New dramas are taking over home theaters in 2010. Shows such as Pasta of MBC-TV, Chuno ("
The Slave Hunters") and "
Master of Study" of KBS-TV, and "
Jejoongwon" of SBS-TV have a unique storyline that serves as a treat for the eyes and ears of viewers.
Not only are the eyes and ears pleased, but also the tongue, nose and even hands. The secret lies in stimulating the senses. Recent dramas have featured subject matters and videos that appeal to our five senses: sight, sound, taste, touch and smell.
These dramas go beyond passive watching to listening, tasting and feeling. Let's take a look at the sense-stimulating dramas of 2010, discover their charms and find their impacts.
- Satisfying the senses all week long
Dramas are stimulating the five senses of viewers every day of the week.
KBS-2TV "
The Slave Hunters" excels as a visual drama. It shocks the eyes with revealing clothes. Actors flaunt their biceps and six pack abs to capture female viewers. "
The Slave Hunters" also takes pride in its visual aesthetics.
KBS-2TV "
Master of Study" stands out as an auditory drama. "
Master of Study" reveals the secret to achieving high scores. Also, the drama emphasizes cramming and stimulates our sense of sound by repeating various formulas.
MBC-TV
"Pasta" satisfies our sense of taste. This cooking drama fills the screen with delicious-looking dishes. The detailed portrayal of Italian recipes and ingredients are enough to excite the taste buds.
SBS-TV "
Jejoongwon" reaches out to our sense of touch, which is difficult to express on the screen. Set in the Joseon Dynasty, this medical drama displays highly realistic surgeries. Viewers find themselves sucked into the operating room thanks to the HD recording and exquisite storytelling.
KBS-1TV "
The Reputable Family" stimulates our sense of smell. It shows how money changes people and teaches a lesson of noblesse oblige.
- Sense-stimulating dramas compete with media aesthetics
Sense-stimulating dramas are distinct in their concepts for subject matter, theme and conflict. They can be clearly outlined as a drama about studying, cooking drama, medical drama, chase drama, etc. An important task is to deliver the distinct drama concept. Producers of sense-stimulating dramas stimulate the five senses with fancy visuals, in depth filming, experimental CG and graphics. This is the reason why drama visuals are more impressive and elaborate than before.
For example "
Master of Study" focuses on witty production. It tickles the eyes and ears by using CG in martial arts and table tennis. The production crew of "
Master of Study" said, "We are making many fun attempts to turn study methods which can come across as boring into interesting techniques. We also add CG to acting".
As expected, the reaction comes from viewers faster with greater stimulation. "
The Slave Hunters"'s viewing rate topped 30% in its first 3 episodes while "
Master of Study" exceeded 20%.
"Pasta", "
Jejoongwon" and "
The Reputable Family" received stable ratings of 10~20% for their pilot episode.
- Sense-stimulating dramas expect to attract young viewers
While dead-end dramas captured the middle-aged last year, sense-stimulating dramas have been customized for young viewers. "
The Slave Hunters" is loved by male and female viewers in their 20s, "
Master of Study" by teenagers, and
"Pasta" by females in their 20s to 30s.
Self-evaluation in this aspect has been positive. High scores were given for considering the diverse preferences of viewers. PD Kim Jong-yeon of "
The Slave Hunters" said, "It is notable how we offered different attractions such as body exposure and visual aesthetics. Also, we managed to reach a wider audience by appealing to females".
Pop culture critic Lee Mun-won said, "Changing the target audience was positive. It is the result of successful experimentation". He added, "Unfortunately, there are still no dramas which satisfy in both concept and story. More experiments and ventures are needed to sustain this development".
Source: Sports Seoul
