Wednesday, April 15, 2020

DAY 32: ECQ


One thing is for sure: Koreanovelas are not only impressive.   They are not only substantial in their content but are visually stunning.

I am not even talking about the grandeur of their production design in historical dramas.
I am not even including the excellence in the way their KDramas are photographed, the choice of locations and costumes and even details including food props and atmosphere characters.

I am talking about television materials which are of world class caliber.  If Filipino viewers are in awe of the amount of investment plonked into these productions compared to the local counterparts, then let us explain.

It is all about the market.

(10) Production value is given utmost premium in Koreanovelas because it has got everything to do with branding.

You know you are watching a KDrama because you can immediately identify the look.  Money is funneled into giving worth and value to every scene shot.  Sure, you've got these terrific actors who are focused on delivering varied roles per project, exquisitely written plots that make familiar tropes look new. But all these are topped by a look ... a brand ... that makes the Koreanovelas distinct from their other Asian counterparts.

The cross-cultural invasion began with Chinovelas crossing borders and claiming a chunk of what used to be (for instance) the lion's share of Latin telenovelas in our tv landscape.  When the Taiwanese series Meteor Garden (2001) brought in the world of Dao Ming Su and friends to Filipino audiences, the focus suddenly swung to Asian soap series which are as identifiable and emphatic to an audience that is suddenly turning regional if not one-global.
But it was 2009 that Boys Over Flowers introduced Lee Min-Ho and squad to Filipinos that Korean popular culture (together with music) penetrated contemporary cultural consciousness.

This is primarily why production value equates with branding.  In a highly competitive market you have to look expensive.  

Locations in Koreanovelas are idealized, shot like tourism ads highlighting both the qualities of the metropolis like Seoul or the richness of its modern architecture. For instance, in Itaewon Class, a specific district of the city is highlighted as the center of trendy urban culture, showing shops, restaurants and pubs which give you a glimpse of their millennial lifestyle.  

Similarly traditional architecture and scenery are shown to emphasize the culture of Korea, whether it is in modes of dining, choice of cuisine or even simple depictions of traditional ceramics and folk art.  This is craftily embedded in scenes  to remind us that what we are watching is also a celebration of an evolving culture.

But again we also have to understand why they spend so much for these productions for technical excellence, polish and impressiveness.  Remember, their market is not Korea alone.  Their market has become regional --- to say the least --- and international, at most.

Notice that Netflix in the Philippines is literally stuffed with Koreanovelas.  No one can deny that their audiences are not native Koreans alone --- but Asians and perhaps to a certain extent those who belong to other races all over the world.

That is also why it is useless comparing Koreanovelas with our local productions. Mga madlang people, they have transcended national boundaries to provide worldwide entertainment.  It is only necessary that they up the ante.  Not that I am belittling local productions as there are certain Filipino telenovelas that have also crossed national boundaries and are aired in subtitled versions in other countries both Asian and otherwise.

However, we have not reached that league wherein Filipino telenovelas have achieved a brand that would warrant a substantial audience of non-Pinoy viewers.  In order to get there we must advance if not evolve into thinking beyond Aleng Tacing and her baranggay and start imagining that ... uh, there is a bigger world out there that should be given a better taste of what Filipino talents can still accomplish.

We cannot keep getting stuck like flies on sticky paper on what we predict as the papatok taste of the masa ... or better yet, belittling the 

(11) Production design is of premium importance.

One of my Twitter respondents wrote something that had me rolling on the floor with laughter:
"Sa Koreanovela hindi sila natutulog na naka-make-up."
Another wrote:
"May taste yung mga damit nila. Hindi sila mukhang binihisan ng walang class na designer."

One thing that is most notable of South Koreans is their sense of style and fashion.  Distinctly different from the Taiwanese and Japanese,  Koreans carry themselves with an aura of taste and authority --- so much so that even their derelicts look fashionably --- uh, dirty.  If you see their telenovelas and the visual messages they send us, two things are made clear.

First, the characters are all aspirational.  

You look at them and you want to look like them.  The women are always dressed impeccably and the men look like they are about to be set up in a fashion pictorial.  Regardless of station in life of the characters, they are made to look beautiful, almost inaccessible but someone to aspire for.  

This is serves as another selling point of the shows because people do not simply want to see ... they want to look at everything the show has to offer and absorb this visual delight as part of their sense of fulfillment.

Again, one asks why this is important: how can fashion play a major role in the selling of programs.  The answer is simple: these shows, despite the weight of subject matter or the intensity of emotions --- are fantasies.  Fantasies can take you to another world where everyone is beautiful --- including the villains.  You do not mock the ugly but instead celebrate beauty in all its possible forms.

Yet the way characters are dressed or made up are befitting of the characters that they play.  They are never meant to be tacky or kitschy but an extension of the role that the actor is portraying.

Case in point: I was delightfully surprised to find out that two actors from Bong Joon Ho's Parasite was in the series  Crash Landing on You. I did not recognize Lee Jeong-eun as the rich matron in the KDrama whereas she was so well-marked as the scheming replacement maid in the Park home in the movie ... or Myeong-hoon Park as the husband in the basement and the uncle in the CLOY.  Costumes, make-up and the total commitment of the actors make them unrecognizable in every role that they play because production design revolves around credibility and not just presenting something pretty.

Lastly, one very important observation that most the Twitter respondents provided.

(12) Koreanovelas are still basically conservative.

Yes, they may deal with controversial subjects, delve into plot lines of revenge but the crux of the problem always centers on honor and dignity.

The characters do not feel lust: they show love.  There may be passion but it is controlled and emotions are expressed through detail and not excesses of physicality.  The kisses and touches are tender.  And there is a great amount of premium given to respect.

If there is one thing that the Enhanced Community Quarantine has taught me, it is to appreciate a form of popular media which I used to look at from a distance and never completely understood.

I am still a neophyte at this and at the rate things are going, I do not know when the quarantine will be lifted or what kind of normal awaits us when we are all set free from our self-imposed house arrest.  So that means I have more time to consume these brilliant little episodes of Korean storytelling.

I do not have the resilience of some of my friends who can finish sixteen episodes in one sitting. I think that is something for the books. 

I can take as much as four at max ... but then let us see.  I have come to realize that these shows are, at first, engrossing ... and then addicting.  And it all started because somebody told me that I should catch Crash Landing on You ... and somebody insisted I see Pinocchio ... and now I am hooked and I want that hairstyle of Park Seo-joon (called chesnut according to my nephew ) as my post-Quarantine look.

Soon I have to explore Thai and Turkish mini-series as well.  What a beautiful and useful way to utilize confinement: to discover that there is a whole world out there to analyze even from the burden of quarantine and the imperative of social distance.

O, tama na. I have to go back to Netflix.











46 comments:

  1. Exactly direk! Exactly! 😍😍😍. The planning for each episode, each character's arc, each push and pull are really elaborate and brilliant. And each actor even in a small role are really effective.

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  2. On point as always! Thanks for this very informative and entertaining read. 😊

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  3. Before you explore Thai and Turkey film, i recommend you to watch REPLY 1988 first. For me, this is one of the well-researched project. It was a total hit even though the actors were all unknown to acting industry when they were picked for the roles. The korean tv industry were also shocked on how the drama sky rocketed to fame considering it was from a cable channel.

    To add, Descendants of the Sun is the only pre-filmed kdrama. The only drama completely filmed before it was released. The producers where crossing fingers for the feedback since they cant edit scenes anymore once released. It was a risky move for them but they didnt fail. Maybe you would like to dissect it too.

    Ps: I love reading your blog this ecq.

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    1. Reply 1988 is my all time fave kdrama! ❤

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    2. A friend of mine is insisting that I watch the Turkish series as well. Now I am intrigued.

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    3. currently watching Reply 1988.

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  4. This is a good read and I agree as a K-drama fan. It's great to read these insights from a respected director's perspective.

    Crash Landing On You is a top pick on K-dramas.

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    1. Yes, it is. Because even if it is basically a love story there is a socio-political context to it. It is not stretched for the sake of submitting to ratings.|

      Moreover, I was overwhelmed at the very idea that they built an entire set for that North Korean village in order to bring about not only production value but authenticity.

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    2. a NK defector who studied film directing in a university helped in crash landing on you kdrama.. i think the production asked NIS (like FBI) if they have someone who can be of help in films..pls check this out :-)

      https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-51526625

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  5. I know your forte direk is on romance and sometimes horror but I want you to watch this three, I think unique, kdramas. Misaeng, Signal and Kingdom. All are highly-rated dramas more due to their plot which is really needed here in Ph. Misaeng is basically the struggles of an intern who was hired through nepotism (common in ph btw). Signal is about time bending detective story using real murder cases as the backdrop. Kingdom is about a medival zombie apocalyse. Signal and Kingdom are from the same director btw.

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    1. I have actually seen Kingdom ... which is a terrific variation to an earlier TRAIN TO BUSAN Zombie Apocalypse movie. Remember that? We should have picked up pointers then but ...

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  6. DR.ROMANTIC TEACHER KIM IS ALSO A MUST, DIREK!!! GIVE IT A TRY ��

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    1. Salamat. Will do. A number Koreanovela experts have also echoed your recommendation.

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  7. Direk, pls try to watch prison playbook, sky castle, reply series, romantic doctor, another miss oh, because it the first time in my life

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  8. Try to watch po Mr. Sunshine which was written by Goblin’s and DOTS writer. Very good cinematography and story about showcasing what was the situation in Korea when they were under Japanese protectorate. The love lines of the main leads didn’t overpower the plotline of the whole series.

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  9. Puti pa si direk open minded. Di tulad ng iba direk (erik matti). Nangutya pa ng ibang tao sa frustration niya.

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  10. I love your observations and analysis direk. That is on point! And i agree with you. I recommend you watch "scarlet heart ryeo". That kdrama will surely make your heart break.

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    2. I highly recommend this direk, this is my top list.Everything that I need is in that drama, I was not a fan of historical drama but when I watch scarlet heart I became one. Hanggang ngayon di parin ako nakakamove on sa kanila.

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  11. I love the analysis! Your case on point direk.
    May I suggest, since you’re almost done on your third kdrama and seems like you have not tried anything in the Fantasy genre, please do watch Goblin. Love story/Historical/Fantasy/Romcom. I appreciated the details on this drama. You have to catch those details!:) It’s an impressive kdrama overall. Cinematography, OST, acting skills, depth. Depth of emotions direk!
    I’d say cinderella syndrome is quite common too in kdramas. But as you mentioned, they can turn the cliches into something new! They’re really really good at it. I’m most of the time left amazed on how they’re able to execute a familiar scene and put a different feel on it. Galing!
    If you can also add on your to-watch kdrama list, you can go to as luma as “The Heirs” also known as “The Inheritors”(2013) and you will see that the theme somehow resembled to Boys Over Flowers/Meteor Garden. These cinderella syndrome, poor-rich tandem, against all odds relationships, Conglomerate families, teens in a high school set up are All quite familiar theme/plot/conflicts in a drama. But still, I think, you will find the drama growing into you and appreciate it because of how well the story was delivered. Those 2 series will either re-affirm what you have enumerated mentioned on this blog or add more insights why kdramas are getting substantial viewership internationally.

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    1. Even if they are using old tropes ... like Cinderella templates, it is their TREATMENT of characters that is sometimes shockingly out of the box yet convincing and realistic that makes their storytelling sumptuous.

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  12. I read all your blog posts about Kdramas and I agree on all fonts. Please do watch Itaewon Class, While You Were Sleeping, W Two Worlds,Tunnel, Vision, Graceful Family, and my current watches Rugal and Memorist. Also for Korean Movies Along with the Gods (1&2) are available in netflix.

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  13. As what I always say to my girlfriend.. Filipino teleseryes simplify the storyline.. because they see the masses as stupid. Imbes na may napupulot viewers sa pinapanuod, wala na. lalo bobobo pilipino. Wag naman sana ganon tingin sa mga pinoy. kahit naman walang pinag aralan natututo rin.

    I'm an anime lover kasi anime maraming genre, banggitin mo na lahat halos may anime na. even the weirdest tiniest organism in the world may anime rin (im referring to the anime about a boy who can see micro organisms thru naked eye.. nalimutan ko na title)
    Basically I watch anything that has a unique storyline.. there goes to say na kahit papano may mga pasok rin namang filipino movies sa all time top 10 ko.. like On the job (maganda yung film, kaso yung mga shots camera angle, same old tricks, still i like it because of the plot).

    love you to the stars and back.. maganda rin, heavy drama.. galing ng iyakan nila joshua totoong totoo.. plus may hinalong konting paranormal sa kwento = unique. simple lang naman ako.. if it piques my interest G ako.

    Same sa Kdrama's andyn lahat, visual, camera angle, fashion unique storyline kumpleto.. though conservative nga sila compared sa Jdrama's na medyo libirated.

    So, to save filipino dramas may suggestion ako... we need not to look far or to look for storylines that will pique the interest of the masses, teach them lessons, inspire, showcase filipino culture, deep, mysterious, and for all ages. Why not El fili busterismo...
    I'd say start with el fili para cool climax agad, action ba, kasi we have a cool, mysterious, rich and faSionable leading man, simoun.. gusto ko ung rizal ni cesar montano, ang pinagkaiba sa sinasuggest ko is ipoportray din ung actual events na nangyayari kay rizal while writing his books, same person may have the role of rizal and simoun...
    maganda kaya yung two books, plus it always keep the audience askiing for qauestions. just let them stay like that, since marami naman pwede interpretation yung two books.

    plus ok lang naman maraming commercial, basta habaan nila yung timeslot.. 1hr ganun.. 30 mins commercial 30 mins naman per ep.

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  14. Try to watch Signal, Voice (crime) and Six Flying Dragons (historical) at marami pang iba. My ghad sa dami kong napanuod na magaganda wala ako maalala. Fake fan yata ako πŸ˜‚ Napanuod ko yata kasi lahat ng Kdrama ng bawat TV networks sa Korea. Di na kinaya ng utak ko sa dami hahaha Pag nakita ko maaalala ko naman. Basta 90% ng napanuod ko magaganda talaga.

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  15. Hi Direk Joey. I enjoy reading your blog on kdramas. Those observations I have were given the right analysis by you. On point talaga. I also love reading your follower's comments. I got to note down some kdramas they suggest you shld watch. This way it will be easy for me what to watch next. Kaya lang ang dami nilang suggestions,hahaha!
    Stay safe and well Direk Joey. God bless po.

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  16. Korean series/movies do not show too much skin, yet very effective in drawing out your raw emotions. Korean movies and teleseryes are grounded on solid plots that do not sacrifice value for money. Case in point:. Crash Landing on You. Ang sarap pang pahabain as it commanded viewership, which could translate to more money in the coffers, and yet hindi nila ginawa kasi lalaylay na pero si Cardo ilang beses ng muntik-muntikang namatay, naging cartoonish na ang dating, sige pa rin. Nasusuka na kami sa mga plots na pulos agawan ng asawa o nobyo,murahan,sulutan, at patayan palagi sa ending whereas sa K-dramas may napupulot na aral palagi, at Naruto ka pa na kumilos ng pino, subdue your emotions hindi kailangang palengkera palagi ang dating. Sulit na sulit ang bayad sa Netflix. Meron tayong kapasidad na gumawa ng mga pelikulang blockbusters na hindi naman kailangang gumasta ng malaki. We had "Kita Kita," at "English Only Please." na may haplos sa puso, kumita ng making pera na walang hubaran. In "Crash Landing on You," for the most part, actors were not glamourized. Pinapakita kung ano ba talaga ang dapat na hitsura sa kinakailangang eksena. Pero sa Pinoy movies kahit sa bahay lang ang eksena,basta mayaman, kuntodo makeup, naka high heels pa! Opinion ko lang po ito, hindi ko sinasadyang makasakit ng damdamin ng iba.

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  17. Real.and true art elevates the himan spirit.

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  18. Thank you for such an unbiased commentary! I totally agree with your views and find it refreshing to watch shows where there is no nudity, vulgar language, reference to sex, screaming matches, extended crying scenes, shows of disrespect towards elders, thick makeup/coiffed hair/talon nails/ high, high heels, etc. etc. Kdramas may have unrealistic fairy tale story lines but isn’t putting viewers in a lighter mood also part and parcel of TV and cinema? I say this not in total abandonment of Philippine entertainment, which has also produced many revolutionary films in the past decade.

    Kdramas make many political references to North Korean defectors and unification, which has sparked an interest in a lot of people. I haven’t been to South Korea but I have learned to appreciate their culture through Kdramas and am planning to visit the country when it is already safe to do so.

    Matti’s comments about “(B)elofied” Korean actors/actresses are harsh, even bitter at
    most. Aren’t Filipino actors and actresses also obsessed with plastic surgery, whitening and aesthetic procedures even as early as in their teens?

    Thank you for stating succinctly what has been going through my head! More power to you.

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  19. Everything all started with our love for F4 (Taiwanese) & the rest of our KDrama testimonies is history. Thanks for this content. Stay happy! My KDrama recommendation for you would be Itaewon Class &t classic - Coffee Prince 😊😊

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  20. Found myself looking forward to your Kdrama drops. Have watched most of the Kdrama recommendations mentioned here which are all on Netflix. For a broader range, may I suggest Dramacool and Kissasian kung saan naglipana ang mga hardcore Kdrama fans. Hahaha! Happy watching!

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    1. haha Dramacool and Kissasian are not licensed to stream content. Aside from Netflix, kdramas are available on Viu and iflix.

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  21. And may kakaibang arch din po sa mga karibal sa affections ng bida tulad sa CLOY, Yung si Seo Dan was not made out to be a real rival/baddie na kakalabanin Yung character ni Seri for Capt. Ri's affections. I like how she fell for and grieved over Alberto, tapos, when she had a good cry, bangon uli, cleared her thoughts, paganda uli and took active steps to right some wrongs. Wow!

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  22. I just saw your blog po and I totally agree with all the points you have mentioned. I am currently 24 years old and I've been a fan of korean / thai / chinese / japanese drama since I was 5 to 6 years old. These dramas are making me sane thse quarantine period and also keeps me relax during stressful days in the office. You should try watching po Descendants of the Sun, Hospital Ship, Her Private Life, What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, Romantic Dr. Kin, Scarlet Heart Ryeo, Golden Life, The Last Empress, Hyde Jekyll Me, Doctor Stranger, Good Doctor, Sky Castle, City Hunter and a lot more sorry po andami :)

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  23. A lot have been suggested. But Mental Health is not a common thing to discuss in PH as well. But South Korea has a dramas about this too. I suggest "It's Okay, Thats Love" and "Kill Me, Heal Me". they have a lot to offer, comedy, mental health awareness, romance, family. and lasty i want to suggest a family drama, not most PH fans actually watch this kind of noontime dramas because of the vast array of caharacters. But they are moslty the tearjerkers and heartwarming dramas, i suggest "What happens to my Family?".
    please watch.
    and I like Pinocchio as well, I hoped you already watched it as it tackles Reporters/Media
    Thank you for this blog!

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  24. I am currently watching Dr. Romantic. I’ve seen Doctors. I am so amazed at how realistic the ER and OR scenes are and how they can create suspense out of a series of clipped words uttered by the surgeon. Forceps. Cottonoid. Cut. Elevator. And how they show actual operation while these are all being uttered.

    It’s as if the actors were briefed on all these terms and how a surgeon really feels inside a theatre. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were also briefed on what the actual procedure they were supposed to be doing is all about.

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  25. Kdramas are engaging, fresh and on point. Pinag isipan at hindi pilit, i would appreciate a 10 epi. Series that I know na pinagisipan talaga than a 60 epi. series na puro pasikot sikot and down right kaboboha nalang(sorry for the word) ang nangyayari because you know after all ang ending naman ay magpapakasal yung 2 bida.

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  26. W two worlds, while you were sleeping, i can hear your voice, secret garden, the girl who see smells. Yan mga korean drama na scifi na matindi check it out niyo πŸ™‚

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  27. direk kailan kaya iikli yung mga episode natin sa pinas? kase honestly kahit may mapili kang magandang series sa pinas, kung gusto mo panoorin ulit parang nakakatamad na dahil sa haba ng episodes nito.

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  28. Direk, pls do try to watch "Fated to Love You" by Jang Na Ra and Jang Hyuk. When i watched it, i said "ay, prang Pinoy teleserye lng" kc mas mbagal sya ng konti kesa usual na K-Drama. But wow, always per episode mpptawa ka and may time iiyak kc mkaka relate ka sa mga scenes. They are very particular sa details..may time din nkaka asar, nkakaloko but di ka mabibitin. And then, i also recommend yung "The Undateables", "Whats Wrong with Secretary Kim" and "Healer". Halos lahat ng stories, may mental health issues and at the end, na reresolve sila. Also "Something in the Rain"..sobra kakakilig yun.
    I also noticed, hindi nman nagkkagustuhan yung mga bida sa umpisa. Na dedevelop lng which for me is more realistic. Then, pinapakita din if paano kiligin yung lead actor, which is more endearing sa aming mga babaeng viewers.😁 Just imagine Ji Chang Wook, Park Seo Jun and Jung Hae-In na kinikilig sa partners nila, OMO..OMO..OMO..kikiligin ka talaga ng sobra..Lol!

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