For the first 18 years of her life, Jeanie Chang struggled to embrace her Korean heritage. Immigrating to a suburb in Philadelphia when she was just 5 months old didn’t give her much time to understand her complex identity—she always felt like an outsider in a predominantly White neighborhood. Chang avoided watching K-dramas or studying Korean until a summer school trip to Seoul in 1992, where she watched her first K-Drama.
While Korean TV shows and films have gained immense popularity recently with hits like Squid Game and Past Lives, they have rarely been examined through a mental health lens. Chang, now a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional specializing in the intersectionality of mental health and identity, DEIB, and psychological safety, has been a pioneer in advocating for the mental health benefits of K-Dramas. She actively incorporates K-Dramas into her therapy work with patients. Her new book, How K-Dramas Can Transform Your Life: Powerful Lessons on Belongingness, Healing, and Mental Health, explores how she integrates dialectical behavioral therapy with K-Dramas, revealing the transformative power of these shows.
Today, many Gen Z viewers find solace in K-Dramas, using them to escape the pressures of daily life. "Gen Z is finding comfort and guidance in relatable content that speaks to their experiences, whether it's a profound K-Drama, TikTok video, or a meme that 'roasts' their situation with humor," says Levi, CEO of mental health startup Yona.ai and an audience member at Chang’s book launch panel.
Eastern Standard Times spoke with Chang at a panel organized by the Korean Cultural Center and the Asian American Journalists Association on May 11. Chang shared her vision of using K-Dramas to aid mental health and break cycles of trauma in the AANHPI community.
TINA:
Jeanie, what led you to focus on mental health after transitioning from being a journalist to a therapist?
JEANIE:
I love sharing my journey because it's a testament to how our paths can take unexpected turns. Initially, I experienced burnout in journalism, a term we didn't have back in the 90s. I felt overworked and lonely, even though I enjoyed my work. It wasn't until my mid-20s that I realized I needed a change. Business school seemed like the right move to fulfill certain expectations, but it didn't bring me joy. Eventually, I found my passion in mental health and decided to pursue it despite the challenges of starting over in my 30s.
TINA:
You mentioned watching a K-Drama for the first time during a summer school in Korea. How did that experience foster a deeper appreciation for your Korean heritage?
JEANIE:
That experience was transformative. Growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood, I struggled with my Korean identity. When I attended a summer program at Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea, and watched my first K-Drama, Jealousy (1992), it opened my eyes to a culture I had distanced myself from. Seeing a Korean female lead who was cute and pretty, and engaging in relatable storylines, made me proud of my heritage. It was a pivotal moment that helped me embrace being Korean American.
TINA:
In your book, you talk about how K-Drama tropes like happy endings and best friends-to-lovers narratives are the reasons why viewers enjoy them so much. Can you elaborate on the psychological aspects of this?
JEANIE:
Tropes are predictable, and that predictability is comforting, especially for those who have experienced trauma. Familiar narratives like best friends to lovers provide a sense of control and safety. They allow viewers to engage with the story without the anxiety of uncertainty. While some might criticize these tropes for being unrealistic, they offer much-needed escapism and happiness that can be very therapeutic.
TINA:
The most common criticism about K-Drama I’ve heard is that it is merely escapism and that viewers aren't living in the real world. How would you respond to that?
JEANIE:
Escapism, in moderation, is healthy. It's crucial to have an outlet to decompress and relieve stress. My book emphasizes mental health and balance. I never advocate for binge-watching to the point of neglecting responsibilities.
Escaping through K-Dramas can provide a necessary break, as long as it doesn't replace real-life interactions and responsibilities.
TINA:
What role does diverse representation play in the impact of K-Dramas on AANHPI+ viewers' mental health?
JEANIE:
Representation is incredibly validating. Growing up, I didn't see Asians represented positively or at all in the media. K-Dramas offer positive and diverse portrayals of Korean characters, which is heartwarming and validating for Asian viewers. Seeing oneself reflected in the media helps affirm one's identity and can significantly boost self-esteem and mental health.
TINA:
How has your diverse career path influenced your approach to mental health and therapy?
JEANIE:
My varied career has been a blessing. My journalism background helps me communicate effectively, my business experience allows me to understand organizational dynamics, and my training as a therapist gives me the skills to address mental health issues. This combination has enabled me to approach mental health from a holistic perspective, integrating different aspects of my experience to provide comprehensive care.
TINA:
What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
JEANIE:
I hope readers will see the transformative power of K-Dramas and how they can positively impact mental health. Whether it's finding comfort in familiar tropes, seeing positive representation, or simply enjoying a good story, K-Dramas can be a valuable tool for emotional well-being. I want people to understand that embracing their heritage and finding joy in their culture can be incredibly healing.
