From thrillers like Squid Game to romantic comedies like Crash Landing on You, K-dramas have attracted large and loyal followings outside Korea. While problematic content occasionally crops up, I’ve found a welcome escape—and a welcoming fan community—through their relatable stories.

On July 20, 2022, Dr. Chinyere Osuji, Associate Professor for the Department of African American Studies, published an article of Korean entertainment on traditional American media culture. With shows like Squid Game and Crash Landing on You, Osuji discusses the impact Korean shows and its emerging dominance in pop culture and media. She also discusses refuge and controversies present in being a fan of K-Dramas and other entertainment as they build community for people of color, especially Black women, yet present anti-Black racism through racial stereotypes and "blackface". Finally, she describes the political battleground held in various geo-political dimensions as these shows present many perspectives on war, culture, media, and many other hot-button topics.