It is quite common for Korean dramas to be adapted from or based on the storylines of J-Dramas or C-Dramas. These Korean remakes might offer different scenes and atmospheres from their original version or even deviate from the original plot. On the other hand, Korean dramas have also been remade into other languages such as "Good Doctor" (2013) in English in the U.S., "Signal'" (2016) to Japanese, "Princess Hours" (2006) to Thai, and so on and so forth.
In recent years, more and more American and European dramas are being adapted into K-Dramas, generating interest in both the original and the remake.
1. "Little Women"
The beloved coming-of-age novel "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott received a K-Drama adaptation of the same name and premiered in September 2022. Starring Kim GoEun, Nam JiHyun, Park JiHu, and Wi HaJun, the drama explored the lives and relationships of three sisters as they take on the world on their own terms. The novel has been adapted numerous times before and as such, expectations were higher than ever for the Korean remake, receiving an average of 7.737% viewership nationwide.
2. "Cleaning Up"
The gripping British drama about stock wars and insider trading, "Cleaning Up" is getting a K-Drama adaptation in 2022, starring Yum JungAh, Jeon SoMin, Kim JaeHwa, Lee MooSaeng and Na InWoo in the leading roles. Set in the Bested Investment Securities office, the story revolves around cleaners who stumble upon some sensitive information about insider trading and decide to turn their lives around. "Cleaning Up" is scheduled to air in the 1st half of 2022.
3. "One Ordinary Day"
Starring Kim SooHyun and Cha SeungWon, "One Ordinary Day" is the Korean remake of the BBC series "Criminal Justice". While expectations were undoubtedly high for this adaptation, the show definitely exceeded them, delivering a truly excellent narrative.
4. "Uncle"
The BBC Three sitcom "Uncle" was remade into a K-Drama of the same name in 2021, starring Oh JungSe and Jeon HyeJin. The drama was dearly beloved by viewers, which led to the highest viewership rating of 9.3% nationwide.
5. "Criminal Minds"
"Criminal Minds", one of the most popular U.S. crime and mystery TV series, was adapted into a K-Drama in 2017, starring Lee JoonGi. It had around 3% of ratings in Korea (cable channel).
6. "The Good Wife"
"Good Wife" is an American legal and political TV series that started in 2009 and completed airing in 2016. The Korean remake aired in 2016 with Jeon DoYeon and Yoo JiTae. It had approximately 6.2% of the ratings (cable channel).
7. "Entourage"
From 2004 to 2011, "Entourage" was broadcasted in the U.S and garnered considerable popularity among viewers worldwide. tvN decided to remake the series with Seo KangJoon as the lead male character but the drama, unfortunately, did not perform too well. It acquired less than 1% of ratings.
8. "Suits"
From 2011 to 2019, "Suits" was broadcasted in the U.S and went on to have 9 seasons. Realizing its popularity and potential in the Korean entertainment market, KBS decided to remake "Suits" and cast Park HyungSik and Jang DongGun in the leading roles. The show turned out to be hugely successful in Korea as well, ending with an average viewership rating of 10.7%.
9. "Mistress"
The British TV series "Mistresses" first aired in 2013 and in 2018, this mystery drama was remade in Korea. Starring Han GaIn and Shin HyunBeen, the drama achieved an average viewership rating of 1.234% nationwide.
10. "The World Of The Married"
One of the highest-rated shows in the history of K-Dramas, "The World of the Married", starring Kim HeeAe, Park HaeJoon, and Han SoHee is adapted from the BBC One TV series "Doctor Foster".
11. "Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area"
The Spanish series, simply named "Money Heist", was initially aired on Antena 3 for the first two seasons and then was picked up by streaming giant Netflix for three more, making it a total of five seasons in all. The show then saw a Korean adaptation in 2022 starring Park HaeSoo, Jun JongSeo, Yoo JiTae, and more. Within its first week, the show topped the Global Top 10 list of international Netflix TV shows.
12. "Behind Every Star"
"Behind Every Star" is based on the French TV series "Call My Agent!" and made its premiere in November 2022. It features Lee SeoJin and Kwak SunYoung, among many others. The show reached a 3.139% average viewership nationwide.
13. "Woori The Virgin"
"Jane The Virgin" was a sensational American TV series that spanned across five seasons. The Korean remake, "Woori The Virgin" premiered in May 2022, featuring Im SooHyang and Sung Hoon. With their chemistry and the lighthearted adaptation, the show reached a 3.6% average viewership nationwide.
14. "Designated Survivor: 60 Days"
The US political thriller series, "Designated Survivor", initially premiered in 2016 and the Korean remake came into fruition three years later in 2019. With Ji JinHee at the forefront, the series earned a 4.464% viewership nationwide.
15. "Less Than Evil"
British psychological crime thriller "Luther" had viewers glued to their seats across multiple series while it aired on BBC One. It was remade by various countries, including South Korea. "Less Than Evil" kept audiences coming back for more week after week, earning a 7.2% viewership nationwide. Considering Shin HaKyun's talent, it seems only natural that so many remained interested in the MBC drama.
16. "Romance Is A Bonus Book"
American rom-com drama series, "Younger", reached critical claim and was a series loved all across the country. Korea tried their hand at an adaptation, resulting in "Romance Is A Bonus Book". Veteran and experienced actors in Lee NaYoung and Lee JongSuk took the leading roles, creating a drama that's loved even today. The tvN series earned 5.151% nationwide viewership.
Have you watched any of these adaptations?
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