FROM KOREAN DRAMAS TO INDIAN SERIALS: RETHINKING ENTERTAINMEN—LALIT GARG

FROM KOREAN DRAMAS TO INDIAN SERIALS: RETHINKING ENTERTAINMEN—LALIT GARG

7-APRIL-ENG 22

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA------------------------In the global entertainment landscape of recent years, if any single country has exerted the greatest influence upon the world through the mediums of television and web series, it is South Korea. Today, Korean dramas serve not merely as a source of entertainment, but have evolved into a powerful medium for cultural influence, social education, emotional maturity, and the portrayal of life values. Millions of people across the globe—India included—are watching Korean dramas and finding themselves deeply influenced by them. This impact stems not merely from technical prowess or acting skills, but rather from the sensitivity of their narratives, their grounding in the realities of life, and the profound depth with which they explore human relationships. The greatest virtue of Korean dramas lies in their ability to portray real-life problems in a manner that is both deeply sensitive and profoundly human. They encompass themes of family, love, struggle, illness, mental stress, career challenges, and societal pressures; yet, alongside these challenges, they invariably offer solutions, hope, and positivity. They do not merely depict problems; they also impart the art of living. Their characters are neither melodramatic nor unrealistic; rather, they resemble ordinary people—individuals whose problems are authentic and whose struggles are genuine. Another distinctive feature of Korean dramas is their ability to present a complete, self-contained story within a limited number of episodes. They are devoid of unnecessary padding, endless conspiracies, and contrived plot twists. Each story possesses a distinct objective, and the narrative concludes once that objective has been fulfilled. Consequently, they retain a sense of narrative tightness, high quality, and lasting impact. They demonstrate respect for both the audience's time and their sensibilities.

If, however, we turn our gaze toward Indian TV serials, the situation appears to be quite the opposite. The majority of these serials revolve endlessly around the conflicts between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, familial conspiracies, reincarnation, miracles, vengeance, jealousy, and a lifestyle characterized by ostentation and superficiality. A single storyline often drags on for years on end, eventually losing all connection to the realities of actual life. The family—which ought to be a sanctuary of love, mutual support, and open dialogue—is often reduced to a hotbed of intrigue and internal politics. This fosters a negative mindset within society. The state of Indian cinema is not much different; the majority of films revolve around action, heroics, vengeance, crime, or unrealistic love stories. There is very little focus on real-life problems and their potential solutions. Yet, the challenges society grapples with today are quite distinct: mental stress, depression, loneliness, family disintegration, intergenerational communication gaps, unemployment, career pressures, health issues, substance abuse, environmental crises, and so on. Entertainment content based on these themes is rarely to be found.

One of the reasons behind the immense popularity of Korean dramas is that they foster emotional well-being in their viewers. Watching them offers more than mere entertainment; it allows individuals to forge emotional connections, gain a deeper understanding of life, appreciate the significance of relationships, and draw inspiration for patience and resilience in the face of adversity. Many Korean dramas are crafted around themes such as mental health, depression, autism, hospital life, the struggles of lawyers and teachers, and the challenges faced by small-scale entrepreneurs. They serve to sensitize the audience, rather than fostering aggression. India, too, has produced some excellent television series—such as *Hum Log*, *Buniyaad*, *Sanjivani*, *Balika Vadhu*, *Udaan*, and *Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah*—that have conveyed positive messages to society. However, the number of such series remains woefully low. What is needed today are television series and films that promote mental well-being within society, impart the art of living, offer pathways to stress relief, reinforce the bonds of family unity, and cultivate a positive mindset.

Most importantly, the objective of entertainment should not be limited solely to amusement; rather, it should aim to shape and enrich the human psyche. If watching a film or television series renders an individual more aggressive, discontented, stressed, or lost in unrealistic fantasies, then it ceases to be entertainment; it becomes, instead, a form of mental pollution. However, if a film or television series inspires an individual, instills hope in life, provides the strength to confront challenges, and offers the insight to understand relationships, then that constitutes true entertainment. Today, mental illnesses, depression, loneliness, and stress are on the rise within society at an alarming rate. In such times, the entertainment industry bears a monumental responsibility. They ought to produce series and films that inspire those suffering from mental health issues to seek recovery, foster a positive mindset, and highlight the significance of yoga, meditation, open dialogue, family bonds, friendship, and a sense of purpose in life. If efforts are directed toward this end, the entertainment industry could truly become a boon for society.

It is also worth pondering why the majority of our television serials invariably begin with conflicts between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, only to culminate in plots involving conspiracy and revenge, while our films remain largely centered on action sequences and hero-centric theatrics. One reason cited for this is the producers' belief that this is precisely what the audience desires to watch. However, this represents only half the truth. The reality is that if the audience were offered high-quality, sensitive, and meaningful content, they would embrace it with the same enthusiasm they currently demonstrate for Korean dramas. This implies that the root of the problem lies not in the audience's preferences, but rather in the direction and nature of the content itself. The time has come for the Indian entertainment industry to re-evaluate its trajectory. They must reflect upon the direction in which they are steering society. Are they fostering a society that is sensitive, positive, and mentally healthy, or are they merely perpetuating negativity, violence, and intrigue under the guise of entertainment? The entertainment industry is not merely an industry. It is not merely that; it also serves as a medium for nation-building.

Korean dramas teach us that entertainment can educate society, inspire it, foster emotional maturity, and provide a perspective for understanding life. If Indian cinema and television were to work in this direction, they would not merely provide entertainment but would actively improve society. The highest form of entertainment is that which makes a human being a better human being—one that offers hope amidst despair, inspires the reunification of fractured families, brings solace to the stressed, and teaches how to resolve life's challenges. When Indian television series and films begin to be produced with this vision, entertainment will truly become a vehicle for nation-building. This is both the need of the hour and the direction of the future.