These South Korean Shows Are Giving Me a Run for My Money
Honey, I conquered Netflix. I watched ’em all.
Anyone around me knows how I rave about Korean movies. It wasn’t always like this and I don’t know how long this fandom will last. We have my sister to thank, anyway.
I have two sisters. The youngest one is what I’ll call an early bloomer. Amongst the three of us, she’s always the first to try something new. Usually, by the time you have discovered something, she is way ahead of you. The rule applies to technology, spirituality, prevailing culture, and corporate politics.
We both share the love of Netflix. Typically, we compared notes on what to watch and what was trending. One day, I logged into her account. I discovered that most of her selections were Korean movies.
“Uche, why are you watching so many Korean shows?” “Well, they are interesting and clean.” “Clean how?” “They are pretty light on sex and nudity.” “Oh, I see.”
One day, I logged into my account. I have the habit of looking at Netflix’s top ten lists and trending lists. The top ten list had a Korean show called Alchemy of souls. I also noticed it held steady for weeks. So, out of curiosity and remembering what my sister had said to me, I watched it.
Alchemy of souls kept me hooked for weeks. It had two parts. The first had 20 episodes. The second had 10 episodes. They did not release them all at once. In fact, there was a few months' hiatus before they released the 2nd part. I really couldn’t wait. That was the show that started my adventure in the Korean show world.
Of course, when the AI notices what you watch, they serve you similar themes and genres. So not long after that, Netflix populated my home screen with Korean shows.
I still visited the top ten and trending lists. If I saw any Korean movie or show on that list and had a good feeling about it, I’d watch it.
The period pieces were the best. They were never boring. These guys are heavy on culture, and values sometimes twisted plots, and other times, predictable. There were many love themes and, as my sister said, they were clean. Of course, you root for the main characters and hope they would surmount all obstacles to love and success.
Knowingly or unknowingly, there are humorous scenes interjected here and there. Sometimes, no matter how serious the movie or show gets, you laugh out loud.
There is one disadvantage to this new adventure. For someone prepping for exams mid-year, the period pieces are too long; 30, 40, and 60 episodes. Incidentally, like many, I binge till the very end. That’s a lot of time invested.
Apparently, my sister and other show lovers complained about this. So Netflix started releasing shorter shows set in current times. They are also nice, but their storylines and depth don’t always match the period pieces for me.
The only strategy I have adopted now is this; I use my mornings to study. I also do passive studying while at work and while cooking. I use my evenings for my Netflix binge. I stop either when sleep comes knocking or hubby seeks my attention.
I fell in love so much that I look at Asians on the bus and in the malls with a different love. I also signed up to learn the Korean language on the Duolingo app. I have made little progress with that.
If I fall out of love with these Korean shows, you’ll be the first to know. Till then, let me get on with other things in life cos my binge time starts in a few hours.
Thanks to Chelsea Marie.
Honey, I conquered Netflix. I watched ’em all. — Leslie Jordan