This interest is not because I'm falling for Korean culture, gorgeous scenery or other K-pop aspects that have mesmerised many Thais. (In fact, I don't even know the names of the principal characters.) Rather, I'm just trying to find out what makes these Korean series, one after the other, big hits among Thai viewers.

Okay, that's not entirely true. I concocted this fact-finding mission after seeing a few episodes of the "Spring Waltz". What hooked me at first was the soundtrack. There are a number of good songs in the series, because the principal male character, Yoon Jae-ha, is a very talented pianist.

Given that it's a romantic series, all the songs are about love, and coupled with the producers' intention to showcase South Korea's beautiful scenery, these series are great to watch over lunch.

(Another confession - I've watched all the episodes on VCD.)

The other reason I'm sort of addicted to this series is because the acting is great. Now I'm not saying we don't have great actors here - it's just that their Korean counterparts seem to find it easier to squeeze out tears. I'm guessing the lead male has wept enough to fill a bucket, where the lead female's tears could easily fill a reservoir. The story calls for them to cry far too often.

And since the dialogue is more realistic, especially if you compare them to those of a typical Thai TV series, you can understand why the characters feel sad and need to cry.

The other good thing about Korean series is that the audience is given time to slowly absorb the story. For instance, right after an emotional scene, the character might go for a stroll or sit in a beautiful locale - all set to lovely music. All this draws the viewer into their world.

The plots in Thai series, on the other hand, develop very quickly. For instance, you might see a catfight, which can be immediately followed by housemaids having a discussion, and following that the main characters might go on a shopping trip.

No wonder so many Thais are hooked on Korean series.

However, there's one good thing about Thai dramas - they're true to the language. For instance, in "Spring Waltz", there's a look khrung actor who isn't fluent in Korean and it's funny watching him talk in English while other actors talk back to him in Korean. At least in Thailand, proper farang actors are employed to try and speak Thai in a funny accent. Still, I have to admit, it can get a bit difficult understanding them.

Comments can be sent to e_nang30@yahoo.com.