The global gaming milieu is peppered with a captivating range of entertainment attractions. Foremost among them is the rampant popularity of Korean dramas, otherwise known as K-dramas. Given the runaway success of Korean TV and film, it is no surprise that the Asian entertainment milieu is merging K-drama and online gaming. The result is a tour de force for fans!

These two hugely popular social activities in Asia are fanning far and wide. Based on data collected by Statista, the popularity of South Korean dramas in the US through October November 2023 indicates the following:

  • Few fans – 10.6%.
  • Widely popular with related goods promoted – 11.9%
  • Widely known with related goods available – 23.5%
  • Popular among some enthusiasts – 26.9%
  • Widely known among the general public – 27.1%

*Source: Statista Popularity of South Korean dramas in the United States as of November 2023

The Korean drama industry and the online gaming industry have grown in parallel over the years. This is particularly true of South Korea, a technologically advanced Southeast Asian nation with a highly-developed film & gaming industry, and a thriving entertainment culture. It makes sense that this intersection of K-drama and online gaming takes root at Ground Zero.

The Intersection of Online Gaming K-Drama: In Sharp Focus

Few things are quite as exciting in our modern-day cultural zeitgeist as the intersection of online gaming and Korean drama. It presents a fascinating case study. A mutual dependence of sorts has evolved where both industries thrive and survive off one another.

In fact, the convergence of film and video games is profoundly alluring, with both industries feeding off one another, and not only in zombie apocalypse-style scenarios. We see evidence of this aplenty in online gaming platforms.

Take the Empires & Puzzles epic adventure from Zynga Games, an iconic Battle Royale with swashbuckling action sequences and truly mesmerizing battles. It resembles the martial arts blockbusters of Korean TV and film series.

Others include the smash-and-win spectacular – Block Breaker Miner and the inimitable Game of Thrones. Monster Legends, Top Troops, Puzzle Combat, Queen Bee! and Ragdoll Fighter represent a handful of delightful films where this intersection of movies and games shines through.

These three games by Zynga Games perfectly represent the crossover:

  • Merge Magic! – This game’s fantasy elements and story-driven gameplay might appeal to fans of K-dramas, which often include fantastical themes and intricate storylines.
  • FarmVille 3 – Given the popularity of K-dramas set in rural or agricultural settings, this game resonates with fans who enjoy such dramas’ scenic and community-driven aspects.
  • Words With Friends 2—This game certainly appeals to K-drama fans who enjoy the social and interactive elements of gaming, similar to the interpersonal relationships depicted in dramas.

How Popular Are Korean TV Shows and Films in the World?

Netflix reported that the Korean drama that was most watched in 2023 was The Glory, with 622.8 million hours of viewing globally. It is also the third highest-ranking title on the premium subscription service through June 2023.  It is self-evident that from humble beginnings, Korean dramas have catapulted into the mainstream, where they enjoy the patronage of a large and growing global audience of fans.

High-quality material shines through, and evidence abounds with top titles like Parasite (2019: 2 hours, 12 minutes rated R), with global takings of $262 million. Other top-ranked Korean dramas and action-packed flicks include the following:

  • The Roundup: No Way Out (2023): $83.4 million
  • The Roundup: Punishment (2024): $83.5 million
  • Train to Busan (2016): $92.7 million
  • Assassination (2015): $96.1 million
  • 12.12: The Day (2023): $97.5 million
  • Exhuma (2024): $97.9 million
  • Along With the Gods: The Last 49 Days (2018): $99 million
  • The Roundup (2022): $101.1 million
  • Extreme Job (2019): $120 million
  • The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014): $138.3 million
  • Ode to My Father (2014): $184.8 million

Equally important, the themes, ideas, and messages conveyed in Korean dramas are universal – they transcend cultural boundaries and resonate with viewers across the board. The worldwide popularity of many Korean zombie movies, apocalyptic flicks, and romance stories has inspired a new generation of game developers eager to satiate the market’s need for these elements. And there’s plenty more to come!