K-dramas are a fantasy world to us. If you are a die-hard K-drama fan, you will guess several points to add to this list. If you are about to become one of us, expect these basic plot elements in any Korean Drama. Some thriller and horror dramas can differ based on their genres but either way here are some key segments a series uses to attract the audience. Below are some elements mentioned:
1. Family Drama, Problems, And Friends
A character without a flashback is not common to watch. Dramas will show childhood first or reveal the story slowly ahead. The family history also includes family behavior. Some wealthy families are torturesome but gradually smooths down and some are adorable and supportive. To help them out, there comes the friends- childhood or a schoolmate, university friend, or an office colleague.
2. Breakups And Patch-Ups
Breakups are mandatory in the romantic genre. Unless a heart is broken in a unique story, the audience is likely to get attached. But these scenes make the characters as well as fans cry out for separation. Reasons vary according to the unfolding of stories. Patch-ups are gradually built-up, sometimes the finale episodes are titled as to be the patch-up episodes
3. Kisses And Back Hugs
Kissing scenes while confessions or expressing emotions is the most awaited part while watching a series. Kissing spots are considered sometimes to be iconic scenes and locations. Talking about the back hugs, they are wonderfully executed at the right moments to grab the audience’s smiles and blushes. Back hugs are to convince, make them feel comfortable, and slow down the moment. Try it out but don’t miss your heartbeats.
4. Love Triangles, Love Squares, Or A 2nd Lead Couples
Along with some Kisses, breakups, and patch-ups, a love triangle or a square is mandatory in the romance genre. There has to be a jealous character, a second lead couple, and drama. Almost all dramas have this element blossom beautifully. Many dramas have seen intense love for 2nd lead couples the most and also in different pairs between love triangles.
5. A Dramatic/Unexpected Twist
Everything is fine going till the middle and then the tables turn. Usually, the hardships and struggles are shown in every episode and end up gradually but again some unexpected twist occurs and again the circle revolves to ease the situation and the last episode is a happy end in most dramas.
6. Cafe/Restaurant Dates Or Work Dinners
South Korea has numerous cafes and restaurants, hence it is very common to hop on dates. This is what is shown in dramas. A work dinner with a team, a love date, a small reunion or to kill hunger, cafes, and restaurants will serve you wisely. Many places were shot in dramas and exist in reality. They are now tourist attractions and locally famous for drama locations. There also might be a work date, just the two!
7. Hospital Rooms
If not any lead, maybe other co-stars will involve in the hospital sub-plot. The small twists include accidents and hospitals. There might be a disease, a fight, an accident, an army injury, or a medical drama. God bless the characters.
8. Arm Grabs And Shoulder Naps
Probably she is angry and leaving, but he grabs her wrist to stop her. Or there’s an intense love triangle situation with a slow-mo close-up shot of those grabs. Such scenes are satisfying enough while watching, sensing the character’s love for the lead. Shoulder naps can happen with a different pair of the love triangle or can end up straight between the leads. But they are soothing ones to rest upon.
9. Hierarchy
Hierarchy based on age and position in family or office is common Family history is so much related to this term hierarchy. The Heirs and heiress characters are built-up with the struggle to cope with family expectations. In reality, this hierarchical structure still exists. Rich -poor romance, historical theme-based dramas have this element precisely.
10. Either Snowy Days Or Rainy Days
To symbolize love, to confess or propose, to vent loneliness, dramas will shower some snow or droplets on your screens. In addition to that, you will have some kissing or hugging scenes to sparkle. You will love it, no doubt.
