Through the influence of South Korean entertainment, many stigmas in the country are challenged. With its emerging popularity on the international scene, the industry has begun to spread light and awareness through its unconventional yet intriguing themes.
Here are some K-Dramas that touched on sensitive issues to shed light on the viewers. Keep on reading!
'It's Okay to Not Be Okay'
First on the list is the Emmy-nominated series "It's Okay to Not Be Okay," which tells the story of a middle-aged autistic man who suffered from a traumatic experience.
With its theme, the drama shines a light on mental health, capturing the struggles of people with mental illnesses.
"It's Okay to Not Be Okay" also showed how to care for and respect mentally challenged people and how to lend a hand in an unsafe environment.
This kind of perspective is essential in destigmatizing mental health, especially in South Korea, which the drama successfully accomplished.
'It's Okay, That's Love'
Like many dramas, Jo In Sung and Go Hyo Jin's "It's Okay, That's Love" takes viewers at the edge of their seats as this drama breaks, shakes, and tugs everyone's heartstrings.
The series deals with the topic of mental health and romance, which delivers comfort and resonance to the viewers.
Although it hints at romance, the drama focuses on the importance of mental health and enlightens viewers about people's ordeals in a rough patch of their lives.
READ MORE: K-Drama Stars Who Played Autistic Roles: Park Eun Bin, Oh Jung Se, More
The support that was depicted in the drama, especially to people with schizophrenia, indeed introduced new hope for people who are currently suffering.
'Our Blues'
The omnibus melodrama "Our Blues," which was set on the beautiful Jeju Island, depicted a series of relatable real-life problems that the characters go through in their day-to-day lives.
It starred big names in the industry, including Han Ji Min, Lee Byung Hun, Lee Jung Eun, Cha Seung Won, Kim Woo Bin, Shin Min Ah, and more.
Despite its slow-paced flow, the drama still drew in positive feedback and immense support from fans as "Our Blues" tackled issues such as disabilities, disorders, divorce, and abortions.
It also tested the waters and discussed teenage pregnancies through the stories of two teenagers that decided to keep their baby amid the prying eyes of society.
Not only does it deliver a worthwhile watching experience, but "Our Blues" provides a sense of comfort and reassurance that there are solutions to every problem in life.
'Extraordinary Attorney Woo'
The most buzzworthy drama at the moment also challenges the stigma in society. In "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," Park Eun Bin transforms into Woo Young Woo, a lawyer who has autism.
Despite her disorder, Woo Young Woo didn't let it hinder her from pursuing her dreams and became the first autistic lawyer in South Korea.
In her law firm, some people are quite unwelcoming and judging when it comes to people with disabilities. But because of Woo Young Woo's beautiful mind and heart, viewers are drawn to the story with an open mind.
Autism is a topic that isn't much discussed even in other parts of the world, but through "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," many people are now interested in knowing more about it.
In particular, the drama lets everyone know that disabled people also deserve romantic love as Woo Young Woo forms a love line with her colleague Lee Jun Ho (Kang Tae Oh).
BONUS: 'Semantic Error'
This summer, DKZ Jaechan, and Seoham will transform into two polar opposites who unexpectedly fall for one another, harboring intense feelings.
The South Korean industry has always looked down upon LGBTQIA+ dramas until the series drew attention from the international scene.
With this, the entertainment industry has been in progress to accept the queer community, starting through the form of BL dramas.
ALSO READ: K-Dramas To Watch During 'Pride Month': 'The Handmaiden,' 'Color Rush,' More!
"Semantic Error" successfully showed people that love is love regardless of gender and that everyone is deserving of love and acceptance.
The drama will be made into a one-hour film, set to air on big screens on August 31.
KDramaStars owns this article.
Written by Elijah Mully.
