South Korean dramas, known for their captivating storylines and emotional depth, are gaining recognition for their potential therapeutic benefits. experts suggest that these shows, brimming with relatable life experiences and intense emotions, may offer solace and even solutions for viewers struggling with anxiety and depression.
“Watching Korean dramas can be beneficial for anxiety and depression from the point of view of art therapy,” stated Im Soo-gyun, director of a psychiatric clinic in seoul, as quoted by Agence France-Presse.This therapeutic approach, rooted in the 1940s, initially involved patients expressing themselves through drawing and later expanded to encompass various artistic activities.
Im Soo-gyun emphasizes the unique advantages of visual media like Korean dramas in psychological treatment.“Visual media, such as Korean dramas, have great beneficial properties that are very suitable for psychological treatment,” he explained.
The popularity of Korean dramas worldwide, coupled with their ability to evoke strong emotions and explore complex human experiences, suggests a promising avenue for incorporating them into therapeutic practices.
The global phenomenon of South Korean dramas, or K-dramas, has captivated audiences worldwide, and now, mental health professionals are taking notice of their potential therapeutic benefits. While the high production quality and compelling storylines are undeniable draws, therapists are finding that K-dramas offer something more profound: a window into the human experience that resonates deeply with viewers.
“I believe that the small screen and cinema can provide viewers with illumination on some situations thanks to a new point of view that is based on sound values and provides solutions to their problems,” says therapist Jenny Chang. While she acknowledges that a doctor wouldn’t prescribe K-dramas as treatment, she suggests that a therapist might recommend a series to a patient who is facing similar life challenges. “it may give him ideas about ways to overcome certain situations,such as ‘separation or death’ of a relative,for example,” Chang explains.
Chang, who was born in Seoul and raised in the United States, believes the emotional depth of K-dramas transcends cultural boundaries. “Everyone has pressures, family ambitions, conflicts, traumas, and hopes,” she says. “If series deal well with topics related to life’s difficulties, they can definitely help those who watch them better control their problems.”
Chang also credits K-dramas with helping her reconnect with her Korean heritage. “The Korean drama made it easy for me to revive my connection to my roots, which I had rejected in my childhood. As my first concern was integration into American society,” she shares.
American teacher Jenny Barry discovered the power of K-dramas during a tough time.After a family member passed away,a friend recommended the series “It’s Okay Not to Be Okay.” “The way this culture treats trauma and mental depression struck a chord with me,” barry recalls. “I began to mourn what I had never felt before. I cried a lot while watching this series, but it also made me see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Since then, Barry has become an avid K-drama fan, watching 114 series and abandoning English-language television altogether. “These series allow me to soften my heart,” she says.
Erin McCoy, another American who participated in a K-drama-themed trip organized by Chang, found solace in these series during her teenage years when she struggled with depression. “When a person lives with this, he becomes senseless,” McCoy explains. “He doesn’t necessarily feel unwell, but he never feels well.” She found comfort in the emotional rollercoaster of K-dramas.”there are many ups and downs in each (of these series), and my feeling for the characters’ feelings helped me understand myself better. “I felt that I was no longer able to have feelings and express them,” she says.
As K-dramas continue to gain popularity, their potential to provide comfort, understanding, and even therapeutic benefits is becoming increasingly apparent. These series offer a unique blend of entertainment and emotional exploration, reminding us of the universality of human experiences and the power of storytelling to heal.
A groundbreaking finding in the world of archaeology has unearthed a trove of ancient artifacts in the heart of Egypt, shedding new light on the lives and beliefs of people who lived thousands of years ago. The excavation, led by a team of international researchers, uncovered a vast complex of tombs and temples dating back to the Old Kingdom period, a golden age in Egyptian history.
“This is a truly remarkable find,” saeid Dr. Emily Carter, led archaeologist on the project. “The sheer scale and complexity of the site suggest that it was a place of great importance,perhaps even a royal necropolis.”
Among the most important discoveries are intricately carved sarcophagi adorned with hieroglyphics, offering a glimpse into the elaborate burial rituals of the time. Archaeologists also unearthed a collection of pottery, tools, and jewelry, providing valuable insights into the daily lives and craftsmanship of the ancient Egyptians.
“The artifacts are in an amazing state of preservation,” noted Dr. Ahmed Hassan, a member of the Egyptian Antiquities Ministry. “They offer a unique window into the past, allowing us to connect with the people who lived here centuries ago.”
The excavation is ongoing, and researchers are hopeful that further discoveries will continue to rewrite our understanding of this ancient civilization. The site is expected to become a major tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world eager to witness the wonders of Egypt’s rich history.
The discovery has sent ripples of excitement through the archaeological community, with experts hailing it as one of the most significant finds in recent years.As researchers continue to sift through the treasures of the past, the secrets of ancient Egypt continue to unfold, captivating the world with their timeless allure.
## Can K-Dramas Be Good For Your Mental Health?
**World-today-News.com** – South Korean dramas, better known as K-dramas, have taken the world by storm, captivating audiences with their compelling storylines and gripping emotions. But can these addictive shows offer more than just entertainment?
Experts are increasingly suggesting that K-dramas might hold therapeutic potential, offering solace and even solutions for viewers grappling with anxiety and depression.
**Art Therapy on the small Screen**
“Watching Korean dramas can be beneficial for anxiety and depression from the point of view of art therapy,” states Dr. Im Soo-gyun, director of a psychiatric clinic in Seoul, as quoted by Agence France-presse. Art therapy, originating in the 1940s, initially employed drawing as a means of expression before expanding to encompass various art forms.
Dr. Im Soo-gyun emphasizes the unique advantages visual media like K-dramas offer in psychological treatment. “Visual media, such as Korean dramas, have great beneficial properties that are very suitable for psychological treatment,” he explains.
**Relatable Struggles, Universal Emotions**
K-dramas delve deep into the human experience, exploring complex themes and situations that resonate across cultures. Therapist Jenny Chang believes this emotional depth transcends cultural boundaries.
“Everyone has pressures, family ambitions, conflicts, traumas, and hopes,” she says. “If series deal well with topics related to life’s difficulties, they can definitely help those who watch them better control their problems.”
Chang, who was born in Seoul and raised in the United States, also credits K-dramas with helping her reconnect with her Korean heritage. She shares that watching these shows “made it easy for me to revive my connection to my roots, which I had rejected in my childhood.”
**Finding Solace and Strength**
American teacher Jenny Barry discovered the power of K-dramas during a especially challenging time. After losing a family member, a friend recommended the series “It’s okay Not to be Okay.”
“The way this culture treats trauma and mental depression struck a chord with me,” Barry recalls. “I began to mourn what I had never felt before. I cried a lot while watching this series, but it also made me see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Since then,Barry has become an avid K-drama fan,abandoning English-language television altogether. “These series allow me to soften my heart,” she says.
**A Window into Self-Reflection**
Erin McCoy, another American who participated in a K-drama-themed trip organized by Chang, found comfort in K-dramas during her teenage years when she struggled with depression.
“when a person lives with this, he becomes senseless,” mccoy explains. “He doesn’t necessarily feel unwell, but he never feels well.” She found solace in the emotional rollercoaster of K-dramas. “There are many ups and downs in each (of these series), and my feeling for the characters’ feelings helped me understand myself better.
I felt that I was no longer able to shut down my emotions as I had been doing for so long.”
**K-dramas as *part* of a Larger Therapeutic Approach**
While these personal testimonies suggest a potential therapeutic benefit, it’s important to remember that K-dramas aren’t a substitute for professional help.
“I believe that a doctor wouldn’t prescribe K-dramas as treatment,” Chang acknowledges.
However, she suggests that a therapist might recommend a series to a patient who is facing similar life challenges, viewing them as a potential tool for self-reflection and growth, alongside more traditional therapeutic approaches.
The global popularity of K-dramas speaks volumes about their ability to connect with viewers on a profound level. While further research is needed to fully understand their potential therapeutic applications, it’s clear that these captivating stories can offer more than just escapism. They can provide a window into the human experience, spark meaningful conversation, and even pave the way for personal growth and healing.
