## The Unexpected Mental Health Benefits of K-Dramas: How Korean Shows Are Helping Viewers Worldwide
Have you ever spent a weekend completely engrossed in a K-drama like *Squid Game*, *Crash Landing On You*, or *It’s Okay to Not Be Okay*? While it might seem like pure escapism, mental health experts are uncovering a surprising benefit: watching Korean dramas could significantly improve your mental well-being.
The global popularity of K-dramas, from classics like *Goblin* and *Descendants of the Sun* to recent hits like *Vincenzo* and *The Glory*, is undeniable. But for therapist Jeanie Chang, the true power lies in their ability to connect viewers with their emotions and facilitate the processing of challenging life experiences. As reported by AFP, these shows often tackle universal themes—grief, family expectations, love, loss, and trauma—that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
“We all grapple with family pressures, conflict, trauma, and the persistent flicker of hope,” explains Chang. “Seeing these themes explored authentically and often successfully on screen can profoundly impact how we manage similar challenges in our own lives.” This resonates particularly for those who may find it difficult to articulate or process these complex emotions independently.
For Chang, who was born in Seoul but raised in the US, K-dramas provided a powerful connection to her cultural heritage and helped her reconnect with emotions she had suppressed. “The messages within these dramas are surprisingly universal,” she emphasizes. “Mental health is fundamentally about our feelings, relationships, and how our brains process experiences. These elements are central to the narrative of virtually every K-drama.”
The K-Drama Phenomenon and Its Impact on Global Viewership:
The surge in global K-drama viewership since the COVID-19 pandemic is undeniable, especially on platforms like Netflix. Shows like *Kingdom*, *My Name*, and *The Glory* consistently dominate the charts, showcasing the widespread appeal of this genre. Between 2019 and 2022, Netflix reported a sixfold increase in K-drama viewership, making it the most-watched non-English content on the platform. This explosive growth speaks volumes about the cultural impact and emotional resonance these shows provide.
Real-Life Stories of Healing and Emotional Reconnection:
American teacher Jeanie Barry discovered the therapeutic power of K-dramas during a personal crisis following a family funeral. A friend recommended *It’s Okay to Not Be Okay*, and she was immediately captivated. “The way Korean culture addresses trauma and mental depression deeply resonated with me,” Barry shared with AFP. She credits the drama with helping her navigate her grief and discover hope for the future. Since then, she’s watched over 114 K-dramas, completely abandoning English-language television. “They’ve allowed me to soften my heart and approach my emotions with greater compassion,” she adds.
Erin McCoy, another K-drama enthusiast, found similar solace in these shows while managing depression. “When you live with depression for an extended period, you can become emotionally numb,” McCoy explains. “You don’t feel bad, but you don’t feel good either.” K-dramas, however, helped her reconnect with her emotions: “I feel like I was able to express and experience the full spectrum of emotion again.”
The Art Therapy Connection:
The notion that K-dramas can be therapeutic isn’t far-fetched. Seoul psychiatrist Im Su-geun suggests that watching these dramas can be considered a form of art therapy. “Visual media like K-dramas possess significant strengths that align well with the principles of psychotherapy,” Im explains. “They provide viewers with fresh perspectives, foster healthy values, and often offer potential solutions to personal issues.”
While K-dramas shouldn’t replace traditional therapy, they can be a valuable supplemental tool. Shows like *Because This Is My First Life* and *Reply 1988*, for instance, can provide viewers with emotional insights and coping mechanisms for dealing with heartbreak or loss. So, the next time you binge-watch *Hospital Playlist* or *The Uncanny Counter*, remember that you might be engaging in more than just entertainment – you might be actively enhancing your mental health.
