An Analysis of Storytelling strategy of Korean apocalypse content: Focusing on the OTT dramas and

Abstract

Korean dramas have recently been expanding into various subjects such as zombies and time slips, etc. and it is easy to watch Korean-style apocalypse content based on zombies and viruses, which have not received much attention in Korea. Such OTT content is receiving a positive response not only in Asia but also in Western society. In this study, the storytelling of and was analyzed focusing on the cultural dimension so as to analyze the success factors of Korean OTT content, which has been popular globally. As a result, it was confirmed that Korean apocalypse content focuses on universal problems faced by human groups such as individualism, collectivism, class, and equality. Korean apocalypse content reveals a critical view of individualistic values by depicting the protagonist and antagonist as the opposition between collectivism and individualism and emphasizes the value of good and punishment by punishing those in power who desire wealth and power. In addition, the destruction of the human world is depicted as being caused by desire through the setting that an unknown virus spreads through human desire. In the end, in order to save the world, it is important to have a strong mind and a good heart that would value others more than oneself. In this way, Korean apocalypse content has been well-received by the public by incorporating oriental values into materials that have been neglected in the Korean video content genre, such as zombies and strange creatures, and it can be recognized that it is also receiving favorable reviews as a new apocalypse genre in Western culture.