The glitz and glam of Korean Dramas often overshadow the realities behind the scenes. Recently, several established actors have spoken out about their struggles in a changing industry, highlighting the anxieties that come with a shrinking drama market and the rise of streaming giants.
From Packed Filming Schedules to Empty Schedules
Veteran actor Lee Jang Woo‘s experience exemplifies the shift. In a recent YouTube video, Lee reminisced about the hectic days filming dramas, where packed schedules often left boxed lunches cold by the time actors could eat them. “There was a time,” Lee shared, “when all I could think about was the lunchbox getting cold.”
With a touch of humor, Lee’s YouTube team jokingly asked if the cold lunchboxes were to blame for his lack of recent projects. Lee’s response was both lighthearted and sincere: “I really, really want to film dramas. I hold the importance of my value and position of actor Lee Jang Woo.” He continued with a touch of determination, “Right now, I’m in a position where I don’t appear in dramas. I will mature more and I have to put in more effort.”
Lee’s comments hint at a larger issue – the dwindling number of drama productions. He further emphasized this concern, stating, “The drama scene is a mess right now. Where did all the golden capital go?” This sentiment reflects the declining popularity of weekend dramas, which have historically been a major source of work for Korean actors.
Anxiety and Uncertainty Cloud the Future
Lee Jang Woo isn’t alone in his anxieties. Actor Kim Ji Seok, on the reality show “Actors’ Night Out,” openly expressed his worries about not receiving work offers. “This has never happened before,” he confessed, highlighting the stark contrast to previous years. “I feel anxious and worried about not being able to film even 1 project this year.”
The pressure to stay relevant is evident in Kim’s statement: “I heard these other actors filmed 6-7 projects last year but I only filmed 1.” His determination to work shines through when he tells his manager, “I don’t care if it’s a supporting role or a supporting role for a supporting role. I just want to do a project that is good no matter what. I want to be an actor doing many projects.”
Beyond Dramas: Actresses Seek New Avenues
The changing landscape isn’t just affecting male actors. Actresses like Han Ye Seul are also feeling the pinch. Through her YouTube channel, Han candidly shared, “I want to participate in a project but there are no projects.” This statement underscores the limited opportunities available for established actresses.
The uncertainty of her acting career has even led Han Ye Seul to explore alternative options. She revealed, “To be honest, I’ve become worried about my future path. I even went to school to study skincare. I thought I would at least be able to do a part-time job with a certificate.”
A Shrinking Market and the Rise of Streaming
Actress Oh Yoon Ah echoed the sentiment of a shrinking market. She explained, “These days, there are no dramas. The drama (market) has shrunk to half the size (of its peak) so it’s hard for dramas that were already filmed to find airing time slots.” Previously, Oh Yoon Ah had the privilege of choosing between multiple projects. Now, she expresses her gratitude for the opportunities she finds in variety shows and reality programs.
The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ is a significant factor in this shift. These platforms are increasingly producing their own content, creating more competition for traditional broadcast dramas.
The Future of Korean Dramas
The anxieties of these established actors paint a complex picture of the Korean Drama industry. While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the landscape is evolving. Whether through adapting to the streaming age or exploring new avenues for storytelling, both actors and production companies will need to navigate this changing environment to ensure the continued success of Korean Dramas.
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