"Now where can I get these dramas"- Fans disappointed as popular K-drama site, Dramacool announces shut down

On November 28, 2024, the popular free streaming site for K-drama, Dramacool, announced its closure due to copyright issues. Known for its vast library of subtitled Asian dramas, Dramacool also shut down its affiliated sites: Asianc, Dramanice, Watchasia, Runasian, and Asianwiki. The decision was confirmed on its official X account.

In a message shared across its social media channels, the platform addressed its fans:

"Hi all💛We are sorry to announce that we will be closing all 5 websites: Asianc, Dramanice, Watchasia, Runasian, Asianwiki. Due to the copyright, we cannot run the sites anymore. We apologize to every fan that always supported and loved DRAMACOOL. Thank you and Best Regards."

The announcement has left fans disheartened, with many expressing their frustration and sadness on social media. One fan wrote,

"Whyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!😭😭😭😭😭.... I've been watching all the kdramas for the last 15 years in these site only😭😭😭... Now where can I get these kdramas again 🥲🥲🥲"

"this is the burning of alexandria... do y'all not know what dramacool has done for the 00s hallyu wave??? they are the ones who REALLY paved the way 🙇🏻‍♀️" commented one fan.

"also this is so genuinely sad, because that's how older dramas disappear, sites like dramacool are true libraries for asian dramas." said another netizen.

"they have been around for so long that they have movies, dramas and entertainment shows from not only Korea, but Japan, Taiwan etc. since the early 2000s that other sites similar do not have, with them gone, so I'd this content." wrote this fan.

"it’s the end of large chunk of youth for a lot of people. dramacool gave us access to a lot of variety shows and dramas that aren't accesible elsewhere with proper subs mind you.. this is quite litererally modern day burning of the library of alexandria" remarked one X user.

Many fans have also expressed their gratitude to Dramacool for its dedication in providing a vast array of dramas, TV shows, and entertainment programs. The platform was celebrated for offering content not only from Korea but also from Japan, Taiwan, and other regions, making it a beloved hub for Asian entertainment enthusiasts.

"I have spent my entire life on dramacool after mysoju but I’ve noticed in recent years, the ads got worse, the site was down constantly and the quality diminished. You did your best. You guys worked your asses off to get those dramas back up. I salute you. You are the real OG of subbed dramas. Thank you so much and I’m so sad to see you go but you really helped globalize dramas. Never forget that 💜" shared this fan.

"I was there when dramacrazy shut down,then mysoju & dramafever got down & now you.Ik it’s a lot easier to get dramas legally now but the library & subs of the sites that actually cared about kdramas & its fans just hits differently &more enjoyable. I’ll just thank u for ur service." posted one X user.

"Thank you Dramacool 💕💐 For all those years you helped my love for Kdrama flourish ❣️ Thank you for subbing all those episodes so English speaking Kdrama fans can understand 🫶🏻" added this individual on X.

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Dramacool shuts down following legal pressures and copyright scrutiny

Dramacool, once a widely frequented website by fans of Asian dramas, has officially shut down as of November 28, 2024. Known for its vast collection of Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Taiwanese TV shows, the site offered users an accessible and free platform to stream the latest episodes of their favorite series.

The site gained popularity for its user-friendly interface, fast uploads, and minimal ads, becoming a top choice for drama fans seeking free, subscription-free access. Initially focused on Korean dramas, it expanded to include a wide range of Asian TV, offering HD streams and quick uploads after episodes aired, building a loyal user base over time.

However, despite its success, Dramacool’s business model faced increasing scrutiny. The website reportedly hosted content without the necessary licenses, prompting concerns from both content creators and industry stakeholders about its impact on legal distribution channels and piracy. As the pressure from copyright holders and official distributors intensified, the platform's ability to maintain its operations became increasingly difficult.