You can clearly see how powerful the influence of a single K-drama can be, especially in Korea. When a series gains massive popularity, it can do more than just trend online, as it can spark real-world changes. These dramas didn’t just entertain viewers, they inspired actual business trends across the country.
1. 'Itaewon Class'
After the success of 'Itaewon Class', a wave of young entrepreneurs started opening bars and pubs in Itaewon. The show's theme of fighting the odds and starting a food and drink business lit a fire among youth who wanted to chase their own dreams. It turned inspiration into action, and Itaewon quickly became a hotspot for youth-led businesses.
2. 'Start Up'
'Start Up' gave tech and entrepreneurship a huge boost in Korea. Suddenly, more people became curious about coding bootcamps, co-working spaces, and starting their own ventures instead of choosing traditional office jobs. The drama even sparked interest in working at real Silicon Valley firms in California, showing how far its influence reached.
3. 'Crash Landing On You'
The buzz from 'Crash Landing On You' wasn’t just limited to North Korean fashion or Pyeongyang-style naengmyeon. Viewers were so captivated by the show's visuals that many began traveling to Switzerland, visiting the exact filming locations and embracing the aesthetic. It was a tourism boom sparked by love and drama.
4. 'Coffee Prince'
Korea's café boom can be traced back to 'Coffee Prince'. Even years later, the original café from the drama is still open and serves as a popular tourist attraction. Thanks to the drama’s success, themed cafés became a cultural staple, blending comfort with Instagrammable interiors.
5. 'The Business Proposal'
Unlike the others on this list, 'The Business Proposal' didn’t lead to business ventures, it sparked a dating trend. The show revived interest in couple dates and blind dating services across Korea, inspiring many to get back out into the dating world, K-drama style.
6. 'Hotel Del Luna'
Luxury staycations became a thing after 'Hotel Del Luna'. Many hotels took design notes from the drama, incorporating vintage interiors and fantasy themes to create a dreamy, Instagram-worthy experience. Suddenly, hotel aesthetics became just as important as the service.
7. 'Let's Eat'
'Let's Eat' helped normalize solo dining and elevated mukbang culture to a whole new level. The show made eating alone look enjoyable and delicious, leading to more food delivery app usage and a cultural acceptance of dining solo. Food was no longer just a necessity, and it became entertainment.
Which K-drama trend do you remember seeing happen in real life? Let us know in the comments below!
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