Thoughts on Resources: Viki

There are enough Kdramas on Netflix to get you started, but at some point you’re going to want more choices.  You’ll want to see other shows with your favorite actor, or you’ll read a review that piques your interest.   Certain older shows are regarded as “don’t miss” classics.  So what can you do?

Well, there’s an app for that:  Most of the titles you will be looking for are on Viki.

From the app store, download the Rakuten Viki app to your phone and/or tablet.   You can try it for free, though it’s not an ideal experience.  Shows and episodes are limited, and you have to endure ads.  The cost for ad-free, full access is $10/mo or $100/yr. which is really reasonable for what you get.  

Viki is a pan-Asian movie and television streaming service very similar to Netflix. They have enough Korean content to keep you entertained for years, but Viki also offers Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, and Filipino productions.

Viki subtitles sometimes include a bit of exposition, which is helpful.  A reference to a Korean myth or literary figure, for example, is otherwise lost on Western viewers.  Sometimes the subtitles will note the form of address, such as, “Using formal language, sarcastically.” 

Just give Viki $10 and watch Descendants of the Sun (2016). You don’t know what you’re missing!