Korean words in the Oxford English DictionaryLanguage
K-drama (K-드라마)
A K-drama is a Korean-language TV series made in South Korea. The OED added the prefix “K-” and words built with it in 2021.
OED update: September 2021Korean: 한국 드라마Related: K-pop, K-movieUpdated Oct 20, 2026
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Flash cards for practicing Korean words you meet in dramas and songs.
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Short readings for beginners, a way to see everyday words in sentences.
What it means
“K-drama” means a TV series made in South Korea in Korean, or such series as a group. Fans use it for romances, thrillers, historical dramas and more.
In the OED
In the September 2021 update the OED added the prefix “K-”, short for “Korean”, used for things linked to South Korea and its popular culture. News reports on the update list K-pop, K-drama and K-movie as examples.
How it's used in Korea
In Korea people mostly just say 드라마 (deurama). “K-drama” is the label used abroad, and Korean media also use it when talking about shows for overseas viewers.
Example
“K-드라마를 보다가 한국어를 배우기 시작했어요.” (I started learning Korean from watching K-dramas.)