Would you like change?
Koreaboo
2024 has seen the rise of K-Dramas continue, with so many shows grabbing attention, and fans are already excited for what 2025 will bring, with teasers and announcements for future shows shared.
Yet, a worrying trend among the next MBC the shows drew mixed reactions.
Recently, a fan shared a schedule of K-Dramas that will air on MBC in 2025 on Fridays and Saturdays, including one starring UI AND Hi Woo Seok.
MBC Theater Schedule Friday/Saturday 2025#Whenthephonerings: 12 eps, ~January#MotelCalifornia: 12 episodes, January-February
Undercover: 12 episodes, February-April
Bunny: 12 episodes, April-May
Labor lawyer: 10 eps, May~June
Luna: 12 episodes, June-August
The moon flows: 12 eps, August-September
👑The Prince’s Wife of the 21st Century: 12 eps, September~October pic.twitter.com/aaUVHaBZFc— ☂️ (@memorythatilost) December 11, 2024
When the tweet was shared, netizens immediately noticed how all the series broadcast were 10-12 episodes long, which, while not uncommon, is shorter than the average 16-episode series that netizens are used to with K-Drama.
16 ep kdramas truly endangered 😭 https://t.co/aWF6uNmcFp
— ⋆ (@selsmarss) December 11, 2024
You’re laughing. We are currently seeing the death of solid 16 episode kdramas and you are laughing??? https://t.co/fvf5O5n23R
— Luna (@promiscrinq) December 12, 2024
16 epsiode dramas are dying 😭 to be honest, I just hope kdramas writers can create a solid plot without having to satisfy a fixed number of epsiodes https://t.co/lsXQ1jknuA
— daph 🍉🐥🌸 #thejudgefromhell (@springchoyeon) December 12, 2024
In 2010 dramas consisted of 20, 24 or 25 episodes. Back then the norm was 16 episodes and now we don’t even get that?????? This is due to Netflix, directly or indirectly, smh https://t.co/C1ct70O3xZ
— Lina (@Eren_kisser) December 12, 2024
Kdramas go from 24 eps to 16 eps and now 12-10 with fewer dramas released each year… It’s so over https://t.co/nTFTS5dctg
— T⭒ (@OUJIHA0) December 12, 2024
However, some didn’t mind the change, adding that sometimes K-Dramas go on for too long and the amount of time means it can get boring and make the series less impactful.
It’s a nice change that the episodes are now 12 or less, personally I think 16 episodes is a lot and very dramatic with such a quantity of episodes that ended up dragging, losing the plot and having an unsatisfying ending https://t. co/ 3nD2bbehBh
— ƒαrαн (@twinkyxstar) December 12, 2024
I think it’s a good idea, even if there’s no time for filler eps, the story will usually be chock full of short dramatic episodes like this. Like I watch jdorama with 10-12 eps and they are perfect. Kdrama can last 12 eps, they will make it better in my opinion
Cdrama might have problems if it’s shortened though😅 https://t.co/wll3VdSdQx— woori (@freeworldkitty) December 12, 2024
As much as I appreciate not dragging out the drama and finishing it within a reasonable time. I’m still a sucker for 16 or 20 dramatic episodes with a good plot. I just wish this didn’t become a norm.
The 12 episodes sometimes feel too rushed. Even the length per episode has decreased these days! https://t.co/jxUSJVHqXT— 𝑴𝒊𝒎𝒊 (@tranquillmuggle) December 12, 2024
Will the change be seen across all K-Dramas and networks?
