Influence of Korean and Chinese dramas on Indian university students in the context of COVID-19 lockdown

Abstract

This paper attempts to make a critical analysis of the influence of Korean and Chinese dramas on university students in India, especially in the backdrop of the COVID-19 lockdown. Considering the current trend of an increasing surge in drama consumption among GenZ, the research attempts to identify both positive and adverse effects of the soaps on different aspects of their lives. The study is premised on a mixed-method online survey, the data of which is analyzed using the Percentage Analysis method and interpreted based on the Mood-Cue Approach in Cognitive Film Theory proposed by Greg M. Smith. Subsequently, the researcher establishes that the lockdown period has provided great opportunities for the young generation of students to explore a wide variety of Korean and Chinese content. And if the factors leading to the adverse effects on the youth are judiciously controlled, these soaps can contribute a lot to the self-betterment of university students in India.

Keywords:

• Chinese drama
• COVID-19 lockdown
• effects of drama consumption
• Korean drama
• University students in India

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Faisal P, Assistant Professor, English Department, PTM Government College, Perinthalmanna, India, for his insightful comments after reviewing the manuscript.

For their steadfast assistance and guidance in getting the work published, I would also want to thank Dr. Zeenath Muhammed Kunhi, Assistant Professor of English at Farook College in Calicut, and Dr. Lakshmi Pradeep, Associate Professor of Journalism at the University of Calicut.

Disclosure statement

I declare not having any competing interest with the publishers.

Data availability statement

The author declares that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Fathima Thasneem A

Fathima Thasneem is a recent graduate from the Post Graduate and Research Department of English at Farook College, Calicut, India. Currently working part-time as a translator with NPTEL, a Central Government online learning programme, she has been watching Chinese dramas for the past three years and observing the tremendous changes among the students of her age due to drama consumption.