The term Korean Drama refers to televised dramas. The Western miniseries is a similar term that is also produced in the Korean language. The Korean wave also known as Hallyu has become poplular throughout Asia and has become a phenomenon with in the culture. Korean dramas have had an influence on other popular areas across the world including Latin America and Middles east.
The popularity has spread throughout the world. The first Korean drama to wide popularity in Japan was Winter Sonata which was broadcasted on the NHK satellite channel NHK BS2 in 2003. Due to high demand from the viewers the program was aired twice in the same year. Its claimed that Korean drama has improved relations between the two countries as more Japanese peopl have become interested in Korean culture. Korean culture has had an effect on China and the United States.
In 2006, South Korean programs on Chinese governemnt TV networks were more than all other foreign programs combined. Th United States also shared the same popularity in regions with populations of ethnic Koreans. Many fans would like to visit South Korea due to the beauty and enjoyment of the Korean tv dramas. Blockbuster currently sells and rents some korean drama DVDs in limited locations across the United States and online. In November 2008, Netflix began offering several Korean dramas as part of their video selection. Television has changed throughout the years, but in the end it has brought cultures across the world together. We learn about each others day to day lifestyle without leaving the house.