The Korean connection in Nepal

In Nepal, the hype around Kdrama and Kpop is increasing constantly amongst youngsters (mainly girls). Some of the famous kpop bands who are gaining popularity are BTS, BLACKPINK, Twice, EXO and so on.

Kiran Magar, 22 years old says that, “It’s been a long time since I’ve been watching kdramas. My first ever Kdrama was ‘Boys over flower’ and I still remember fangirling over the lead actor of the very drama (Lee Min Ho), which I still do.”

“The same drama that I loved back then seems too cliché now. Maybe it’s because of the varieties of genres in kdramas we are getting to watch these days”, she adds. Magar is not really sure about her love for kdramas but she still feels excited to watch one.

She is in a dilemma whether she likes it because of the good-looking actors, exceptional acting or good story. However, she knows that she loves watching it and that it is her escape from reality.

While speaking about kpop, she explains, “I discovered them later than kdrama. And after knowing them I started following BTS. I think most of you all think it’s typical to follow them as the craze we see for BTS is surreal.”

For her it’s always been their music and the topics they choose to convey to their audience. And on top of that, their looks are what take her heart away. “The love from the fandom is really huge and they are very dedicated. Maybe it’s because kpop groups try to connect with their fans”, she adds further.

Though these days Magar has stopped following them because of her busy schedule; work and studies, she still loves them and admires them as a fan.

Shiwany Bhattachan adds, “I’ve been watching kdramas, listening to kpops since my childhood. So, for me they are like distractions from my stress and loneliness. They prioritize their fans and their fan service is also great like BTS have some of the songs dedicated to their fans. And I like SHINee and BigBang the most.”

Similarly, Yushef Rai says that, “Most of the kdrama could be watched with your families, whereas some of them are for the youth, based on the generation's story. One can find; good acting, talent, motivation, and education in kdrama.”

“In Korean music, we can find hip hop, funk, retro pop, rnb, soul pop and rock. Their music is like an all-rounder. We can listen to all types of music genres by one artist”, he adds. Though they don’t understand their language, they go in the depth of the rhythm.

Rai even have their dance group named as ‘4ever1 family’ who are promoting kpop culture. They have 4.85k subscribers on YouTube. The craze of kdrama and kpop is so extreme that they have begun to like Korea and some of their life goals is to go to Korea once in a lifetime.