Korean and Chinese cultural fusion with regulatory symbolism

Korean Drama's Rise and Fall in China: Decoding State Control and Cultural Tides

Kai Mendoza in Culture & Society June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the historical impact of state regulations and cultural shifts on Korean dramas' popularity in China, revealing how political tensions and cultural policies shape entertainment trends."

Korean dramas, or K-dramas, have surged in global popularity, captivating audiences with their unique storytelling, compelling characters, and high production values. Yet, the path of K-dramas in China has been far from smooth. It's a story of soaring success, unexpected setbacks, and the ever-present influence of state regulation.

From the late 1990s through the mid-2010s, K-dramas experienced remarkable growth in China. These shows became cultural touchstones, sparking fashion trends, boosting tourism, and even influencing consumer behavior. However, this golden era faced significant disruption due to political tensions and shifts in Chinese cultural policy.

This article delves into the fascinating narrative of Korean drama's journey in China. We'll explore the key factors behind their initial success, the impact of regulatory interventions, and the broader implications for cultural exchange and geopolitical relations.

The Flourishing and Faltering of K-Dramas in China

Korean and Chinese cultural fusion with regulatory symbolism

The introduction of Korean dramas in the 1990s marked the beginning of a cultural phenomenon. Following normalized diplomatic ties between South Korea and China in 1992, dramas like 'Star in My Heart' and 'What is Love All About' quickly gained traction, achieving impressive viewership. By 2005, the popularity of K-dramas peaked with 'Dae Jang Geum,' captivating millions of viewers and signaling a significant shift in entertainment preferences.

Several factors contributed to this initial surge in popularity. China's rapidly developing broadcasting industry needed content to fill airtime, and Korean dramas were both affordable and culturally appealing. They offered a fresh perspective compared to Japanese dramas, which were still viewed with some animosity due to historical tensions. The themes of family and Confucian values resonated deeply with Chinese audiences, while the stylish presentation of modern lifestyles added to the allure.

However, concerns soon emerged regarding the increasing influx of Korean content and its potential impact on domestic media. These concerns led to regulatory interventions aimed at controlling the spread of K-dramas:

Restrictions on the number of hours per year that Chinese TV stations could broadcast Korean dramas.
Increased scrutiny and censorship of content.
A push to promote domestic productions.

While K-dramas faced limitations on traditional TV, they found new life online. The rise of video streaming platforms provided an alternative avenue for distribution, bypassing some of the stricter regulations. This online presence allowed K-dramas to maintain a dedicated fanbase, particularly among younger audiences who were drawn to the fashion, beauty, and K-pop elements incorporated into the shows.

Conclusion: Navigating the Complexities of Cultural Exchange

The story of Korean dramas in China is a compelling example of how cultural exchange is shaped by political, economic, and social forces. While K-dramas have faced numerous challenges, they continue to resonate with audiences and contribute to the ongoing dialogue between cultures. Moving forward, understanding the nuances of state regulation and the evolving preferences of viewers will be crucial for navigating the complexities of the global entertainment landscape.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1177/1748048518802915, Alternate LINK

Title: The Rise And Fall Of Korean Drama Export To China: The History Of State Regulation Of Korean Dramas In China

Subject: Sociology and Political Science

Journal: International Communication Gazette

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Authors: Ji Hoon Park, Yong Suk Lee, Hogeun Seo

Published: 2018-10-11

Everything You Need To Know

What factors contributed to the initial popularity of Korean dramas in China?

Initially, K-dramas became popular in China because they were more affordable and culturally appealing compared to other foreign content. The themes of family and Confucian values resonated well with Chinese audiences, and they offered a stylish portrayal of modern lifestyles, which was attractive to viewers. Also, due to historical tensions, Japanese dramas were not as well received. As China's broadcasting industry was rapidly developing there was a need to fill airtime and K-dramas filled that gap.

How have political tensions impacted the popularity and distribution of K-dramas in China?

Political tensions, such as the deployment of THAAD, have significantly impacted K-dramas in China. These tensions led to regulatory interventions, including restrictions on the number of hours per year Chinese TV stations could broadcast K-dramas, increased content censorship, and a push to promote domestic productions. These measures aimed to control the influence of Korean content within China.

How did K-dramas navigate the restrictions imposed on traditional TV broadcasts in China?

Despite facing restrictions on traditional TV channels, K-dramas found a new avenue for distribution through online video streaming platforms. These platforms allowed K-dramas to bypass some of the stricter regulations and maintain a dedicated fan base, particularly among younger audiences who were drawn to the fashion, beauty, and K-pop elements incorporated into the shows. This online presence helped sustain the popularity of K-dramas in China despite the challenges.

When did the rise of Korean Dramas begin in China?

The introduction of K-dramas in China in the 1990s, following normalized diplomatic ties between South Korea and China in 1992, marked the beginning of a cultural phenomenon. Dramas like 'Star in My Heart' and 'What is Love All About' quickly gained traction, achieving impressive viewership. By 2005, the popularity of K-dramas peaked with 'Dae Jang Geum,' captivating millions of viewers and signaling a significant shift in entertainment preferences. This period represents the initial surge and widespread acceptance of Korean dramas in the Chinese market.

What specific regulatory interventions were implemented to control the spread of K-dramas in China?

Regulatory interventions in China included several key measures aimed at controlling the spread and influence of K-dramas. These included restrictions on the number of hours per year that Chinese TV stations could broadcast Korean dramas, increased scrutiny and censorship of content to ensure it aligned with Chinese cultural policies, and a concerted effort to promote domestic productions to reduce reliance on foreign content. These interventions reflect concerns about the impact of foreign media on Chinese culture and the desire to support local media industries.