Beloved pirated site ‘Dramacool’ announced its closure yesterday, and many K-Drama fans were left devastated.
The beloved platform announced its closure, citing copyright concerns.
The shutdown was confirmed via its official X account, and included its affiliated sites: Asianc, Dramanice, Watchasia, Runasian, and Asianwiki.
Since the site’s launch in 2014, Dramacool has been a go-to for free access to Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian dramas, offering a vast archive of fan-subbed content and hard-to-find series.
Many fans have taken to social media to mourn the loss, with many describing it as a cultural cornerstone for the drama-loving community.
Its closure stems from a broader crackdown on illegal streaming platforms across Asia, as governments and media companies ramp up efforts to protect intellectual property.
As K-dramas grow as a global export and a key part of South Korea’s soft power, the industry is pushing to ensure creators and copyright holders are fairly compensated.
While legal platforms like Netflix and Viki continue to expand, fans note that regional restrictions and incomplete libraries leave gaps that platforms like Dramacool once filled.
Dramacool’s shutdown has marked the end of an era in Asian drama streaming.
Was Dramacool part of your childhood?
