Have you wondered how the process of the drama playing on your screen came to be? How your favorite K-pop song in your playlist got out of the studio? Well, I have always been curious, and thankfully, some of the artists, actors, and other entities involved give us information on the project in an interview, their Instagram stories, or through a documentary.

Some K-dramas have also revealed what it looks like in the entertainment industry. They showed us that it was more than just thinking, writing, casting, acting, producing, and singing. A lot goes down in the industry, and here are some of the dramas that took us behind the scenes of these processes:  

On Air (2008)

This is a classic behind-the-scenes drama that follows the lives of actors, directors, screenwriters, and entertainment agency managers. It gives an inside look at the power struggles and chaos of making a hit drama. Seo Yeong Eun, played by actress Song Yoon Ah, was a writer who attempted to write a more serious script. During this process, she encountered several blocks and hasty decisions that were made by the producers, taking the creativity away from her. This can be a huge problem and frustration for writers because it might mean they are not trusted enough or allowed to write according to their wishes.

The Producers (2015)

This drama stars Kim Soo Hyun, Cha Tae Hyun, Gong Hyo Jin, and IU. It explores the cutthroat entertainment business, from contract negotiations to scandal management. Although it threw in humor, it also showed the serious side of the entertainment industry. Producers might have a say on their shows or programs, but they can only control the ratings to an extent. They cannot predict how well the show will be received by the audience. This is another emotional struggle these entities go through, and that is why they never stop thinking about a project or the other. 

Entourage (2016)

This is a remake of an American series. It tells the story of a rising actor and his entourage. Rising stars, underdog companies, and restricted connections can make life difficult in the entertainment business. He had to navigate lies with his manager and CEO, who were his best friends, in order to excel on screen. Of course, they were burned by the industry politics and personal struggles that showed the raw behind-the-scenes of celebrities.

Touch Your Heart (2019)

Starring Lee Dong Wook and Yoo In Na, this rom-com features a top actress whose career was nearly ruined by a scandal. To prepare for a comeback role, she works as a secretary at a law firm, leading to hilarious and heartfelt moments. Although there were comedic and romantic scenes, there were also sad and teary moments. The uncertainty of whether she could appear on screen for the rest of her life was the burden she had to carry. This speaks volumes about how depressing scandals can be for celebrities.

Be Melodramatic (2019)

This drama focuses on a group of friends working in the entertainment industry, including a drama writer, a producer, and a marketing team member. It delivers a mix of comedy, romance, and industry realism of how difficult their paths can be, but they all come back home to support each other and lend a shoulder to lean on.

Record of Youth (2020)

Similar to Shooting Stars, this drama follows an aspiring actor and a determined makeup artist surviving in the modeling world while dealing with agency struggles, contracts, and industry bias. It’s not about talent sometimes; it’s about connections and support from a more powerful entity. It’s not restricted to the acting world alone; even the modeling aspect is just the same.

Celebrity (2023)

A young woman suddenly found fame from influencing online, and this got her caught in a web of social media, hidden manipulations, and dirty politics due to envy from her rivals. The drama opened our eyes to the threats behind the scenes and that your enemies might not be strangers, but your close friends or circle.

Shooting Stars (2022)

Yes, we laughed a lot, but we also experienced the struggle of a publicist who faced several difficulties while handling the rising star, Gong Tae Sung. It showed us how crucial information is in the industry and how a little twist can affect a person’s reputation positively or negatively.

All being said, it is crucial to note that these people are humans who are trying to find their way in the wilderness of brutal and cruel politics. A little word of kindness is a support that goes a long way. They fuel their efforts with the positive energies from their fans’ support and comments on their social media pages. This is a reminder that the thumb kills faster than the knife, so be kind.