Gone are the days when international television series were
solely dominated by Hollywood productions. Today, Korean dramas,
commonly known as K-dramas, have captured the hearts of millions
worldwide, transcending language barriers and captivating
audiences in all corners of the globe. From heartwarming romances
that left us swooning to gripping thrillers that had us on the edge of
our seats, Korean dramas have the remarkable ability to transport
audiences into a realm of emotions and storytelling like no other.
Africa, with its diverse and dynamic population, has quickly become
a significant market for these captivating shows. This is a selection
of a few of the best K-dramas we have watched in the year 2022
and 2023.
“Extraordinary Attorney Woo” is a captivating K-drama that has
captured the hearts of viewers around the world. This legal drama
revolves around the life of Woo Young-woo, a rookie lawyer with
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who has the love of all kinds of
whales. As she takes on challenging cases, Woo’s unconventional
methods and sharp intellect captivate both her clients and the
audience. The drama masterfully combines elements of suspense,
humor, and romance, creating a compelling narrative that keeps
viewers on the edge of their seats. With its intriguing storyline,
charismatic characters, and thought-provoking themes,
“Extraordinary Attorney Woo” is a must-watch K-drama that leaves
a lasting impression.
Business Proposal” is a captivating romance K-drama that
weaves a tale of unexpected love and complicated relationships.
The story revolves around Shin Ha-ri, a diligent employee who
agrees to a blind date on behalf of her friend, only to discover that
her mysterious date is none other than her own boss, Kang Tae-
moo. As Ha-ri and Tae-moo navigate their complicated professional
and personal lives, their encounters spark a connection that goes
beyond their initial expectations. Alongside them, we witness the
intertwined stories of Cha Sung-hoon, Tae-moo’s loyal secretary
and friend, and Jin Young-seo, Ha-ri’s supportive best friend. As the
plot unfolds, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions,
exploring themes of love, friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of
workplace dynamics. With its intriguing premise and an ensemble
cast of talented actors, “Business Proposal” delivers a delightful
blend of romance, drama, and unexpected twists that will keep
audiences hooked from start to finish.
“Alchemy of Souls” is a mesmerizing fantasy K-drama that takes
viewers on a captivating journey through the lives of Nak-su and
Jang Uk. Nak-su, an elite warrior with formidable skills, finds herself
trapped in the feeble body of Mu-deok due to an accidental soul
transfer. This unexpected twist of fate leads her to become Jang
Uk’s servant and master, embarking on a path of forbidden love and
self-discovery. As Nak-su teaches Jang Uk her warrior skills, they
both find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. Their journey
unfolds against the backdrop of a mysterious and dangerous magic
spell called the “alchemy of souls,” which holds the power to switch
souls between bodies. Throughout the series, the young mages
strive to overcome their twisted destinies, navigating the
complexities of love, loyalty, and personal growth. “Alchemy of
Souls” promises an enchanting tale of romance, magic, and the
resilience of the human spirit as these characters find strength and
courage in their intertwined fates.
“Taxi Driver” is a thrilling and captivating Korean show that has
gained immense popularity among viewers around the world. The
show revolves around the enigmatic and unconventional character
of Kim Do-gi, a former special forces officer who becomes a taxi
driver. However, his taxi service goes beyond transporting
passengers as he leads a covert vigilante organization seeking
justice for victims who were failed by the legal system. With its
intriguing plotline, intense action sequences, and thought-provoking
themes of revenge and redemption, “Taxi Driver” keeps viewers on
the edge of their seats. The show’s dynamic cast, led by Lee Je-
hoon, delivers compelling performances that bring the complex
characters to life. As the story unfolds, “Taxi Driver” delves into the
darker corners of society, exploring themes of corruption, power
abuse, and the pursuit of justice. With its engaging storytelling and
thought-provoking narrative, “Taxi Driver” has become a standout
Korean drama that leaves a lasting impact on its audience.
“Twenty Five Twenty One” is a captivating Korean drama that
takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through time, showcasing the
intricate and evolving romantic lives of five main characters.
Spanning from the year 1998 to 2021, the series delves into the
interconnected relationships of Na Hee-do, Baek Yi-jin, Ko Yu-rim,
Moon Ji-woong, and Ji Seung-wan. In a fascinating twist, the story
is unveiled through Na Hee-do’s daughter, who discovers her
mother’s diary from the year 2021, unraveling the tales of love,
heartbreak, and personal growth. With each episode, the audience
is transported to different eras, witnessing the characters’ joys,
sorrows, and the enduring power of love that transcends time.
“Twenty Five Twenty One” beautifully weaves together romance,
nostalgia, and the exploration of how our past experiences shape
our present selves.
“The Glory” is a gripping Korean drama that explores the
consequences of school violence and the pursuit of justice. The
series revolves around a former victim who, scarred by her
traumatic experiences, makes the bold decision to drop out of
school and meticulously plans her revenge against her bullies.
Years later, she seizes an opportunity to take on the role of a
homeroom teacher at the elementary school where the child of one
of her bullies attends. As she assumes her new position, she uses
her authority to seek retribution against those who once tormented
her. “The Glory” captivates viewers with its intense storyline,
shedding light on the long-lasting impacts of bullying and the
complexities of revenge. The show’s powerful performances and
thought-provoking narrative earned it recognition at the prestigious
59th Baeksang Arts Awards, with eight nominations and three wins,
including Best Drama, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress.
In conclusion, the growing popularity of Korean dramas in Africa
has opened up a new avenue for cultural exploration and
appreciation. Africans have wholeheartedly embraced these
captivating shows, eagerly diving into the rich tapestry of Korean
culture and getting lost in its diverse and captivating narratives. The
phenomenon of Korean dramas transcends geographical
boundaries, bringing people from different corners of the world
together through the shared experience of watching these must-see
shows.
By Edna Deus
The Tanzanian Times 