KBS 'Love: Track' Returns

KBS will launch a new short drama series called "Love : Track" in 2025.
Each episode will be a 30-minute romance anthology.
The project is designed to discover new talent and to show a wide spectrum of love.
The first broadcast is scheduled for December 14, 2025.

"Short but vivid loves" — KBS asks again what one-act drama can do

Carrying on a tradition.

KBS's one-act drama lineage began with "Drama Game" in 1984 and continued through "Drama City" and "Drama Special."

Since its debut in 1984, one-act drama has been a testing ground for broadcasters and a pipeline for new talent.
Many directors, actors, and writers found early opportunities through single-episode works.
However, viewing habits and platforms have shifted, and the space for one-act shows has shrunk.
In that context, "Love : Track" tries both to inherit a tradition and to adapt to change.

A new opportunity.

A 30-minute limit is both constraint and opportunity; it requires tight storytelling that captures characters quickly.

Short dramas can leave a strong impression.
Brief narratives remove excess scenes and focus on core emotions.
Therefore, the skill of writers and directors becomes decisive.
For newcomers, a single episode is a prime chance to present a distinctive style.

It embraces diversity.

"Love : Track" will cover dating, breakups, family love, senior romance, single life, and minority (LGBTQ+) relationships.

The intent is clear.
The goal is to widen the spectrum of love and include many voices.
This has real social meaning.
In particular, addressing single life and minority relationships connects to the public broadcaster's civic duties (the responsibilities of a public broadcaster).

KBS new series image

A stage for new talent.

One-act drama is a traditional route for putting new writers, directors, and actors onto a real production stage.

Supporters point to talent discovery as the biggest advantage.
Short runtimes reduce production risk and allow varied experiments.
Thus, young creators can more easily show their colors.
In addition, there is room to test indie sensibilities and experimental formats.

Shortness is a strength.

A 30-minute limit increases narrative density; focused emotion and a clear message become possible.

This format also matches busy viewers' habits.
Compared with long serials, it lowers the entry barrier and gives a complete emotional arc in one sitting.
Additionally, short clips travel easily online, aiding marketing and spread.
On the other hand, short length can raise worries about lack of depth.

Concerns remain.

The criticism that 30 minutes is too short to tackle social issues is realistic.

Critics point to a shortage of depth as a main problem.
They argue that complex emotional arcs or social contexts are hard to develop persuasively within half an hour.
Especially, portraying inner changes or institutional stories often needs more time.
Another practical worry is commercial viability.

Commerciality and sustainability.

One-act drama values artistry and experimentation, but it can be weak on ratings and advertising revenue.

Public broadcasters must perform a civic role, yet they face budget and scheduling realities.
Low ratings reduce ad income, which directly threatens a program's continuity.
If a series ends after a single season or faces repeated cuts, the ecosystem that nurtures newcomers could weaken.
How to address these structural risks is the key question.

Cases point to possibility.

At home and abroad, short and anthology formats have been reappraised when paired with the right platforms.

Global platforms like Netflix show short-form successes.
Meanwhile, broadcasters have produced one-acts that gained critical praise and loyal fandoms.
These examples suggest that marketing and platform partnerships make a difference.
Therefore, "Love : Track" will succeed only if production and distribution strategies align.

Supplementary image

Causes and context.

KBS's plan can be read as a response to changing media habits and an attempt to restore public value.

First, shifts in media consumption are a major cause.
Viewers now prefer short, powerful content.
However, the public broadcaster's identity means this is not merely trend-chasing.
Long-term goals—spreading public messages and supporting diversity—are also in play.

Social meaning is significant.

Programs that address minority relationships, single life, and elder romance can shape public conversation.

When a public broadcaster tells stories of marginalized people, it performs a civic duty rather than only an artistic choice.
Highlighting realistic themes—family, work, parenting—can widen empathy.
Also, online distribution and educational tie-ins could connect lifelong learning and cultural consumption.
Thus, layered planning requires balancing public value with market realities.

Policy support is needed.

Protecting the production ecosystem and continuously supporting newcomers requires institutional measures.

Broadcasters should consider budget allocations and support for independent production companies.
They must secure visibility through platform partnerships and digital marketing.
Public funds or creative funds could share risk.
In addition, programming that reflects viewer feedback is important.

The verdict is open.

Outcomes depend on production quality, strategic placement, and audience response.

In short, "Love : Track" sits between preserving tradition and trying something new.
Supporters cite talent discovery, greater diversity, and short-form strengths.
Critics warn of shallow treatment, weak commercial returns, and sustainability risks.
Ultimately, the result will hinge on how production, distribution, and policy interact.

The conclusion is a question.

A revival of one-act drama is possible, but without a sustainable ecosystem it may remain a temporary trend.

There are three main points.
First, discovering new talent and accepting diverse stories are clear values.
Second, the 30-minute limit functions as both advantage and drawback.
Third, financial, institutional, and platform strategies are essential for continuity.
With many perspectives in play, readers' judgment matters.
Do you think KBS's effort will help restore the public broadcaster's role?

댓글 쓰기

다음 이전