A study on the topographical changes in Korean drama since the 2000s

Abstract

This study focuses on the topographical changes that began in the 2000s, and have net been seriously academically explored thus far. Korean dramas are moving away from television and focusing on global over-thetop(OTT) platforms. Unfortunately, the movie theater, which has long been considered the center of the video culture industry as it enters the post-COVID-19 era, is yet to perform its function. However, OTT platforms equipped with various content, including dramas, are gaining popularity with the public. In particular, Korean dramas, or K-dramas, have attracted worldwide attention as brands. Not only Korean dramas not suddenly and rapidly grown in the size, the budget, and the qualitative in a brief period of time, but the technology and environment of drama production have not suddenly improved. For over 20 years, Korean dramas have constantly attempted to change the media, industry, and production system. After the 1997 Asian financing crisis, Korea introduced neoliberal economic policies and transitioned into a highly competitive society. This has resulted in both positive and negative changes in society, economy, politics, and culture. This current Korean drama is the result of these attempts since the 2000s.