Feb 22 β€’ 04:14 UTC πŸ‡°πŸ‡· Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Short-Form Drama: Is Shorter Better?

Prominent South Korean directors are increasingly entering the short-form drama market, indicating a growing acceptance and popularity of the format.

In South Korea, renowned filmmakers such as Lee Byung-hun, director of the hit film 'Extreme Job', and Lee Joon-ik, known for 'The King’s man', have begun producing short-form dramas, which were previously considered low-brow or B-grade content. Their participation marks a significant shift as the genre gains traction among both audiences and major industry players, attracting attention from new directors and actors alike.

The recent launch of 'Lezhin Snack', a specialized platform for short-form dramas by Lezhin Entertainment, emphasizes this trend. It features a rich array of content, including original productions and sourced works, that appeal to a wider audience. One notable release is a romantic comedy titled 'The Baby's Dad is a Male Friend', directed by Lee Byung-hun, which explores the unconventional relationship between a woman who suddenly becomes pregnant and her friend, who she insists should take on the role of the father.

As major production and distribution companies cautiously dip their toes into short-form drama, this burgeoning market may soon see more innovative storytelling efforts. For instance, 'Showbox', one of Korea's top film distributors, plans to release several new short-form series this year, including comedies that blend thrilling elements into their narratives. This evolution in Korean storytelling reflects a broader acceptance of diverse formats, catering to the changing preferences of modern viewers who seek engaging and easily digestible content.

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