How Korean Dramas and Movies Draw Inspiration From Casinos

Casinos, both physical and online, have become much more popular in recent years. Digital platforms have made it easier for people to access casinos, removing geographical limits and reaching audiences globally and in Korea.

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This change is part of a broader trend where people now have easier access to many types of online activities, including online casinos.

This is largely due to online casinos offering a wide array of games for players to choose from. What also adds to their play however, are features such as bonuses, free spins, and other rewards that give players more opportunities to explore different games.

Bonuses for instance can take many forms, including welcome packages, deposit matches, deposit bonuses and free bonuses, providing a way for players to explore more games. (Source: https://www.doteshopping.com/)

At the same time, this rich world of online and traditional casinos has also found its way into popular culture, particularly in Korean dramas and films.

The unique atmosphere of casinos, filled with tension and strategy, has caught the attention of many writers and directors, including Koreans. By including these elements in their stories, creators add depth and intrigue that appeals to audiences in Korea and beyond.

Casino Themes in Korean Dramas

Korean dramas are known for their rich storylines and emotional complexity, and casinos have become an intriguing backdrop in many of these stories. These settings are often used to create tension and explore themes like ambition, desperation, and personal struggle.

One of the most famous examples is "Tazza" (2008), a drama based on the popular comic series of the same name. The story follows the life of Goni, played by the famed Jang Hyuk, a skilled card player who becomes entangled in the world of casino playing.

Determined to master the craft, he trains under an experienced player and gradually rises in the underground casino gaming scene. The series explores the strategies, challenges, and alliances that shape the world of casino gaming.

It's not just a setting but a lens through which the drama examines loyalty and human ambition.

Another well-known TV series is "Big Bet" (2022), which takes a grounded and realistic approach. The story follows Cha Moo-sik, a man who starts with nothing and works his way up to build a casino empire in the Philippines.

His journey is filled with challenges, including rivalries and betrayals. The show highlights the harsh realities of ambition, showing how people face difficult choices along the way.

Through Cha Moo-sik's story, the series explores the sacrifices and compromises people often make to achieve their goals. These dramas use casinos not just as interesting settings but as a way to reflect the complexities of life, where every decision has consequences.

Casino Tropes in Korean Movies

Casinos have become a common element in many Korean films as well, often serving as powerful settings to explore the complexities of human relationships.

They bring an intensity to the story, highlighting moments where characters make pivotal decisions or reveal hidden sides of themselves.

Movies such as "The Swindlers" (2017) and "Coin Locker Girl" (2015) feature scenes involving casino gaming to highlight key moments in the story. These scenes often reveal unexpected sides of characters or drive important twists in the plot.

Another example is the film "The King" (2017), which uses a casino scene as a turning point in its story. The film tells the story of Park  Tae-soo, a young man who rises from humble beginnings to become a powerful prosecutor.

Initially driven by dreams of success, he quickly becomes entangled in a corrupt political system. The casino scene shows a moment of strategic maneuvering, where big players negotiate and scheme, reflecting the calculated takes and ambitions that define the story.

These films use casinos not just as settings but as tools to build tension and depth. They provide a stage where characters face decisions that test their resolve, often with far-reaching consequences.