Popular \'idol drama\'phenomenon drives discussion

 

Poster of Ipartment

As “idol dramas” became wildly popular in China and locally-produced Chinese versions made stars of young actors, the shows were often criticized by the public for being ridiculous and laughable.

Targeting teenagers, they usually involved young, trendy and good-looking actors telling stories about their loves, friendships and ambitions.

The Magnolia International Television Forum panel yesterday discussed the phenomenon of idol dramas and whether they had a clear definition.

“The definition of the  idol drama is changing over time,” said Feng Weiwei, director of Zhejiang Satellite TV\'s programming and TV drama departments.

“In a broad sense, it’s a kind of real-life show,” he said, adding that what mattered most was the content rather than having to decide whether a show fell into a specific category.

“Making a show that will generate the audience\'s sympathy is more important,” said Nicky Wu, famous actor and producer.

South Korean drama You Who Came from the Stars achieved high ratings when aired in China. The fantasy romance story had many fans, causing the clothes and accessories worn by the actors to become popular overnight trends as well as the fried chicken with beer they consumed.

Series director Jang Tae-yoo told the Magnolia Forum that it wasn’t the initial intention to create these popular trends, it only happened because the show became so successful.
 
“I think this kind of economic effect is positive,” Jang said, “but we wouldn’t include these goals when we produce the dramas. Our goal is to tell the story.”

Frank Wei, director and production supervisor of Glori Pictures, said that in order for a drama to be successful, there shouldn’t be too many limitations and to "break the rules at the right time.”

Glori Pictures produced the comedy drama iPartment that’s now in its fourth season. A successful example of a typical idol drama in China, the show also nurtured some young stars who were previously unknown by the public.

Wei said copying everything from other countries\' successful "idol dramas" might not work in China.

“The clothes (worn in the series) are not the most important, an idol drama represents pop culture,” Wei said.