By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Mari Mikhaela Javier
Photos = Mari Mikhaela Javier
There is no other way of proving the effects of the "Korean Wave" -- the growth in popularity of Korean TV shows, music and movies across East Asia and elsewhere -- than turning on the TV and scanning your list of channels. Particularly in terms of Korean soap operas, the Philippines is just one of hundreds of countries that are welcoming these new Korea-inspired TV formats and shows.
A whole range of Korean soap operas have raised expectations that Philippine viewers have for their favorite dramas, further strengthening this "Korean Wave," also called "Hallyu" from the word for this phenomena in Mandarin. The power of Korean dramas lives on among Philippine viewers, whether it be soundtracks, actors, artists or pop groups. Moreover, throughout the years, Filipinos' love for Korean dramas and actors has urged huge broadcasting companies to create a trend in promoting pop Korean shows even further by increasing the number of Korean TV shows dubbed into Tagalog or other Philippine languages.
Just recently, fan clubs including Gong Yoo Philippines, BTOB Philippines, ABS-CBN and the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, have all held advanced screenings for dubbed versions of the hit TV show "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God" (쓸쓸하고 찬란하神 -- 도깨비). The fan clubs even handed out freebies and prizes for mini contest winners.;
The following day, fans of "The Legend of the Blue Sea" (푸른 바다의 전설) held an advanced screening for their show, too, as the two shows will air the same day on the the same network, taking over the afternoon and evening primetime slots.
On the other hand, another network, GMA, will soon air its adaptation of the record breaking show "My Love From the Star" (별에서 온 그대) and it's currently promoting the program. The channel has also dubbed many other TV soap operas, including "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" (달의 연인 - 보보경심 려).
The intense impact of Korean dramas and soap operas doesn't only come to an end at the end of the years, as it continuously contributes to the development of the entertainment industry in both Korea and the Philippines. Localized adaptations of high-rating shows only proves that the Philippines is ready for fresh new soap operas tailored specifically to Philippine tastes
wisdom117@korea.kr
