Korean drama is taking a new turn as it slowly promotes senior-citizens as the main protagonists in movies. Film marketers have observed that younger generations can still be attracted to Korean dramas even though the main stars are older, according to Strait Times.
Marketing communications manager Agnes Koh believes that the success of a recent Korean series, Dear My Friends, fronted by senior protagonists, opens a door to a new era in the film industry. The series focuses on the lives of old mothers aged from 60s-80's. The casts include veteran senior actors such as Kim Hye-ja, Go Du-Shim, Na Mun Hee. They are joined by some younger casts such as Seo Yeon-Ha and Park Wan.
Korean dramas have always focused on characters that are young. Seldom are stories that focus on old characters such as aunts, grandmothers or grandfathers. When Dear My Friends was released, filmmakers were surprised that it captured a number of young viewers.
Koh added that the stories reminded her of her parents. Compared to the usual fairy tale storylines of K-drama, Dear My Friends is more realistic. It provides newer perspective since the storyline encompasses many real life elements such as living well and dying well.
Hannah Lee is a recent fresh graduate who liked the concept of Dear My Friends. She mentioned how she used to be an avid K-drama fan but eventually stopped watching because the fantasy-romance because the story line was beginning to feel cliché.
Dear My Friends is not the only a seniors-oriented series that became successful. Another original series by TVN entitled Grandpas Over Flowers attracted a million viewers. It is a travel reality show that follows four actors, who are in their 70s, in their various traveling escapades. Due to its success, the show was renewed for another season, and it is getting a Chinese and American Remake.
Dear My Friends is available for streaming via viu.com and also at the Viu App, which is downloadable on both Apple and Google app stores.
