The newest k-drama provider on the scene is Kdrama.com. And the drama site has now acquired a community of k-drama fans.
A few weeks ago Kdrama.com joined the popular k-pop and k-drama news site, Soompi, and will now be known as SoompiTV. What prompted the move?
Courtney McLachlan, the Soompi Brand Manager in San Francisco spoke to Kdramastars about the motivations behind the move.
"We've always felt that one of the best parts of watching Korean drama/variety content is being part of a community," said McLachlan. "When you watch a great episode you want to discuss it with others and share your love for the genre. We always wanted to be able to foster such a community to compliment our content. It just so worked out that rather than try to build this community from scratch, we were able to work together with Soompi and marry their community with our content."
Because the dramas are now featured on the site, viewers will be able to watch the latest dramas and with the same account head over to the forums and discuss the dramas with millions of other fans.
The site is not just for hardcore super fans, says McLachlan. Anyone who is curious to learn why k-dramas are suddenly so popular that American TV wants to adapt shows like "You Who Came From The Stars" can check them out.
"Korean drama and variety attract new viewers and fans every day," she said.
The content provider primarily acquires dramas through community demand. What fans want matters.
"For example, if there is a hot actor in the drama or if it is by a well-known writer, then we'll try to go after it," she said. "We want to hear what the fans want to see and we put a lot of effort into content acquisition though we can't always guarantee which licenses we get."
One of the things the content provider will focus on is the speed of the English subbing process. They aim to a hit a 12-hour-turnaround time, meaning that viewers in the U.S. can see the drama the same day it is shown in Korea. That's important, says McLachlan, because personally she hates waiting for the newest episode. And that's one reason she works with the subbing teams to decrease turnaround time.
The so-called "new kids in the k-drama neighborhood" are eager for feedback, so check them out at the SoompiTV site. Let us know what you think.
