K-Drama Love Fever: South Africa’s Sweet Obsession with the East

"K-Drama Love Fever: South Africa’s Sweet Obsession with the East"

By: Khanyisa Manganyi

I have a confession. A deep, soul-stirring, utterly ridiculous confession. I. Am. Obsessed. With. Korean. Dramas.

There. I said it.

And before you judge me, let me tell you, I’m not alone. My sister—bless her drama-ravaged heart—is far worse than I am. She breathes subtitles. Her screen lights up at exactly 7:00 PM like it's her personal golden hour, and if her favourite Oppa is crying, she’s weeping like it's her own heartbreak. The poor girl’s dinner has burned more times than she’s blinked during a plot twist.

Something is happening in South Africa. Quietly. Loudly. Unapologetically. Our people—men and women alike—are falling head over heels for everything K-drama and C-drama. It's more than entertainment. It's an emotional sport. And whether you're team Lee Min-ho or team Xiao Zhan, chances are you’ve either binged a whole season in one weekend or been told to “just try one episode” and then woke up 16 episodes later with puffy eyes, no data, and a heart full of fictional emotions.

But why, though? What is it about these dramas that has the Rainbow Nation in a slow-motion love affair with the East?

Maybe it’s the pure, soft love that looks like something plucked straight from the Garden of Eden—no lust, just longing gazes and forehead kisses. Maybe it’s the way they fight for love as if it’s sacred, protected like a family heirloom. Maybe it’s the “accidental” hand brushes that feel more powerful than a whole Netflix kissing scene. Or maybe, just maybe—it’s the hair. The silky, slow-motion, breeze-catching, shampoo-commercial hair.

But here's where it gets spicy…

We’re not just watching them anymore.

Some South African women are marrying them.

Yes, my friend. From Johannesburg to Jeju, Durban to Daejeon—love is crossing continents. There are real African women, walking down aisles (virtual or actual), holding hands with real-life Korean and Chinese men. Not K-drama versions. Not animated fantasies. Real humans. Smiling awkwardly in wedding photos with cultural translations happening in real time.

So the question is:

Are they marrying because of the dramas they watched?

Or did the dramas simply crack open a door that love would’ve walked through anyway?

Let’s not be naive—there’s definitely influence. When a girl watches 53 episodes of a man holding an umbrella for one woman only… every time it rains, she starts looking sideways. And when a man sees how Korean guys listen, cry with the woman, and even write love letters (yes, letters!), he might suddenly feel that local “Hi sexy, wyd?” isn't going to cut it anymore.

But it would be unfair to reduce these beautiful unions to “drama-inspired delusions.” Actual love is showing up in unexpected places, and isn’t that just like God? To use even a little Korean drama moment to plant a seed of connection? Many of these intercultural marriages are thriving, deeply rooted in mutual respect, effort, faith, and the desire to understand. It’s not always cute—there are culture shocks, language barriers, and literal taste bud wars (hot pap vs kimchi anyone?)—but where love leads, growth follows.

Still, let’s be real.

Some of us are still hoping to bump into our tall, brooding, piano-playing, emotionally-intelligent Oppa at Checkers.

We’re dreaming of that one day where someone will run through the airport to stop us from leaving, not because they’re scared to be alone, but because they believe God might’ve sent us.

We want slow walks, tearful reunions, family approval, and someone who will fight for our love like we’re the last dumpling on earth.

And if that man happens to speak Korean or Mandarin?

Bonus points.

It’s funny, really. South Africa is a melting pot of cultures, accents, and chaotic beauty. And here we are, sipping ginger tea and crying over characters named Ji-hoon and Chen Li. Maybe we’re not escaping real life. Maybe we’re learning. Maybe we’re being softened. Maybe, just maybe, we’re being prepared for love in its gentler form. A love that listens. A love that waits. A love that’s loyal. A love that prays.

So next time you catch yourself yelling, “Just tell her you love her already!!” at your screen, remember… maybe that screen is doing more than entertaining you. Maybe it’s reminding you what love can look like, even if it comes with subtitles.

And if you do meet a Korean man who happens to have dimples, reads the Bible, and makes you laugh?

Girl.

That’s not just a drama.

That might be divine appointment.

Fade to black. Cue slow music.

The screen says: “To be continued… maybe at your wedding.” 💛

—Anything and Everything Blog