FROM SAAS BAHU To Scout

The K-Drama Craze in Indian Households.

- Himshikha Shukla

The Indian household entertainment landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Once dominated by saas-bahu dramas, extravagant weddings, and prolonged family conflicts, the era of traditional Indian TV shows seems to be giving way to a new favourite: Korean (K-dramas) and Chinese dramas (C-dramas). This shift, fuelled by streaming platforms and social media, has captivated not just teenagers but entire families, marking the dawn of a new chapter in entertainment preferences.

K-dramas and C-dramas offer fresh, compact storylines that are a stark contrast to the endless episodes of Indian soap operas. With concise arcs and engaging plots, they keep viewers hooked without dragging stories across years. These shows explore universal themes like love, ambition, family, and societal issues, all wrapped in a global appeal that resonates with Indian audiences.

At the same time, their cultural nuances, such as respect for elders and the importance of community, strike a familiar chord with Indian values, making them feel both relatable and refreshingly different.

Take the story of Meera Sharma, a 45-year-old homemaker from Delhi, who stumbled upon a popular K-drama, Crash Landing on You, while scrolling through Netflix. Initially skeptical, she decided to give it a try after hearing her teenage daughter rave about the show.

What started as a casual watch soon became a shared ritual with her daughter, Ananya. The two bonded over the heartwarming story of Captain Ri and Yoon Se-ri, debating their favourite moments and even learning Korean phrases together. Inspired by the food featured in the drama, they attempted to make kimchi and Korean pancakes at home, an activity that brought the family closer.