Popular illegal drama streaming site Dramacool shuts down, devastating many worldwide

Many K-drama fans around the world mourned the end of an era when Dramacool announced on Nov. 27 that it would shut down all of its streaming and information sites.

It marked the end of a decade-long run.

Dramacool confirmed the news via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, revealing it would close five sites, Asianc, Dramanice, Watchasia, Runasian, and Asianwiki.

The company cited copyright issues as the reason for the shutdown, but did not provide further details.

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. pic.twitter.com/4ft5KIWBLv

— Dramacool (@dramacoolcom) November 27, 2024

Many mourn its demise

The announcement spread quickly, as fans of Asian dramas were left heartbroken, lamenting on social media that their easy but illegal access to their favorite Asian shows is now gone.

Many commenters shared how Dramacool was a part of their childhood, noting that the site's closure will definitely be deeply missed.

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…

— 🐈AgustGee3275 Is Happy Thx2⁷ NormalBoys🤨 (@AgustGee3275) November 27, 2024

Some also expressed their disappointment over the shutdown, while others pointed out that despite paying for multiple drama streaming subscriptions, certain shows remain inaccessible in their region.

I’m gutted.

I pay for several streaming services, and yet some shows are still not available except through drama cool.

Now what?

— sumichba (@sumichba) November 27, 2024

While many fans acknowledged that legal streaming sites currently offer much more Asian content than they did a few years ago, the selection still pales in comparison to Dramacool, where nearly any Asian show that fans wanted to watch was likely available on the site.

One-stop site to watch Asian shows

Dramacool had been the one-stop site for fans to watch updated releases of their favorite Asian dramas since 2014.

The site served millions of users, allowing them to watch dramas without the limitations of geographic restrictions or subscription fees.

Fans also appreciated how the site served as an archive for older Asian shows and movies that most streaming platforms do not offer.

Initially focused on Korean content, Dramacool expanded to offer shows from China, Japan, Taiwan, and even Southeast Asia.

Its user-friendly design, fast updates, fan-subbed content and free access to episodes in HD made the site the top choice for drama lovers eager to watch episodes as soon as they get aired.

Growing pressure from copyright holders

The specific reasons behind Dramacool's shutdown remain unclear, though many speculate that it was likely due to growing pressure from copyright holders and content distributors cracking down on illegal streaming sites.

With the rise of legal streaming services and growing concerns over piracy, websites like Dramacool would have faced mounting challenges in maintaining operations.

This is not a new trend.

Similar clampdown efforts on illegal streaming sites have been seen in recent months.

In May and August 2024, the South Korean government and media group SBS announced the successful shutdown of illicit video streaming platforms with servers based in China and Thailand.

Additionally, in 2023, the South Korean government blocked access to Nonoo TV, a streaming site with servers in the Dominican Republic, Paraguay, and other foreign countries.

K-drama is one of the major cultural exports of South Korea, and part of a multi-million dollar industry to help project its soft power worldwide.

Where to watch Kdramas now

In the wake of Dramacool’s shutdown, many users are turning to legal alternatives to access their favorite Asian dramas.

Fans can stream their shows on paid platforms, such as Netflix and Viki, and on regional services such as iQIYI and Viu, all of which are available in Singapore.

Though these streaming platforms may not have as large a library of Asian shows, they have invested heavily in acquiring the rights to distribute popular Asian dramas and have brought new content to global audiences.

Top photos via X