What's Behind the Popularity of Violent Dramas?

Recently, the SBS Friday-Saturday drama ‘The Manager Kim’ has been making waves. Starring So Ji-sub, this series tells the story of a father, devoted to his daughter, who seeks revenge after she falls into danger. The 8th episode, aired on the 18th, recorded a viewer rating of 23.1%, breaking its own highest record. This marks the second-highest rating in the history of SBS Friday-Saturday dramas, surpassing the previous 22.3% set in the 6th episode.

Furthermore, the Netflix original drama ‘Duty After School’ also garnered significant attention over the summer. According to recent Netflix data, ‘Duty After School’ ranked 6th globally among the most-watched content in the first half of 2026. The common thread between these two dramas? They don't shy away from depicting violence.

When Violence Takes Center Stage in Dramas

In ‘The Manager Kim’, scenes filled with bloodshed are a regular feature as the protagonist fights to get his daughter back. The drama even broadcasts graphic depictions of bodily harm, often seen in R-rated films, without holding back. Similarly, ‘Duty After School’ employs indiscriminate violence under the guise of properly guiding students, drawing criticism that the 'true education' presented by the drama is achieved through violent means.

The Link Between Negative Emotions and Violent Content Consumption

In a recent interview, Dr. A, a psychiatrist practicing in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, shared intriguing research findings on the relationship between negative emotions and the consumption of violent content. According to his findings, the more negative a viewer's emotional state, the more likely they are to seek out dark and negative content.

• A psychological study published in a Nature sister journal in January 2025 indicated that participants exposed to a high volume of negative information exhibited poorer mental health.
• Participants who reported feeling down were more inclined to visit negative websites.

Dr. A explained, "The fact that viewers in a negative psychological state are more likely to choose violent content is acknowledged by many experts." This suggests that our psychological states are reflected in public taste.

Counterarguments to the Violent Content Trend

However, media experts offer a different perspective. Professor Yoo Kyung-han from the Department of Media and Communication at Chonbuk National University argues, "While works dealing with violence and the pursuit of justice are gaining popularity, this is a historically common phenomenon." He added, "We can see similar sentiments shared in classic works like 'Hong Gildong's Tale'."

Professor Yoo emphasized that in today's era, where viewers actively seek out content through streaming services like Netflix, attributing the success solely to public anger is an oversimplification. He stressed that the role of experts lies in understanding and reflecting what resonates with the audience in reality.

Ultimately, the success of ‘The Manager Kim’ and ‘Duty After School’ lies in their inherently compelling storylines. However, he noted the importance of observing what aspects of these dramas resonate with viewers and provide vicarious satisfaction. He underscored that true catharsis is felt when the drama's protagonist achieves justice through violence, especially when it translates into a sense of real-world resolution.