WIN Media, Makassar, 2/3/2026 – For Gen Z, watching Korean dramas (K-dramas) has become almost a basic necessity. What started as a casual pastime has now become an addiction. But who would have thought that the hobby of marathon-watching K-dramas until late at night could be transformed into a lucrative side hustle?
Harry Yulianto, a digital business expert from STIE YPUP Makassar, emphasizes that in this digital era, almost any hobby can be monetized, including watching K-dramas. “Don’t let the time spent binge-watching K-dramas remain just passive consumption. Turn it into something productive. There are many opportunities behind the screen that can generate income, as long as you know how,” he told.
Here are four ways to turn your hobby of watching Korean dramas into a profitable side hustle:
1. Become a K-Drama Reviewer or Content Creator
The easiest step is to become a reviewer. “Create a dedicated account on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube focused on discussing Korean dramas. Not just synopses, but in-depth reviews about characters, storylines, cinematography, and even the moral messages that can be learned,” Harry explained.
He suggests creating unique and distinctive content. “Don’t just do ordinary reviews. Create trendy content like ‘5 Korean Dramas with the Best Plot Twists,’ ‘K-Drama Recommendations for the Broken-Hearted,’ or ‘Second Lead Characters More Loved Than the Main Lead.’ Content like this easily goes viral because it relates to many people’s experiences,” he added.
Once the account starts gaining traction, monetization can be done through various means. “Join platform creator programs, get endorsements from relevant brands like streaming apps, Korean-style beauty products, or snacks that often appear in K-dramas. You can also join affiliate programs and earn commissions from every viewer who subscribes to drama apps through your link,” Harry explained.
2. Become a Subtitler or Content Translator
Many K-drama contents don’t have Indonesian subtitles yet, especially behind-the-scenes content, actor interviews, or variety shows. “This is a huge opportunity. Many Indonesian K-drama fans want to enjoy exclusive content with subtitles. Offer translation services to communities or even to streaming platforms themselves,” Harry explained.
He gave an example where freelance subtitlers can get paid per episode or per minute of video. “The only capital needed is adequate Korean language skills and attention to detail. If you don’t know Korean yet, you can start by translating from English subtitles to Indonesian. The key is consistency and maintaining quality,” he advised.
Harry also suggests utilizing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or even Facebook groups specifically for translator services. “Create a portfolio, showcase your work, and offer competitive prices. Once your reputation is built, orders will come naturally,” he added.
3. Sell K-Drama Themed Merchandise and Crafts
K-drama fans are usually very loyal and love collecting merchandise. “Merchandise businesses like makeshift lightsticks, keychains with K-drama characters, or t-shirts with iconic quotes from dramas can sell like hotcakes. Small capital, big profits,” said Harry.
He gave an example where the moment a drama is going viral is the best time to sell merchandise. “When ‘Queen of Tears’ or ‘Lovely Runner’ was airing, many people were looking for merchandise. Capitalize on that moment. Create limited editions, use pre-order systems so you don’t need large stock, and package them beautifully,” he explained.
Besides physical merchandise, digital products also have a market. “Sell wallpapers, calendars, or printable planners with K-drama themes. Or create an e-book containing drama recommendations by genre, complete with synopses and streaming links. These can be sold cheaply and generate passive income,” Harry added.
4. Create a Community and Offer Watching Together Services
Watching K-dramas is more fun when done together. “Create a K-drama lover community, for example on WhatsApp, Telegram, or Discord. Manage it well, hold regular discussions whenever new episodes air, and organize online watch parties,” said Harry.
From a solid community, various business opportunities can emerge. “Sell exclusive watch party services with unique concepts. For example, watching together while eating Korean food delivered to participants’ homes, or watching with discussion sessions featuring Korean culture experts. You could also collaborate with Korean cafes for offline watch parties,” he explained.
Harry emphasizes that the key to all this is building engagement. “Don’t just sell, but nurture the community. Invite them to chat, ask for opinions, create quizzes with prizes. The tighter the community, the greater the business potential,” he concluded.
Harry reminds that consistency is the main key. “A side hustle won’t become big overnight. It takes time. The important thing is to enjoy the process because it comes from a hobby. If you enjoy doing it, the results will definitely be maximized,” he said.
He also advises continuously learning and following trends. “The K-drama world changes quickly. New dramas appear every week. Keep monitoring what’s going viral, which actors are rising in popularity, and what content viewers like. Be at the forefront of providing information,” Harry concluded.
With creativity and the right strategy, the hobby of watching K-dramas can become a promising source of income. “Good luck and may your side hustle be successful!” he finished.
Gen Z Wajib Baca! Cara Bikin Side Hustle dari Hobi Nonton Drama Korea
WIN Media, Makassar, 2/3/2026 – Buat Gen Z, nonton drama Korea (drakor) sudah seperti kebutuhan pokok. Dari yang sekadar iseng, sekarang jadi candu. Tapi, siapa sangka kalau hobi maraton drakor sampai larut malam bisa disulap jadi tambahan penghasilan alias side hustle yang menggiurkan?
Harry Yulianto, pakar bisnis digital dari STIE YPUP Makassar, menegaskan bahwa di era digital ini, hampir semua hobi bisa dimonetisasi, termasuk nonton drakor. “Jangan biarkan waktu yang dihabiskan untuk binge-watching drakor hanya jadi konsumsi pasif. Ubah jadi produktif. Banyak peluang di balik layar kaca yang bisa menghasilkan cuan, asal tahu caranya,” ujarnya.
Berikut empat cara untuk mengubah hobi nonton drama Korea menjadi side hustle yang menghasilkan:
1. Jadi Reviewer atau Konten Kreator Drakor
Langkah paling mudah adalah menjadi reviewer. “Buat akun khusus di TikTok, Instagram, atau YouTube yang fokus membahas drama Korea. Bukan cuma sinopsis, tapi ulasan mendalam tentang karakter, alur cerita, sinematografi, hingga pesan moral yang bisa dipetik,” jelas Harry.
Ia menyarankan untuk membuat konten yang unik dan berbeda. “Jangan cuma review biasa. Buat konten kekinian seperti ‘5 Drama Korea dengan Plot Twist Terbaik’, ‘Rekomendasi Drakor buat yang Lagi Patah Hati’, atau ‘Karakter Second Lead yang Lebih Dicintai daripada Main Lead’. Konten seperti ini mudah viral karena relate dengan pengalaman banyak orang,” tambahnya.
Setelah akun mulai ramai, monetisasi bisa dilakukan melalui berbagai cara. “Ikut program kreator dari platform, endorsement dari brand yang relevan seperti aplikasi streaming, produk kecantikan ala Korea, atau makanan ringan yang sering muncul di drakor. Bisa juga dengan join afiliasi dan dapat komisi dari setiap penonton yang berlangganan aplikasi drama melalui link kita,” papar Harry.
2. Jadi Subtitler atau Penerjemah Konten
Banyak konten drakor yang belum memiliki subtitle bahasa Indonesia, terutama konten di balik layar, wawancara pemain, atau variety show. “Ini peluang besar. Banyak fans drakor Indonesia yang ingin menikmati konten eksklusif dengan subtitle. Tawarkan jasa penerjemahan ke komunitas atau bahkan ke platform streaming itu sendiri,” terang Harry.
Ia mencontohkan, seorang subtitler lepas bisa mendapatkan bayaran per episode atau per menit video. “Modalnya hanya kemampuan bahasa Korea yang memadai dan ketelitian. Kalau belum bisa bahasa Korea, bisa mulai dengan menerjemahkan dari subtitle Inggris ke Indonesia. Yang penting, konsisten dan menjaga kualitas,” sarannya.
Harry juga menyarankan untuk memanfaatkan platform seperti Upwork, Fiverr, atau bahkan grup Facebook khusus pencari jasa penerjemah. “Buat portofolio, tunjukkan hasil kerja, dan tawarkan harga kompetitif. Begitu reputasi terbangun, orderan akan datang sendiri,” tambahnya.
3. Jual Produk Merchandise dan Craft Bertema Drakor
Penggemar drakor biasanya sangat loyal dan suka mengoleksi merchandise. “Bisnis merchandise seperti lightstick ala-ala, gantungan kunci dengan karakter drakor, atau kaos dengan kutipan ikonik dari drama bisa laris manis. Modal kecil, untung besar,” ujar Harry.
Ia mencontohkan, momen saat drama sedang viral adalah waktu terbaik untuk menjual merchandise. “Saat ‘Queen of Tears’ atau ‘Lovely Runner’ tayang, banyak yang mencari merchandise-nya. Manfaatkan momen itu. Bikin edisi terbatas, pakai sistem pre-order agar tidak perlu stok banyak, dan kemas dengan cantik,” jelasnya.
Selain merchandise fisik, produk digital juga punya pasar. “Jual wallpaper, kalender, atau printable planner dengan tema drakor. Atau buat e-book berisi kumpulan rekomendasi drakor berdasarkan genre, lengkap dengan sinopsis dan link streaming. Ini bisa dijual murah dan menghasilkan passive income,” tambah Harry.
4. Bikin Komunitas dan Jual Jasa Nonton Bareng (Nobar)
Nonton drakor akan lebih seru jika dilakukan bersama. “Bikin komunitas pecinta drakor, misalnya di WhatsApp, Telegram, atau Discord. Kelola dengan baik, adakan diskusi rutin setiap kali ada episode baru, dan selenggarakan nobar online,” kata Harry.
Dari komunitas yang solid, berbagai peluang bisnis bisa muncul. “Jual jasa nobar eksklusif dengan konsep unik. Misalnya nobar sambil makan makanan Korea yang dikirim ke rumah peserta, atau nobar dengan sesi diskusi bareng ahli budaya Korea. Bisa juga bekerja sama dengan kafe Korea untuk nobar offline,” terangnya.
Harry menekankan bahwa kunci dari semua ini adalah membangun engagement. “Jangan cuma jualan, tapi rawat komunitas. Ajak mereka ngobrol, tanya pendapat, buat kuis berhadiah. Semakin erat komunitas, semakin besar potensi bisnisnya,” pungkasnya.
Harry mengingatkan bahwa konsistensi adalah kunci utama. “Side hustle tidak akan langsung besar dalam semalam. Butuh proses. Yang penting, nikmati prosesnya karena ini berasal dari hobi. Kalau kita senang melakukannya, hasilnya pasti akan maksimal,” ujarnya.
Ia juga menyarankan untuk terus belajar dan mengikuti tren. “Dunia drakor cepat berubah. Drama baru muncul setiap minggu. Pantau terus apa yang sedang viral, siapa aktor yang sedang naik daun, dan konten apa yang disukai penonton. Jadilah yang terdepan dalam memberikan informasi,” tutup Harry.
Dengan kreativitas dan strategi yang tepat, hobi nonton drakor bisa menjadi sumber cuan yang menjanjikan. “Selamat mencoba dan semoga side hustle-nya sukses!” pungkasnya.