Reflections on Korean Dramas and the Covid Collusion

Two-Tier Justice System

The recent presidential pardon of Hunter Biden has brought to the fore the reality of a two-tier justice system in America. This system seems to favor certain individuals and organizations, shielding them from the usual judicial repercussions of their actions. Meanwhile, those who are not favored often face punishment, not necessarily for actual crimes, but for expressing views that are not politically acceptable.

Korean Dramas: A Mirror to Our Times

Korean dramas, in my opinion, have a unique relevance to our present times. These dramas often depict a scenario where the government colludes with corporate corruption, leaving the protagonists with limited resources to address grave wrongdoings. Unlike American entertainment, where mainstream news reporters are often portrayed in a positive light, Korean dramas tend to depict them as part of the same corrupt system.

The Chaebol and Global Unaccountability

Many Korean dramas focus on the machinations and intrigues of a chaebol, a family-owned business conglomerate. These chaebols, which power much of Korea’s economy, wield significant political power and influence. This leads to the creation of a super-wealthy class of individuals who act like autocratic rulers, often immune to law enforcement and protected from criticism by mainstream media. This reality is not exclusive to Korean society but is a global phenomenon.

Three Korean Dramas Reflecting the Post-Covid World

I would like to introduce three Korean dramas that seem to reflect what many people are experiencing in the post-Covid world.

My Secret, Terius /Terius Behind Me

The drama, which aired in 2018, appears prophetic in hindsight. It features a fictional company that develops a vaccine for coronavirus infections and is about to patent it. The drama's protagonists manage to prevent a terrorist bioweapon attack with a coronavirus enhanced through gain-of-function research. The attack was engineered to create a global panic and boost vaccine sales.

Vincenzo

Released during the pandemic, Vincenzo tells the story of a battle between a Korean-Italian former Mafia consigliere and a diabolical Korean corporate conglomerate. The conglomerate plans to launch a dangerous narcotic on the Korean public despite its fatal side effects. The conglomerate is also guilty of fraud and stock manipulation but manages to evade accountability due to its control over the Korean court system.

Healer

Set in modern-day Korea, Healer frequently refers to the military dictatorship that ruled Korea until 1987. The drama features characters who were pirate radio station operators during the dictatorship when the news media was strictly controlled and censored by the government. The drama follows the fight between an Internet news firm and a ruthless corporation that runs businesses for profit alone.

Bottom Line

Korean dramas often showcase a line-up of corrupt politicians, executives, judges, prosecutors, government officials, doctors, and mainstream news organizations, all under the control of the chaebol. The only things they appear to fear are social media attacks and public exposure of their actions. Despite the formidable forces against them, the heroes and heroines of these dramas somehow triumph over their adversaries in the end. In the fight against widespread institutional corruption, sometimes real people also manage to receive some vindication. What do you think about this perspective? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, every day at 6pm.