While my experience of Korean TV is somewhat limited, I’ve talked to others about it and found out some interesting things. For instance, the success of a TV show is not demonstrated by the length that it runs. Apparently, young Koreans (thirties and younger) don’t watch a single show for more than a season. As a result, every new season brings with it brand new shows. I mentioned a TV show called “Boys Over Flowers” a few times in the past. This show was wildly popular when it was aired last spring (so much so that Korea’s replete with BOF merchandise).
But despite its raging success, there will never be a second season. I can’t help comparing this to America’s tendency to grind a popular show into the ground. How many shows were fantastic the first season, only to gradually sink? (Heroes, I'm talking to you!) On the other hand, it doesn’t seem to make commercial sense that they would kill a show when it has developed a strong viewership. But the woman I was discussing this with said that Koreans just don’t watch second seasons of shows. So I guess it’s a cultural thing; however I can’t help but find it puzzling. Plus, it has to be hard on the actors to have to get a new job every year. Yeesh.
One exception to this tendency is apparently the older generation. According to my sources, they tend to stick to one series for years. There are a few historical genre TV shows that fit in this category, but I haven’t really watched them.
Another aspect of Korean drama that I find puzzling is the female lead. I’ve only watched about three or four shows, but the female leads tend to be Cinderella-like. They’re always poor, often working several jobs to keep afloat. All of the women I’ve seen have been clumsy and awkward, outspoken, and always manage to win the male lead over with the fact that they’re “different” from the other girls. I know American film tends to do this too, but I still found it somewhat curious. (Not to mention the fact that the female leads always seem to have atrocious table manners.)
Outside of dramas, there are plenty of Korean TV shows that exemplify the stereotypical Asian game show. They also have a tendency to take large numbers of TV stars and make them do embarrassing things. There was one show I watched where they had K-pop stars and actors going through an obstacle course, which usually took about thirty seconds apiece. The rest of the show consisted of forcing the participants to individually dance for the audience. Watching a guy half covered in mud, trying to shimmy for a crowd transcends language barrier.
After spending time in Italy watching similar programs, I can’t help but wonder if America is missing out on something. Why don’t we humiliate our stars the same way? Why are preposterous game shows the exception, not the rule? Who wouldn’t love to watch McDreamy (ugh) or Zach Effron (ugh ugh) try to cross a set of rotating logs on his butt, only to get soaked in mud and have to do the Macarena? That’s damn good television.
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