We know you are trying to track the most common kdrama clichés you have and will spot in the future too. Get the entire 2023 updated list so you know about the latest trends and likings of Kdrama fans!
WHY ARE COMMON CLICHES STILL POPULAR?
People still love common cliches in stories, even though they seem predictable. These cliches are popular because they make us feel comfortable. When we know what might happen in a story! Whether it’s a story about two people from different backgrounds falling in love or someone who overcomes big challenges, these cliches are like old friends that we enjoy spending time with. So, look out for the staple Kdrama clichés listed below.
K-Drama Clichés
WHAT ARE THE MOST FREQUENT CLICHES IN KOREAN DRAMAS
Even though cliches might seem the same, they bring back good memories, help us feel better emotionally, and make it easier for everyone to understand and enjoy the stories. Nevertheless, storytellers find new ways to tell these stories.
Brothers / Best Friends Love The Same Girl
In Kdramas, it’s common to see a story where brothers or best friends both fall for the same girl. This situation brings a lot of feelings and drama in the plot. It’s like a rollercoaster ride of emotions, showing how people deal with loyalty, jealousy, and the strong bonds of friendship and family. The characters go through a journey of ups and downs, and the audience gets to see how they handle their mixed-up feelings, leading to either really sad or really happy endings that everyone can relate to.
Tracked In Kdramas…
- “Boys Over Flowers” – Jun-pyo and Ji-hoo both fall for Jan-di, creating a compelling love triangle.
- “You’re Beautiful” – The members of the band A.N.Jell find themselves entangled in a love square when they all develop feelings for the same girl.
Brothers / Best Friends Love The Same Girl
Helicopter Parents
You’ll often find parents who are super protective and involved in their kids’ lives, sometimes to an extreme level. They’re like “helicopter parents” (means overprotective in nature) because they’re always hovering around their children. This can be funny to watch, but it also reflects how older and younger generations sometimes clash in their beliefs. The situations these parents create can be both funny and touching, showing how family dynamics change over time. In most Kdramas, parents want their children to marry in a rich family to either maintain or elevate their social status.
Tracked In Kdramas…
- “Heirs” – The main characters struggle with overprotective parents who dictate their lives and choices.
- “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” – The female lead deals with her parent’s overbearing nature as she navigates her career and love life.
Helicopter Parents
A Funny And Weird Friend
Kdramas always have this character who is funny and a bit strange. This friend brings a lot of laughs and adds extra depth to the story. They say funny things, do weird stuff, and their reactions are just hilarious. But beyond that, they’re also great listeners and are always there for the main characters when they need emotional support. This shows that friendships don’t have to be typical to be meaningful. The main characters often enjoy soju together in a roadside restaurant and rooftops.
Tracked In Kdramas…
- “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo” – Bok-joo’s friend Nan-hee provides comic relief with her quirky personality and hilarious antics.
- “Reply 1988” – The friend Sung-kyung brings humor to the group with her eccentric behavior and unique perspective.
A Funny And Weird Friend
Cuddly Back Hugs
You must have seen those sweet moments in Kdramas when one person hugs another from behind? These are called back hugs, and they all about show care, protection, and love. It’s like a silent way of saying “I’m here for you.” These hugs happen in important scenes that mark changes in relationships. Even after the show ends, viewers remember these moments because they’re really touching. The heroine either gets overly drunk, is hurt, or just a little stubborn in these instances.
Tracked In Kdramas…
- “Descendants of the Sun” – The main characters’ back hug moments are both tender and memorable, symbolizing their deep connection in Descendants of the Sun.
- “While You Were Sleeping” – Back hugs play a significant role in conveying emotions between the lead characters of this Kdrama.
Cuddly Back Hugs
Boyfriend’s Culinary Seduction
In most Kdramas, cooking scenes are used to show romance. It’s a bit cliché, but it works! One common plot is when a boyfriend tries to impress his girlfriend by cooking for her. It’s not just about the food; it’s about showing that he cares and is willing to put effort into the relationship. Each dish tells a story, stirring emotions and making viewers feel warm inside. Sometimes, the cooking turns out to be the showstopper and the girlfriend immediately falls for it. In other case, the boyfriend burns his hand or finger or the food too. Even then, the girlfriend loves and cares and they end up eating instant ramyun.
Tracked In Kdramas…
- “Let’s Eat” – The drama explores the characters’ relationships and friendships through their shared love for food.
- “Oh My Ghost” – The lead male character showcases his cooking skills to win over the heart of the girl who’s possessed by a ghost.
Boyfriend’s Culinary Seduction
A Superhero Boyfriend
Imagine a boyfriend who seems almost too good to be true. He’s kind, caring, and always there to help. In Kdramas, you’ll often find this “superhero” boyfriend. He’s like a dream partner, showing strength and kindness. It’s not just about romance; it’s also about breaking old ideas about how men and women should behave in relationships. Whether you are about to be gripped by a thug, stepping in front of a vehicle, or have betraying friend, the cool boyfriend is always there to help and save the day.
Tracked In Kdramas…
- “My Love from the Star” – The male lead, an alien with superhuman abilities, protects and supports the female lead in various situations.
- “I Hear Your Voice” – The male lead has the ability to read people’s minds, and he uses this power to help and support the female lead.
Do you have any idea which My Love From The Star character are you? That’s bad! Hurry up and answer the My Love From The Star Quiz.
A Superhero Boyfriend
Evil to Angelic Shift
In several Kdramas, there’s a common story where a bad guy turns into a good guy. This transformation is often driven by love, redemption, or just changing their ways. It’s like showing that even when someone does bad things, they can still change and become better. This story gives a message of hope and forgiveness, making viewers think about how people can change for the better, no matter their past. The guy (usually main protagonist) has never been out in the light but the girl makes sure he sees the broader perspective of life. This is how the life of a man and his coming generations change forever.
Tracked In Kdramas…
- “Doctor Stranger” – The main character goes from working as a doctor in a secretive organization to using his skills for the greater good.
- “Save Me” – A group of friends must save a girl from a cult led by an evil man, who later experiences a transformation as the story unfolds.
Evil to Angelic Shift
NEVER-ENDING LOVE FOR THEM!
The above cliches talk about things that everyone understands, no matter where they’re from or how old they are. They are still fun and intriguing to watch because each Kdrama puts them forward in a completely new way. Hence proved that these most often used Kdrama clichés are still ranked high by the fans.
