When they say they are a K-drama fan, but their first drama is Squid Game: What is an authentic K-drama?

Abstract

This article investigates the evolving definition of the term “K-drama” and its authenticity. Using a case study of the Netflix series Squid Game, I examine fan discourse surrounding the series and the extent to which it fits within the traditional K-drama framework.

By analysing performative commentaries from TikTok users, as well as non-users who encounter TikTok content on other social media platforms, I aim to understand how audience engagement and platform-specific features contribute to the redefinition of K-drama. Additionally, this article discusses the broader implications of the ways in which platforms like TikTok shape the visibility and understanding of K-dramas among global audiences.

Viewers’ attempts to over-analyse the drama through the lens of Korean culture connect this debate with orientalism, cultural essentialism, and gatekeeping from Korean popular culture enthusiasts. The article argues that the Netflix effect has fundamentally altered the landscape of K-drama fandom, creating new tensions between longtime fans and newcomers that mirror broader debates about cultural authenticity in the age of global streaming.