KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 — For K-drama enthusiasts, November 27, 2024 will go down in history as the day a popular (illegal) portal for binge-worthy dramas dimmed its lights.

Dramacool, the destination for Asian drama lovers worldwide, announced its closure, marking the end of a decades-long era.

The bombshell dropped via the site’s official X account, confirming the closure of five linked platforms: Asianc, Dramanice, Watchasia, Runasian and Asianwiki.

Dramacool cited copyright concerns as the reason for the shutdown and offered little further explanation.

Hello everyone. We are sorry to inform you that we will be closing all five websites: Asianc, Dramanice, Watchasia, Runasian, Asianwiki. Due to copyright law, we can no longer operate the pages. We apologize to all the fans who have always supported and loved DRAMACOOL. Thank you very much and best regards. pic.twitter.com/4ft5KIWBLv

– Dramacool (@dramacoolcom) November 27, 2024

The news sent waves across social media, with fans mourning the loss of a platform that served as their gateway to free Korean, Chinese, Japanese and Southeast Asian dramas.

Many users shared heartfelt memories of discovering iconic series on the site, often serving as a nostalgic cornerstone for their drama-loving journey.

As one wistful commentator put it: “It’s the end of an era. Dramacool wasn’t just a website – it was a way of life.”

Some complained that even with subscriptions to legal platforms like Netflix or Viki, regional restrictions and incomplete libraries left gaps that Dramacool seamlessly filled.

Others admitted they felt conflicted – while recognizing the ethical issues surrounding piracy, they mourned the unprecedented convenience of the site’s extensive collection.

Since its inception in 2014, Dramacool has been a one-stop shop for fans, offering not only a huge archive of dramas but also fast updates, HD quality streams, and fan-subbed content. It became a lifeline for fans who wanted to watch the latest episodes without having to wait for regional releases.

More than just a streaming site, it was a time capsule for older, hard-to-find dramas, making it an invaluable resource for die-hard enthusiasts. For many, the closure feels like the loss of a cultural touchstone.

While Dramacool’s closure is devastating for fans, it’s not a surprise.

In recent years, governments and media companies across Asia have stepped up their fight against illegal streaming sites.

From South Korea blocking Nonoo TV in 2023 to SBS targeting piracy hubs in Thailand and China earlier this year, the crackdown is part of a broader effort to clamp down on the multi-million dollar K-drama industry protect.

As one of South Korea’s most significant cultural exports, K-dramas are central to the country’s soft power strategy. The growing legal streaming market reflects the industry’s commitment to ensuring that creators and copyright holders receive justice.