I’ve dug up an eclectic mix of news items, from people theorizing about why kdramas are popular with international audiences to exhibits highlighting a century of fashion to an entire crew getting fired via text message. That one’s going to make it into my work-related nightmares, thanks.
- “K-dramas’ global appeal lies in ‘wholesome sexiness’.” Actor-producer Sean Richard Dulake (starring in Dramaworld) claims that “A lot of content [international kdrama viers] they find in (their) local market is very gritty, with a lot of antihero stuff. Characters are having sex in the first episodes. What K-drama offers to fans is this wholesome way to fall in love and it brings a different kind of joy to their lives.” The description of international viewers as “hopeless romantics” strikes me as a bit condescending, but there’s some interesting demographic info from Viki in the article, plus some company acquisitions and partnerships.
- “Korean female leaders discuss ways to empower women, work-family balance.” This brief article mentions a few highlights from a 16th Korean Women’s International Network in Jeju.
- “100 years of Korean fashion at a glance.” There’s a exhibit going on from now until September 22, focusing on a century of fashion in Korea, including historic fashion designers. There aren’t nearly enough pictures in the article to satisfy my curiosity, but they’re fun to look at!
- ““Both Sexes’ Equality” Moving forward without LGBTI People?” This essay takes a critical look at actions taken by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family which actually undermine women’s rights movements and blatantly ignore or deliberately exclude LGBTQI people.
- “K-Bu Bu Jing Xin Sets Fastest Record by Breaking 300 Million Views in 3 Days on China’s Youku.” Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart: Ryeo may be stick with single-digit ratings in Korea, but it is a blockbuster in China. Damn. I hope this means great things for the cast in the Chinese markets in the future.
- “KBS under fire for ‘improper’ notification of drama cancellation.” There are ways to inform an entire crew they’re fired, and text message is not it. Yikes.
- “Gong Yoo, Kim Go Eun, Lee Dong Wook, Yoo In Na, and Yook Sung Jae hold first script reading for Goblin.” Here’s hoping that some of these people
Gong yoocan make up for their last small-screen appearance. Good luck with KES, everyone. It’ll air on Drama Fever in December.