Are Chinese Dramas Dethroning Korean Dramas? A Deep Dive into Streaming Wars
- Jomanda Heng
- Jul 19
- 3 min read
For years, Korean dramas (K-dramas) have dominated the global stage, becoming cultural staples with hits like Crash Landing on You and Descendants of the Sun. But a new contender has entered the ring with growing force: Chinese dramas (C-dramas). With a mix of traditional storytelling, fantasy, and tech-savvy distribution methods, C-dramas are beginning to rival—and in some cases, overtake—the K-drama stronghold.
Are Chinese Dramas Overtaking Korean Dramas?
In recent years, C-dramas have seen a surge in international demand. Platforms like iQIYI, Youku, and Tencent Video are producing hundreds of dramas yearly, ranging from wuxia epics to contemporary rom-coms. According to Maoyan Entertainment, China released over 300 new dramas in 2023 alone, compared to South Korea’s ~120. While quantity doesn’t always equal quality, the production value of Chinese dramas has drastically improved, attracting global attention.
Critically acclaimed hits like "The Longest Promise", "Love Between Fairy and Devil", and "Hidden Love" have drawn in international fan bases, particularly in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and parts of Europe.
Most Viewed Chinese Dramas Outside China
According to data from WeTV and Rakuten Viki, the most viewed Chinese dramas outside of China include:
"Hidden Love" – trending across Southeast Asia and the Middle East
"Love Between Fairy and Devil" – a TikTok darling with billions of views on fan edits
"Go Ahead" – popular in Latin American markets due to relatable family dynamics
On TikTok and YouTube, fan-subtitled clips from Chinese series often outperform K-drama content in terms of likes and shares.
Vertical Drama: The Future of Viral Storytelling?
Perhaps the biggest disruptor in the drama world is the rise of vertical short dramas—bite-sized, mobile-optimized episodes ranging from 1 to 3 minutes. Chinese platforms like ReelShort, Kuaikan, and Pocket Drama have pioneered this model, and it's working.
These quick hits are tailored for TikTok, Xiaohongshu, and Instagram Reels, where dramatic cliffhangers and fast-paced romance thrive. They’re built to go viral—and often do. The virality is so effective that even Western producers are beginning to replicate the format.
Vertical dramas also reduce production costs while maintaining high engagement, allowing producers to churn out stories rapidly and capitalize on trends almost in real-time.
The vertical drama market in China is now a multi-billion yuan industry. In 2023, the short drama market surpassed ¥5 billion (USD 690 million) in revenue, with projections expecting it to double by 2026. Revenue comes from:
In-app token purchases
Pay-per-episode models
Product placements
Ad integrations
Monetization is aggressive but effective. For example, users are often shown 3-5 free episodes before being prompted to buy tokens to unlock the rest. Some dramas generate over ¥10 million in less than a week.
Apps like ReelShort, GoodShort, and DramaBox are designed with one thing in mind: micro-transactions. These platforms operate on token-based payment systems—viewers must purchase digital tokens to continue watching. It's essentially a “freemium” model with an addictive narrative twist.
Over 100+ apps now use this monetization method in China, with copycat models emerging in the US and Southeast Asia. In-app gamification, rewards for daily logins, and “free views by watching ads” only further boost user engagement.
With such a booming industry, there’s growing demand for fresh talent. While Korean actors often undergo years of idol training before debuting, China is sourcing actors via:
Short drama casting calls
Influencer-to-actor pipelines (Douyin and Xiaohongshu creators)
Acting academies focusing on web drama production
These actors may not yet be household names like Lee Min-ho or Song Hye-kyo, but they’re fast becoming Gen Z icons across Asia. For example, Zhao Lusi, who rose through the web drama ranks, is now one of the most recognized faces in both traditional and short-format C-dramas.
The New Era of East Asian Drama?
K-dramas still reign in terms of global prestige and production polish, but C-dramas are making waves with speed, volume, and virality. With the rise of vertical video storytelling, micro-payments, and app ecosystems tailored for drama consumption, Chinese dramas are no longer just catching up—they’re building a new industry standard.
Whether this trend sustains or saturates remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: the drama war is on—and China is playing for keeps.
References (non-hyperlinked):
The Uncommon Breed