Finally, I am making you a K-Drama rule book, and I am sure you will love this! 

We all know K-Drama is a land of swoon-worthy romance, tear-jerking breakups, and an unhealthy attachment to fictional characters. In other words, ‘premium delulu.’

However, if you are still a baby K-drama sprout, I am sure you are just about to discover the things I said above, but before you dive headfirst into your next binge session, there are a few unspoken rules every true K-drama fan must follow.

If you fail to comply, we might not be able to ban you completely, but you see that judgmental look that will have you checking your dress for any stains? You will earn it! Of course, from seasoned fans. Also, your K-Drama membership card will remain delayed till further notice, but as always, I am here to help you.

Leggo.

Never Skip the OST (Original Soundtrack)  

As a new fan, you might think OSTs are unnecessary or just background noise, but I tell you, it is more than that. The beautifully emotional ballad playing during the breakup scene? It’s an experience, one you have to immerse yourself in.

If you skip the OST, you just refused the icing on the cake because that is an essential part of the story. Just allow it to wash over you and enjoy the moment. You can even memorize the lyrics and belt them out as if you, too, are in a melodrama.

Always appreciate the episodic plot formula

First, you need to know that for every romance K-drama, especially the 16 episodes ones, episode 7 (most times) or episode 8 (sometimes) will carry the first kissing scene, particularly in a slowly developing romance, and it’s a crime to expect the kiss in early episodes.  

Also, K-Drama follows a sacred formula that you will understand along the way. At first, things get cute, with little conflicts and resolutions along the way, and then boom! Episode 13 happens. That is the climax of the story; someone suddenly gets into an unnecessary accident, someone gets stabbed, hospitalized with no hope of waking up soon, they lose their memory and a host of other things, and that is what I call the "Tissue Paper" episode because for real, you will need all the tissue paper you can get and the emotional support plushie.  

The Two-Episode Rule  

I am sure you’ve heard the saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ but I will rephrase that and tell you ‘don’t judge a K-Drama by its first two episodes.’ It’s normal for a drama to seem slow at first, but give it the benefit of the doubt until the third episode before concluding or judging the drama. 

Why? Some of the best K-Dramas take their time setting up the world before pulling you into a wonderland of no return (a K-Drama Alice). Just think of it like kimchi that needs time to ferment before reaching peak perfection.  

Thou Shalt Not Skip Opening Credits

Don’t! I mean, don’t press that ‘skip intro’ button when it comes to opening credits. I am telling you that this rule might seem insignificant, but it’s just as important as the rest. This is because in the world of K-Drama, the opening sequence is art. The slow-mo shots, the dramatic stares, the beautifully edited montage? They are all a part of the magic.

Open Endings Are Inevitable, Deal With It  

After investing 16 or more episodes in a K-Drama, trust me, you might still not get closure. Maybe the leads don’t officially end up together. The villain just disappears without explanation, or the final scene is just ambiguous and confusing. Whichever way, it’s just K-dramas' way of giving us reality checks.

However, if you feel personally victimized by a K-Drama ending, you’re not alone. But then, what are social media platforms for? Find fellow fans and scream into the void together.

Get Used to Product Placements and Sleepless Nights 

Product placements are completely normal in K-dramas, you will get used to them. That close-up shot of a character sipping from a very specific coffee brand or the two-minute scene dedicated to someone applying skincare mid-conversation? Absolutely normal, just accept it as the K-Drama fuel.

Also, since you signed up to be a K-Drama fan willingly and not under duress, that thought of sleeping early ever again, perish it! You are in for the long haul. I’ll leave you some preparation tips though, they include preparing your snacks (preferably ramen, fried chicken, or something equally K-Drama appropriate), a charger, some tissue papers, sunglasses (you will need them to cover your heavy eye bags every morning) and in case you are doing a straight binge during the day, you need a clear schedule to make sure you don’t have to go somewhere mid-cliffhanger.

Once you master these unspoken rules, you are good to go. You’ll be watching K-Drama like a pro, and you will be giving tips to newbies in no time.

Welcome to the K-Drama life!