"Korean TV dramas stand a good chance of succeeding in America", said Tom Larsen, the CEO of YA Entertainment, which distributes Korean TV shows in the United States, at a lecture on Korean dramas held recently at the Los Angeles Korea Center. Larsen based his prediction on the high popularity of Korean TV dramas currently airing on U.S. television networks and the growing interest in Korean TV dramas in Hollywood.
YA Entertainment distributes Korean TV dramas with English subtitles to the American market. Larsen has received wide acclaim for leading the Korean TV drama boom in the United States by introducing such popular dramas as "Jewel in the Palace" ("Dae Jang Geum"), "My Name is Kim Sam-soon", "Glass Slipper" and "All About Eve".
Larsen says he first learned about Korea and its culture and studied Korean through Korean TV dramas by reading their scripts. He and those who learned Korean with him have become ardent fans of Korean TV dramas. That's when he decided to introduce Korean dramas to American viewers.
Larsen says Korean TV shows have a different kind of charm from American TV shows that lies in their plot and original soundtracks-?two elements that have played a key role in captivating the hearts of American viewers. Larsen says that unlike American TV shows, whose storylines feature excessive violence and sexual elements, Korean TV shows focus more on the subtle aspects of human relationships and everyday life, which easily strike a chord with viewers.
Larsen also added that original soundtracks are the unique element of Korean TV dramas, which is not common in American dramas and can possibly help Korean TV shows find their niche in overseas markets.
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