Did you know these 6 Korean dramas were adapted from American and European shows?
In recent years, there have been more and more Korean dramas remade from Western TV shows and movies that successfully gained attention. Let’s take a look at 6 outstanding examples.
Mistress (2018)
Adapted from the British series of the same name aired on BBC One, K-drama Mistress attracted viewers with its engaging story. OCN’s remake keeps the original plot about complicated and even prohibited relationships involving four women with different personalities and backgrounds.
The drama’s atmosphere can be quite heavy and dark, which is true to the original. Mistress also marked Han Ga In’s long-awaited comeback to the small screen, drawing great attention.
18 Again (2020)
18 Again is a remake into a series from the 2009 American film 17 Again led by Zac Efron. The K-drama version drew much praise as it places more emphasis and depth on the story of family, friends, and romance, making the viewers feel touched.
Despite turning the original which is a movie into a 16-episode drama, the plot of 18 Again does not feel draggy nor make the audience lose interest. In addition, Lee Do Hyun’s brilliant portrayal of a middle-aged man trapped in the body of a highschooler is definitely a huge plus for this remake.
The World of the Married (2020)
The commercial success of The World of the Married is top-notch, as it is the highest-rated drama in the history of Korean cable stations and this record has yet to be broken. Based on BBC One’s British psychological thriller Doctor Foster, The World of the Married gained massive popularity thanks to its suspenseful, compelling story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats the entire time.
The World of the Married helped “the wife” Kim Hee Ae take home the Best Actress award at the 2020 Baeksang Arts Awards 2020 and “the mistress” Han So Hee become a sought-after rising actress. The original BBC One’s Doctor Foster had a slightly suspenseful ending for me, but the World of the Married makes sense.
One Ordinary Day (2021)
Because it is a Coupang Play’s original series, Kim Soo Hyun and Cha Seung Won‘s One Ordinary Day does not have as strong media coverage as dramas broadcast on TV. But the quality is just as good. 8 episodes of One Ordinary Day gives viewers a cinematic experience that is no less exciting than the 2 seasons of the original British series Criminal Justice from BBC One.
Kim Soo Hyun’s excellent acting once again gives viewers goosebumps. With its twists and turns, One Ordinary Day took viewers from one surprise to another. If it had been made into a 16-episode drama, One Ordinary Day would probably have gained even more popularity.
Uncle (2021)
With the highest rating of 9.329%, Uncle has become one of the most popular dramas in TV Chosun’s history. This is a Korean adaptation of the British BBC television product with the same name. Uncle starring talented actor Oh Jung Se sketches the story of an uncle who struggles and takes care of his biological nephew.
This boy unfortunately suffered from mental illness because of his parents’ unhappy marriage. Despite their similarity on the content of divorce and was aired on the same station, while Love, Marriage and Divorce confused the audience with its complicated plot, Uncle healed their soul with its soothing and gentle stories.
Woori The Virgin (2022)
Actually, the original version of Woori The Virgin isn’t actually Jane The Virgin from The CW, but Juana La Virgen from Venezuela. However, Woori The Virgin follows the American version Jane The Virgin, just like the Thai version of The World of the Married will adapt the Korean version instead of the original Doctor Foster. After the first episodes aired, this drama is taken the audiences’ hearts with its way of exploiting the problem with many different intertwined stories, not just about who the female lead will choose to become her husband.
Source: Dienanh
