Web Drama Festival Set For Seoul
Having a hard time fitting in your need for k-drama into a busy schedule? You may want to check out web dramas. These short dramas are a new way to satisfy your Hallyu craving on the go. Episodes last only minutes and can be seen on a smartphone, while you're waiting for the bus or an appointment.
So far, Korean entertainment giants such as, KBS, CJ E&M, Sidus HQ, and JYP have all released web dramas, which feature some favorite k-drama and k-pop stars. For example, "Love Cell" is a 15-episode web show starring Kim Woo Bin, Kim Yoo Jung, Park Seon Ho, Nam Ji Hyun and Baek Sung Hyun.
JYP Pictures produced "Dream Knight" with idol group Got7.
YG Entertainment's "Dr. Ian" stars 2NE1's Sandara Park and actor/model Kim Young Kwang. "After School: Lucky or Not" starring the actor-idol group 5urprise has had two seasons. And last but not least Lee Min Ho and Yoona tell a sweet story in INNISfree's web drama "Summer Love."
How have fans reacted to these mini dramas? Looking at the record-breaking view count of "EXO Next Door," web dramas can be considered a hit. "Love Cell" had more than a million views, according to Korea Biz Wire.
And more web dramas are in development.
"K-pop, k-drama, and Korean web series are expected to lead the new Korean Wave with their groundbreaking, contents and creative ideas," said Young Man Kang, executive chairman and founder of the first KWebFest to take place in Asia.
The KWeb Fest, which hopes to promote Korean web shows within Korea and to share Korea's talents with the rest of the world, will be held in July at the K Hotel in Seoul.
The festival will sponsor a contest to discover, award, and invest in an outstanding Korean web series. In addition, KWeb Fest will screen more than 70 international web series.
One of the speakers at the festival will be LA Web Fest founder, Michael Ajakwe. KWeb Fest will also host a concurrent series of panel sessions, showcases and master classes, focusing on the rise of web series, new media and new technology.
KWeb Fest is hosted by JSTop Entertainment, which produces the weekend drama "Divorce Lawyers in Love" on SBS, starring Jo Yeo Jung.
Have you seen any of the web dramas mentioned above? If so, let us know what you think. Was it just the right amount of drama for a busy day? Which one did you like best?
