Is it Goodbye for K-Dramas?

Korean dramas have successfully flourished in the Philippines. Even I myself watch Korean dramas a lot. Most of their shows have definitely captured the hearts of the young Filipinos and even some young at heart Filipinos as well. Even my grandmother watches these kinds of show. Seemingly, I really cannot conclude what makes everyone get hooked or some, addicted to it. But perhaps I could guess. Well, in my case, I just find their characters really good looking and then I just find myself imagining what it feels to be in the shoes of the female main character – then smile. Daydreaming like this and the good looking characters could be some of the valid reasons I believe. I have actually seen few dramas thus, I have even included below some of my very own all-time favorite Korean drama series below. v ^__^

As I would remember, it all started with ABS-CBN network’s late afternoon show Meteor Garden. I can still remember how all the youngster at that time hurries to come home after school hoping never just to miss a single episode of this show. But even before these Asian dramas prevailed in the country’s media, there were even some other foreign shows, like Maria Mercedes, Rosalinda, Marimar, and the like being aired. Asianovelas in the Philippines have long been occupying some time slots in most of the major television networks in the country. This large adaptation even made some networks create their very own version inspired from some of these dramas.

This sudden domination of foreign dramas has greatly influenced all the minds of the Filipinos. It may eventually create implications in the way we think, our fashion tastes and even our actions. The effects are very influential especially amongst the minds of the teens. It was then until Congressman Lito Atienza (the former Manila mayor) filed last, February of this year, a bill regarding the limitation of the airing of foreign telenovelas to non-primetime hours. Thus, means to say from six to ten in the evening TV networks should air only original Filipino productions for television. It is actually stated in Section 3 of the House Bill No. 3839, “a suspension of entry of foreign teleserye. It is hereby provided that foreign teleseryes during primetime be banned by the public telecommunications entity concerned.” Apparently, this bill will cause a lot of reactions among those die-hard foreign especially Korean drama addicts.

However, if I were to be asked and give some opinions I should allow an approval on it. It is actually for the benefit of the Filipino entertainment. Moreover, the bill only states regulation on the airing of the foreign dramas for only four hours in a day. Thus, there’s nothing to worry much about because there are still a lot of timeslots for these foreign dramas to be moved and inserted in. In addition to, this will also allow extra income to our very own entertainment producers. Most importantly, the bill is a matter of patriotism to our very own television shows and entertainment for as I have observed most youngsters imitate their styles and trends. Thus, these are actually a contemporary type of imperialism in a specific aspect. This in a way, serves as a reminder of what we really are and our capacity of coming up with a worthy quality type of shows and may even more showcase the talents of our very own Filipino artists. Moreover, this will help to remind us that we should love our own. Seemingly, since we have an easy access to the internet, Korean shows can still be seen online through streaming or even by downloading it. In a way, these dramas are viewed way better continuously and without the five-minute commercial disturbances. Therefore, I cannot see anything wrong with the bill as long as it will not violate the right of an individual in practicing his or her right for freedom.