you anticipate their updates about their trips, hobbies, or interactions with other Korean stars.
You also want to be informed about their next projects or endorsements. Uploads by K-drama actors and actresses on their YouTube channels also become a must-watch for you. From behind-the-scenes footage to travel vlogs or special content, you don’t miss checking out their videos. You’re interested in seeing on-set shenanigans and bloopers from their dramas or knowing what they do in their free time.
4. Adding K-Drama OSTs to Your Playlist
With every K-drama you watch, there’s always an OST that sticks with you after hearing it played several times throughout the series. Whether it’s an emotional ballad from a romantic scene or a high-spirited song from an uplifting moment, K-drama OSTs make their way into your daily playlist. This allows you to reminisce about your emotions when you were watching the drama or feel like the characters did in the drama.
5. Learning Korean Phrases
You know you’ve watched more than a few K-dramas when you start picking up common Korean phrases and even try to use them in daily conversation. When you get immersed in the characters’ dialogues, you become familiar with common expressions and vocabulary like “annyeong,” “saranghae,” and “daebak.” Their intonations and accents also stick in your mind, and you mimic the way they talk, consciously or unconsciously. You might also understand simple exchanges even without subtitles.understand simple exchanges even without subtitles.
6. Dreaming of a Trip to Korea and Getting to Know Its Culture
After watching various K-dramas, you become interested in the beautiful places featured in the shows. You daydream about strolling through the streets of Seoul, visiting Hanok villages or historical palaces, and going to iconic K-drama filming locations. When people ask you about your bucket list destination, Korea is your top answer. While you’re unable to book a flight to Korea right away, you explore things that would make you feel closer to this goal. You try out Korean foods, adapt the fashion styles of K-drama stars, and make a list of everything you want to experience in Korea for future reference.
7. Being Familiar with Supporting Actors and Actresses
When you’ve watched a lot of K-dramas, you’ll instantly recognize supporting actors and actresses who have appeared in different shows. From well-known K-drama parents and child stars to seasoned actors who play friendly neighbors or gang members, these individuals become memorable to you, and their previous characters instantly come to mind when you see them in a new K-drama.
If you find these signs resonating with you, you’ve most likely become a true K-drama fan! Watching K-dramas not only becomes a source of comfort and relaxation after a tiring day but can also serve as a means of gaining new knowledge and deep realizations that are relevant in life. So, embrace your love for K-dramas and continue to explore the various genres you can enjoy. Happy watching!
