A growing number of Netflix users are discovering the allure of Korean dramas as these shows offer a delightful escape from what’s been going on around the world. The unique story arcs, romantic yet chaste relationships, and gorgeous cinematography are just some of the reasons why over 18 million viewers in the US are streaming K-dramas, proving that there are many people who are willing to “overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles,” as cleverly put by Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-Ho. As a result, K-drama fans all over the world are now exposed to Korean history and culture and have become more knowledgeable about South Korean fashion and beauty trends, popular food and drinks, and even the latest in home decor and appliances. Some smart home gadgets have even been prominently featured in shows, and it’s likely that more people will be inspired to have these gadgets in their own homes. These are the most popular smart home devices in K-dramas.
Smart doorbell systems
Smart technology can make a home safer and more secure for individuals and families alike. For instance, devices such as leak sensors can notify everyone of a gas leak so people will know what to do in case of this type of emergency. Moreover, AI technology improves accessibility for older people and those with mobility issues, enabling one to have a better quality of life. A smart doorbell system is one of the internet-powered gadgets that promote safety for everyone inside the home, as it enables you to track deliveries and see people lurking outside without having to open the door. This device has been featured in dramas such as 2013’s “My Love From The Star,” and in the show, Do Min Joon (Kim Soo-Hyun) witnesses Cheon Song-yi’s (Jun Ji-hyun) drunken display in the hallways via his smart doorbell system. This device has also been useful in “One Spring Night” as it let Lee Seo-In (Im Sung-eon) know that her toxic and abusive ex was on the other side of the door.
Robot vacuum cleaner
In K-dramas, a robot vacuum cleaner not only allows you to clean your home, but it can also be a best friend, and in some cases, it may even free you from false accusations. In “Are You Human Too?” a highly evolved AI, Namshin III (Seo Kang-jun) befriends a robot vacuum cleaner as a way to cope with loneliness. Meanwhile, in “While You Were Sleeping,” trouble befalls a cable guy after he becomes a suspect in a gruesome murder. People thought that the pentagram-like symbol that was drawn with the victim’s own blood was made by the suspect, but later it was revealed that the victim’s robot vacuum cleaner was the one that made the pattern on the floor.
Smart rice cooker
“Crash Landing On You” has been hailed by media outlets all over the world as one of the best K-dramas of all time, and in this show, a smart rice cooker was the device creating mischief for a North Korean housewife. In a scene from one of the first few episodes of the show, town inspector Na Wol-Sook (Kim Sun-Young) makes the rounds to see if any of the townspeople are misbehaving. Knowing that owning gadgets and devices is illegal in the country, one housewife attempts to hide her smart rice cooker by throwing a quilt over it. But the inspector finds out about its presence anyway when the device loudly announces that the rice is cooked. Fortunately, Sun-Young is persuaded to look the other way, and she even asks for a taste of the perfectly cooked rice.
Apart from these devices, other high-tech home appliances and furniture such as smart beds, smart lighting systems, and smart Korean barbecue grill pans have also been featured in other K-dramas. It’s likely that we’ll see more smart technology in upcoming shows, so be on the lookout for these devices on your next K-drama streaming party.
