“Influence of Korean Drama to Cultural Identity of Students in One  
Private School”  
Danica S. Gordo, Alyanna Grace M. Valle, Sheraine A. Cuevas, Reinna Vianca R. Cabrera, Erika Mae  
L. Revellame, Jan Jeric Guevarra, Michelle A. Em  
Northern Quezon College Incorporated, Infanta, Quezon, Philippines.  
Received: 07 November 2025; Accepted: 14 November 2025; Published: 27 November 2025  
ABSTRACT  
For the past decades of uprising fame of Korean Wave, the influence of it on student’s cultural identities is  
globally significant, particularly among Filipinos. The uprising influences of the Korean drama wave to the  
Philippines contributes to a disturbing change and fading of cultural identity of the Filipinos. This study  
investigates the influence of Korean dramas to the cultural identity of students in one private school. This study  
utilized a qualitative research design through interviews, specifically phenomenological, through the use of a  
validated interview questionnaire. With the increasing global popularity of K-dramas, this research examines  
how exposure to this form of media influences students' fashion, language, food preferences, and media  
consumption practices in relation to their own cultural identity. Through semi-structured interview, allowing an  
in-depth discussion of student’s perception about the influence of foreign media specifically K-drama, the study  
examines the extent to which K-dramas impact students' attitudes towards Filipino culture, their adoption of  
Korean cultural elements, and their negotiation of identity in a globalized world. Findings from this research  
provides insights into the complex interplay between media consumption and cultural identity formation among  
young Filipinos, contributing to a better understanding of the cultural dynamics in the context of globalization  
and media influence. Based on the study results, it reveals significant insights forming four central themes  
illustrating how exposure in Korean drama reshapes preferences in food, fashion, and daily habits of those who  
are exposed. This emphasized the negotiation of cultural identity as students incorporate foreign influences into  
their self-perception while still valuing their local identity.  
Keywords ----- influence, k-drama, cultural identity, students  
INTRODUCTION  
For the past couple of years, the Korean dramas achieved global recognition that captivate audiences worldwide  
where the global reach of K-dramas is now undeniable, with streaming different platforms showcasing its  
widespread popularity and influence. Their popularity is even fueled by readily accessible streaming platforms  
and engaging storylines proving their high-quality production that resonate across cultures. A 2023 survey  
conducted by Statista Research Department across 26 countries around the world, about 41 percent of  
respondents stated that Korean dramas were very popular in certain areas of the country mentioning a certain  
age of respondents. With approximately 68% considering them generally popular, suggesting a significant  
portion of the student population likely watches Korean dramas. This widespread appeal extends within the  
Philippines, where the Korean Wave’s initial entry was largely through Korean dramas. According to Baucas  
(2022) the early 2000s witnessed a significant shift in Philippine popular culture, largely effect by burgeoning  
which begins the grow or rapidly increased of the popularity of Korean media. This popularity significantly  
impacts students, despite of limited time of the students, majority of them spent time actively watching multiple  
titles and even using them as a tool for language learning. Tajul et.al., (2023) observed that the youth tend to be  
more inclined towards content which shows cultural similarities to them and Korean dramas not only show  
cultural similarities such as family values, trends that students relate to but also situations that captivated the  
attention of students due to its content that viewers relate to.  
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For the past decades of uprising fame of Korean Wave, the influence of it on student’s cultural identities is  
globally significant, particularly notable among Filipinos. Despite having a rich indigenous culture and history,  
the Philippines experienced challenges in forming this unified cultural identity due to rapid societal change,  
colonial legacies and diverse preferences but out of it all, influence from other country greatly contribute to these  
challenges. According to Eslit (2024), the Filipino diaspora or dispersion significantly contributes to the  
evolution of cultural identity shaping both local and global perception of Filipino-ness. As millions of Filipinos  
migrate for economic opportunities, they carry their culture practices and traditions thereby fostering a  
transnational identity transcends geographic boundaries (Hannerz, 2021). This vulnerability makes the country  
an open opportunity for others to influence and Korean dramas is one of the strong contributors of this  
phenomenon. Now the influence of Korean Wave particularly K-dramas on Filipinos are felt and seen  
everywhere in schools, malls, shops, jeepneys, and even in parks as well as other tourist destinations.  
The uprising influences of the Korean drama wave to the Philippines contributes to a disturbing change and  
fading of cultural identity of the Filipinos. “The Philippines and Korea are linked by flows and counter flows of  
people,” said Dr. Virginia Miralao of the Philippine Social Science Council in the study on the Korean culture  
dispersion in the Philippines. According to Han (2015 as cited by Posadas and Vargas, 2023) the Korean culture  
in the Philippines had little influence on the Philippine society until the late 1980s, when the Korean wave started.  
They continued to be seen as a closed group by the Filipinos. But in the present time, the Philippines, where  
cultural identity is complex and often fragmented due to historical influences and globalization, the  
pervasiveness of K-dramas presents a high result that Korean wave thru Korean dramas greatly impact the  
changes and losing Philippines cultural identity. Utilized in Korean dramas, the country’s vibrant portrayal of  
Korean culture, values, and aesthetics that sparked a significant interest in Korean language, food, fashion, and  
tourism. The Philippine’s exposed vulnerability, specifically the students that are still learning from the things  
they always encounter, received the impact that contributes to the country’s weak defense in protecting cultural  
identity.  
Due to the global popularity of Korean dramas, its impact is well documented. But in specific regions,  
particularly within a single private school, the impact of the phenomenon remains under-researched. The  
widespread evidence of Korean drama viewership within this institution, supported by observable adoption of  
Korean culture particularly in fashion, language, cuisine, and product consumption practices signify an  
investigation into its potential effects on student’s sense of self and cultural belonging. Therefore, this study  
focuses to investigate Korean culture the students adopted and the influence of pervasive Korean drama  
consumption on the cultural identity of the student. Through this study, the researchers provide insights into the  
cultural implications of the Korean Wave among students.  
Statement of the Problem  
This study aimed to explore the influence of K-Drama consumption on the cultural identity of students in one  
private school. The primary objectives are to describe the experiences and changes of the students pertaining to  
cultural identity upon watching K-dramas.  
Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions;  
1. How do watching K-Dramas influence the cultural identity of students?  
2. Based on the results of the study, what initiatives, such as activities can be drawn to strengthen the  
cultural identity of Filipino students?  
Significance of the Study  
The generalization of this study would be great contribution to provide valuable information on how Korean  
drama can influence student’s cultural identity. The result of this investigation could be highly significant and  
beneficial to the following:  
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Students- This study provides insights into the complex relationship between K-drama consumption and the  
formation of cultural identity. By examining this connection, the study shed light on how K-dramas influence  
students' self-perceptions. These findings help students critically analyze the effect of K-drama on their identity,  
fostering self-awareness and a deeper understanding of the dynamic interplay between media and culture.  
Parents- This study benefit the parents as it clarifies concerns on how watching K-drama affect the cultural  
identity of their children, these findings help the parents better understand the impact of K-drama viewing on  
their children’s sense of self and cultural belonging.  
Teachers- This study provides understanding for the teachers of how K-dramas influence the cultural identity  
of the students. This finding can help them develop more engaging and relevant teaching methods, incorporating  
cultural references of their own to strengthen and connect with the students.  
CHED and DepEd- This study provides valuable information for CHED and DepEd to understand the  
importance of culture, influence of K-drama and how the influence of K-drama affects the cultural identity of  
students. They need to include the importance of cultural identity in the curriculum so that students can become  
aware of their origins and upbringing. These findings help to create events to strengthen the cultural heritage of  
students as Filipinos and to further strengthen their Filipino identity.  
Future Researchers. This conducted study open doors for future researchers to refine and expand studies in  
relation to the effect of K-dramas to cultural identity among students. The study also gives the future researchers  
interest to continue and pursue their own researchers making the findings as basis for their future study.  
Scope and Delimitation of the Study  
This study focused on the influence of Korean drama on cultural identity of a student with four dimensions such  
as fashion, food preferences, languages adoption and media consumption practices. The researcher used  
Phenomenological research design and collect data through in person interviews with students who meet the  
following criteria. Students who are active viewers that watch at least three Korean drama episodes per week, a  
threshold aligned with Lee & Cho’s (2022) framework for media engagement and cultural identity negotiation.  
The participants also have watched at least twenty Korean dramas, long-term viewer who have been watching  
Korean dramas for more than a year, and when participants exceeded to three students that meet all three criteria,  
the participants are selected based on the highest number of Korean dramas watched. The students are given a  
questionnaire as an overview of the questions and use as a source of material for the study. The participants are  
selected within the population of one private school located in Infanta Quezon. This study is conducted up until  
September 2025, which presented the population. The findings of this study could be utilized by the researchers  
in the future.  
This study is limited to context of one private school and may not be generalizable to other private school or  
educational settings. The sample size is limited to fifteen students, three per department- Bachelor of Secondary  
Education, Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Science and Criminology, Bachelor of Science in  
Business Management and Senior High School department- with five department in total, this limitation is  
dependent to students who meet the criteria and willingness to participate in the study. Supported of Marcelino’s  
(2020) claim that the younger generation is whom immediately influenced by their surroundings and young  
people are also exposed to different styles when it comes to music, fashion, and dramas, the researchers selected  
secondary and tertiary levels as the participants of the study. A small sample size could impact the breadth and  
depth of the findings and may not fully capture the influence of watching Korean drama to cultural identity.  
Researchers face potential issues, with time management being one of them as the participant’s schedules differ  
from the researcher creating challenges. Next is funding, as researchers need financial support for transportation  
and producing copies of their survey questionnaires for the participants. Finally, the source of information  
presents a concern, as researchers encounter limited data. This aimed to understand the influence of Korean  
drama to cultural identity on a student in one private school. Sought to uncovered the essence of the phenomenon  
under the study by analyzing the descriptions and interpretation by the participants.  
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Definitions of Terms  
Active viewer Active viewers were defined as those who self-identified as a regular viewer and met the  
threshold of watching at least three episodes weekly, consistent with prior knowledge on media engagement  
(Lee & Cho, 2022). Someone who interacts with media by interpreting or responding to its content in addition  
to viewing it.  
Culture Defined as a set, practices and symbols that are learned and shared. Together they form an all-  
encompassing, integrated whole that binds people together and shape their worldview and life ways. (Lara Braff  
& Katie Nelson ,2020)  
Cultural identity- In Cambridge English dictionary (n.d.) cultural identity is define as a sense of identifying  
oneself that is formed through shared characteristics such as language, traditions, beliefs, values, and norms that  
are passed down from generation to generation. Cultural identity refers to cultural identity in this study which  
will be measured through student self-reported perceptions, behavior, and expression related to their culture.  
Filipino Culture Appreciation Day- is an event led by the students from certain school organizations designed  
to strengthen and celebrate Filipino identity in response to the cultural shifts observed in research, particularly  
the influence of Korean dramas. It counters the impact of foreign media through four key activities, showcasing  
traditional Filipino fashion, exploring local culinary pride, staging plays highlighting Filipino communication  
styles and gestures, and creating films that promote responsible media consumption. This event aimed to foster  
a deeper understanding and appreciation of Filipino culture among students, strengthening their cultural identity  
in a globalized world.  
Influence – A skill set where behavior or approach is used to change someone else’s through process. It is also  
defined as the power to have an important effect on someone or something. If someone influences someone else,  
they are changing a person or thing in an indirect but important way (Vocabulary, n.d). Influence refers to the  
measurable effect or impact of a factors (such as media, people, culture, or experience) on the behavior, attitudes,  
values, or decision of individuals or groups. In this study, influence can be determined by observable changes,  
responses, or adaption in the action or views of participants as a result of exposure to particular factor.  
Korean Drama- With another term such as K-drama or Korean Novela, refers to Korean language type of  
television series from south Korea, often featuring themes such as romance, historical events, fantasy, and slice  
of life. (Jin and Yoon, 2020)  
Conceptual Framework  
Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of the Study  
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As shown as the above figure the conceptual framework that examined how exposure to K-dramas influenced a  
various aspect of the student’s cultural identity. The framework illustrated two variables: K-drama which  
represented the exposure of students to Korean dramas. The research explored the overall engagement with K-  
dramas among the student population. Student’s Cultural identity, pertaining to the participant’s fashion, food,  
language and media consumption practices, describing their experiences and changes upon watching K-drama.  
The arrow in the middle represented the influence of watching K-drama that gradually change in the students  
cultural identity.  
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY  
In this chapter presented the methodology employed the Influence of Korean drama in cultural identity of  
students in One Private School. The qualitative phenomenological approach was chosen to explored deeply into  
the subjective experiences of individuals within the context. This section provided an overview of the Research  
Design, Research Locale, Research Population and Sample, Research Instrument, Data Gathering Procedures,  
Specialist Informant and Ethical Considerations used in this study.  
Research Design  
The researchers utilized phenomenological research design in conducting the study. Phenomenology explored  
the influence of Korean drama to cultural identity of students in One Private School and foster intercultural  
understanding, promote critical media engagement, and support positive cultural identity development.  
In this study, phenomenology allowed for an in-depth exploration of the influence of Korean drama to students  
in One Private School. By using this approach, the researchers aimed to understand how exposure to K-dramas  
shapes their values, uncovering the essence of their engagement and identifying common themes and patterns in  
how these dramas shape their cultural perceptions. Additionally, this approach enabled the researchers to gained  
a holistic understanding of the participant’s experiences and to identifies common themes and patterns that  
emerged across these experiences.  
Research Locale  
This study was conducted in One Private School at Barangay Comon, Infanta, Quezon where the school is  
located. Known for its cultural diversity and vibrant community, it was chosen as the research setting. Exploring  
the influence of Korean drama to cultural identity of students offering valuable insights into the interplay  
between global media and local culture, informing community initiatives promoting cultural preservation. The  
study’s findings helped to create a relevant and effective understanding of global media influence and potentially  
informing community initiatives promoting cultural preservation and fostering intercultural understanding,  
possibly served as a model for other educational institutions encountering similar challenges.  
Research Population and Sample  
The participants of this study are the students within One Private School. They are chosen using purposive  
sampling. Purposive sampling is a non-probability sampling technique where the researcher selected participants  
based on specific criteria that are relevant to the research study. In this case, the researcher aims to include  
participants who provide in-depth and detailed information about the influence of Korean drama to their cultural  
identity as student. The researcher gathered rich and meaningful data that informed the development of global  
media influence and cultural preservations in One Private School. Following the criteria in the selection of the  
participants: (a) active viewer of Korean drama series (b) watched at least twenty Korean dramas (c) a long-term  
viewer who have been watching Korean dramas for more than a year, and (d) willing to participate in the study.  
Data Gathering Procedures  
The researchers sought first the permission of the institution especially the Program Supervisor of the concerned  
Department as they are informed about the nature of the study. Afterwards, the researchers identified the students  
under the criteria for a participant through purposive sampling technique. Once identified, the researchers request  
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for the consent of the participants prior the schedule of the interview. The interview scheduled under the  
conveniency of the target participants and the necessary data were acquired. After that, the researchers proceeded  
to transcription of the data which is the first step in thematic analysis.  
Data Analysis  
Thematic analysis employed to analyze the qualitative data obtained from the semi-structured interviews with  
students. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded using an inductive approach. The initial codes  
were derived via thoroughly examining the data and identifying recurring patterns and concepts. These codes  
organized into broader themes through iterative coding and constant comparison. Analyzation of different theme  
from multiple studies similar to the study are used as a bases to formulate the themes derived from the  
participants statements. The themes refined and named based on their relevance to the research objectives and  
the richness of the data. The findings provided valuable insights into the influences of Korean drama to cultural  
identity of students.  
DISCUSSION  
The findings of the study revealed significant insights into the themes. There are four central themes emerged,  
illustrating how exposure in Korean drama reshapes preferences in food, fashion, and daily habits of those who  
are exposed. The themes indicated shows how students were influenced by watching K-drama. This emphasized  
the negotiation of cultural identity as students incorporate foreign influences into their self-perception while still  
valuing their local identity. For instance, some student described wanting to consume Korean traditional or local  
food but limited to resources, find alternatives where local products with the same quality is what they brought  
as a representation of cuisine they desire from watching K-drama. Despite the changes of adapting foreign  
culture, many of the students still emphasized a conscious effort to preserve their Filipino heritage, framing their  
adaptations as “additions” rather than replacement. As for the most participants, it is proven that watching K-  
drama changed their preferences especially when it comes to food, fashion and lifestyle. The adaption the  
students unconsciously do, leads to a gradual process of changing in their cultural identity. This culture  
negotiation reveals a process of transforming of identity where the students are somehow in between embracing  
global trends and safeguarding cultural authenticity. Researchers observed from the students behavior the  
enjoyment in the novelty of Korean culture, covering the fear of its dominancea sentiment that sparked the  
creation of Filipino Culture Appreciation Day.  
To counterbalance the influences, this event the researchers came up with would help showcase the pride of  
Filipino culture celebrating Filipino traditions. Activities like a short filmmaking workshop will encourage  
students to document shows inspired by Filipino literary pieces, while a food bazaar will spotlight regional dishes  
reigniting pride of Filipino delicacies. A fashion show redefining “trendiness” through a Filipino lens, and a  
stage play that dramatize Filipino culture fostering a deeper connection to national identity. By implementing  
this, it may be possible to cover the things that students have adapted because of watching K-drama.  
CONCLUSIONS  
The recognition of K-dramas in the country has various reasons why it has spread widely and strongly one of it  
is through media. Similar to the Filipinos, K-dramas also introduced their own culture, through watching it,  
individuals learned and eventually adopt significant factors particularly those similar with one’s practices. The  
experience of students throughout their involvement in K-dramas shows the influence of it not just in the  
student’s perception but to a wider aspect which is the cultural identity of one being. Students realized the  
importance of allocating time for watching and prioritizing important things in their life. The students also  
understand the importance of balancing their time, set limitations and boundary in the things they often utilized  
their time as they notice that the more in depth their exposure is the more practices they adapt. Active K-drama  
viewers indeed develop a curiosity to try such things to explore. Through their viewing habits, they become  
interested to the point of being influenced in aspects like lifestyle, fashion, purchasing skincare and makeup  
products, food products they consume and even the language they often hear from watching as well as the quality  
of media they prefer. The presence of unique plot twists, the flow of the story, and excellent actors in Korean  
dramas become one of the reasons why students started and continuously watch K-dramas. Therefore, through  
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the “Filipino Culture Appreciation Day” that will be held by the school, the student’s Filipino cultural identity  
could be maintained. The “Filipino Culture Appreciation Day” will be held once a year for one day, where there  
will be various activities such as a food bazaar where different Filipino foods will be served, a stage play where  
students must present Filipino literature inspired and filmmaking that students will represent showcasing the  
identity of the Filipino, such as family dynamics and local folklore. Lastly, a fashion show where there will be  
a display of clothing inspired by Filipino clothing from different tribes or region highlighting the rich culture of  
the Philippines. By doing this, the cultural identity of Filipinos, especially students, may not be completely lost.  
Even if they have an interest in other cultures, such as Korean culture, they will still not lose their Filipino-ness  
and their Filipino cultural identity. The rapid rise of K-dramas and the recognition of their cultures, such as  
value, food, and clothing, indeed contribute a significant influence on viewers. With the widespread Korean  
entertainment industry, not only the students but most people developed an interest in engaging on such  
entertainment that their cultural identity somehow receive a gradual change.  
RECOMMENDATIONS  
The findings derived from the study led to comprehensive and significant insights. After the thorough analysis  
of data, the researchers recommended the following:  
Students  
Students should have time management when watching K-dramas so they could maintain their time every day  
for the task and choirs they have. By using digital apps or planners to allocate specific time slots for study,  
watching and other activities, they can make their “To-Do List” as their routine everyday balancing the things  
they need to prioritize before screen time to watch K-drama. By doing this, they will have discipline in their  
study time, reduce stress, and K-drama will be an entertainment more than a material that change certain things  
in them.  
Parents  
Parents play the most important role in helping to shape their child's identity, so as for the parents, they should  
be the one who provides guidance to their children, such as open communication and setting boundaries or  
limitations especially when it comes to what content they should and should not watch. They must be strict in  
setting time limits, encouraging their children to have outside hobbies such as sports, talents, and interests in  
other things instead of spending the whole day watching K-drama.  
Teachers  
Teachers can use the popularity of K-drama nowadays as a learning tool by organizing school activities such as  
task-based and real-world applications that students can do themselves and they can realize the differences  
between various cultures in different parts of the world. This will also help them see the uniqueness of Filipino  
culture and have an appreciation for the culture they have. In this way, it will help them maintain the cultural  
identity that their students have as Filipinos.  
CHED and DepEd  
CHED and DepEd should support the implementation of Filipino cultural appreciation celebration that the  
researcher came up with. With the support of the said department, this event could help on strengthening the  
cultural identity and heritage of the Filipino and so that it will not be forgotten, especially now that most of the  
students are exposed to the digital era where everyone can see the different cultures of different race. By engaging  
to different Filipino activities, it will show a strong connection to Filipino culture. With the CHEd and DepEd  
support, the teachers and staff will participate in this event through encouraging students to enrich their cultural  
knowledge.  
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Future Researchers  
Future researchers could consider increasing the number of participants to have more and deeper exploration of  
K-dramas. Influence on cultural identity by expanding the scope, methodology, and connections of the study.  
Since there are many studies that prove that the cultural identity of students is indeed influenced, future  
researchers can conduct a study into how easily students' cultural identities are influenced by watching K-drama.  
In this study, one could learn more about the possible reasons why watching K-drama can influence students so  
easily.  
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