South Korea Soap Operas Gaining Popularity in Cuba: 'Jewel in the Palace,' 'Queen of the Housewives' Among Favorites
South Korean soap operas are finding fans in Cuba.
The South Korean soap opera "Jewel in the Palace," or "Una Joya En El Palacio," as it is known in Spanish, is the latest soap opera to make its mark in Cuba. The soap opera, which originally aired in 2003, is just one of the few Korean imports, notes the Chosun Ilbo.
"Queen of the Housewives" was the first South Korean soap opera to air in Cuba, and after it proved successful, it was followed by "My Fair Lady" and "Secret Garden."
Chosun Ilbo believes that the less dramatic style is what has been resonating with Cuban audiences.
"The leisurely pace and somewhat stationary acting of the Korean fare apparently contrasts pleasantly with the endless high-octane histrionics of Latin American telenovelas," according to the website.
At the Havana International Fair, which began on Nov. 1, there were plenty of Cubans asking for Sun Woo-Sun, the star of "Queen of Housewives."
Even Fidel Castro's son, Alex, talked to Sun and said he enjoyed "Queen of Housewives."
A street vendor who sells pirated DVDs said South Korean soap operas sell well.
"I sell more than 50 DVDs a week, and dramas with Lee Min-ho are especially in demand," the seller said.
And though Cuba has had South Korean products in the country before, it wasn't until the soap operas came that the people of Cuba started to get to learn about the country, according to Cuban Chamber of Commerce member Orlando Guillén.
In 2013, South Korean actor Yoon Sang Hyun visited Cuba, and he was surprised with the reactions he received.
"I'm very happy with Cubans' reaction because I didn't know that the soap operas would be so well accepted in Cuba, especially because of the cultural differences that exist between our countries," he said.
The pictures of his visit feature the actor with a big smile, as large groups follow him around. He is also seen signing autographs and accepting gifts.
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