You’ve been warned! Going into a K-Drama without expectations can quickly send you spiraling through a rollercoaster of emotions. Here are the five emotional stages every K-Drama viewer inevitably experiences.

Step One: Curiosity and Cautious Optimism

At first, you’re casually intrigued. Maybe the drama caught your eye because of an interesting premise or an actor you like. You cautiously click play, telling yourself, "I’ll just watch one episode," only to end up hooked by a sudden cliffhanger.

Step Two: Obsession Begins

Suddenly, you’re emotionally attached to the characters and storyline. You catch yourself googling the actors, counting remaining episodes, and desperately seeking recommendations for similar dramas. Responsibilities? They can wait. Sleep? Optional.

Step Three: Emotional Devastation

This is the stage where your heart gets crushed repeatedly. Unexpected plot twists, tragic events, heartbreaking misunderstandings, and emotional outbursts have you wondering, “Why do bad things always happen to good people?” Ugly crying sessions become a regular event during this stage.

Step Four: Sweet Relief and Bittersweetness

Finally! Your favorite characters confess their love, misunderstandings are resolved, and happiness seems within reach. You're ecstatic, relieved, and euphoric, but also slightly sad knowing the end is near.

Step Five: Drama Withdrawal

It’s all over. The credits roll, and you're left sitting in silence, feeling a sense of emptiness known as drama withdrawal. To fill this sudden void, you either start rewatching the same drama immediately or jump headfirst into another series.

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