Popularities of Japanese and Korean TV programs in Taiwan

[frozenmyth]

Has anyone paid attention to the popularities of Japanese and Korean TV programs in Taiwan. The difference of this phenomenon between now and 15 years ago?

High demand and profits of course.

Any intepretations of the phenomenons in Taiwan.

Was that because those programs were banned in Taiwan in the past?

Was it a part of a political ploy to eradicate or reduce Chinese culture in Taiwan?

There is nothing wrong with those programs at all if people choose entertainment, and those are good businesses. Japanese and Korean cultures have many valuable thoughts too, and not less grand than the Chinese in many cases.

I am just interested in learning more about some opinions on this, in the population here, phenomenon which got popular like it blossomed between 10 to 15 years ago. I know they watch some programs from mainland China too, but it seems Japanese and Korean ones are much more popular among Taiwan's young generation.

Anyone observed that or looked into that a bit?

[lpascoe]

When I first came to Taiwan about 4 years ago, someone told me Korean programs were popular here. But 'popular' is an understatement now. It feels like interest in Korean programs has exploded in the last year.

Plus, Korea has become a really popular travel destination and Korean restaurants seem to be popping up all over the place.

When I've asked friends why they like to watch Korean soap operas, they say it's because they're entertaining and just look good. The scenery and sets are really nice. Plus they have the elements that get people addicted. Good looking people, love triangles...etc. And I think the shows coming out of Korea are head and shoulders above most of the other stuff on offer. But then I'm a bit of an addict myself, so you should probably take what I have to say with a grain of salt!

[wushijiao]

Plus they have the elements that get people addicted. Good looking people, love triangles...etc. And I think the shows coming out of Korea are head and shoulders above most of the other stuff on offer. But then I'm a bit of an addict myself, so you should probably take what I have to say with a grain of salt!

A bit off topic, and I don't want to hijack a good post...but what are some good Korean TV series that you might recommned?

[marcopolo79]

The Korean madness is just off the hook here, I went out for breakfast and for the first time noticed a huge sign advertising "韓風整容" with before and after pictures of the poor girl who elected to have the surgery, will post the web link after the next time I pass the sign.

[woodcutter]

Since my Korean wife is convinced that the Taiwanese hate Korea, this sounds like great news. Maybe we'll be allowed to go and live there now.

For me, however, those repetitive, tear stained, slap-happy dramas represent one of the low points of the Korean experience.

[frozenmyth]

That's new to me.

I did not know that Taiwanese do not like Koreans.

If so maybe only a small fraction of them in the population?

I don't know if there is any particular reason why they don't like the Koreans and thought many Taiwanese find Koreans cool.

I do know that many in Taiwan, especailly the younger generation between teenage to 40 or close maybe, have a taste for Korean culture

(most noticeably TV programs and movies etc).

I can picture some of those "Oriental (Japanese, Korean, Chinese) dramas" and their plots. Only to a certain extent cus I am definitely not an expert to say much in that aspect as far as their contents are concerned.

Those who have travelled or have been travelling, sojourning, or living in those regions. A question for you.

Do Japanese or Koreans watch or get into TV programs or series from Taiwan or China? I know that some or many Chinese movies are popular throughout Asia, but wonder how are the TV programs and series generally received in Japan and Korea?

[frozenmyth]

With regard to plastic surgery or "Aesthetic Modifications" I watched on TV a few months ago in the U.S. (from a Taiwanese news channel) that many people including, some from the West, go to Taiwan for those "modifications."

Reasons? To westerners, the procedures in Taiwan cost much less than in the West, and those Docs are good so words got spread from mother to daughters, relatives, friends, etc. I do not know if the trend is growing for people to go to Asia for plastic surgery or "Modifications."

I do know taht many beautiful Korean and Japanese Actresses, those from the TV programs or series, make many Taiwanese men, well, reveries. People say that many of those actresses go through many modifications. To me that's understandable cus they have to look very good otherwise it might be difficult for they to be popular, or one needs to appear extraordinarily special visually. Entertainments have always been in need of the good looks so far.

[yonglan]

Frozenmyth, I think the heart of it is a) Taiwan is a free country, B) they're a small country and as such more likely to look outwards than larger countries, and c) throw in a little bit of the 'move away from China' mindset which China blindly encourages every chance they get with their beligerence.

Woodcutter, I know I've said this before, but I really don't think this is so. Tell Mrs. Woodcutter to pack her bags for Taiwan

[lpascoe]

Woodcutter, I've never heard anything negative about Koreans while living in Taiwan. Just that they drink a lot. But, come to think of it, I think I heard that from a Canadian! Oh, my housemate just said she hates Korean women because she's jealous of their skin!

As for Korean TV shows, I like Da Chang Jin. But as far as I'm concerned Skylee is the expert on this topic! See what she recommends here...

http://www.chinese-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=2878