Blockbuster K-Drama Remakes that Outshine the US Version
Discover top-notch K-drama remakes that rival their US counterparts From intense legal dramas to heartwarming tales of romance, these adaptations are a must-watch for all fans Get ready to be captivated by the mesmerizing world of K-drama!
Summary
K-dramas have successfully adapted popular US shows, drawing in a larger audience by incorporating known stories and changing plotlines, cinematography, and actors.
"18 Again" and "Designated Survivor: 60 Days" have been highly acclaimed for surpassing or even outshining their original US counterparts. Their success stems from compelling narratives, captivating visuals, and impressive performances. Similarly, the K-drama adaptations of "Romance Is A Bonus Book," "Little Women," "Suits," "Woori The Virgin," and "Leverage" have received positive responses, thanks to the engaging and enjoyable alterations made to characters, settings, and cultural contexts.
With the surging popularity of K-dramas, several adaptations from U.S. shows have emerged that are on par, if not surpass, the original. The Korean media industry has experienced a significant rise in its fan base in recent years, which has resulted in a greater number of TV shows being produced. Some K-dramas have drawn inspiration or utilized beloved US media as source material. By incorporating familiar narratives, K-dramas are able to attract a larger audience.
Adaptations have long been a common practice in Hollywood, so American viewers are accustomed to seeing their favorite shows and movies reimagined. However, the success of these adaptations is not guaranteed. Some shows fail to resonate with viewers, particularly when compared to the original. Nevertheless, certain K-drama adaptations have exceeded expectations by matching the quality of their US counterparts. This is often achieved through alterations in the storyline, cinematography, and the casting of actors.
The Korean drama series, 18 Again, surpasses its American counterpart, 17 Again, in several aspects. Spanning 16 captivating episodes, 18 Again maintains the fundamental premise of its predecessor. It depicts the transformation of former basketball star Hong Dae-young, who, as a father of two on the brink of divorce, regains his youthful vigor, allowing him to relive his life as an 18-year-old. The series excels in fostering profound relationships among Hong Dae-young, his children, and his estranged wife, evoking genuine audience connection and emotional investment in their individual character arcs. Moreover, the comedic elements of 18 Again are equally sharp and amusing, much like the amusing moments found in 17 Again.
7 The Good Wife
: In addition, 18 Again places a greater emphasis on its cinematographic elements, employing a distinct color palette and editing style. The seamless transition between shots enhances the overall visual experience. Furthermore, when combined with the accompanying soundtrack and score, the visuals are elevated to new heights. The use of music in 18 Again not only sets the tone of the show but also shapes the audience's expectations. It comes as no surprise that the K-drama has released a two-part album featuring original music created specifically for the series.
The Korean adaptation of the popular US show, The Good Wife, tells the story of Kim Hye-kyung, who re-enters the workforce as a lawyer after her husband is arrested. This is a significant change for Hye-kyung, who had been a homemaker for the past 15 years. One of the standout aspects of the K-drama is the portrayal of Seo Joong-won and Seo Myung-Hee as siblings, which aligns with the prevalence of family-owned businesses in Korean culture. This adds depth to the storyline and emphasizes the importance of a person's legacy, giving greater significance to Hye-kyung's actions throughout the series. Additionally, the exceptional performance of the lead actress, Jeon Do-yeon, brings a captivating and impactful presence to every scene.
6 Designated Survivor: 60 Days
Designated Survivor: 60 Days, the K-drama adaptation of the US TV series, has received praise from IMDb reviewers for surpassing the original. When an attack on the National Assembly occurs, Mark Mu-jin, the Minister of Environment, takes on the role of acting president in South Korea. The Korean version sets itself apart by incorporating the culture and history of the Korean Peninsula.
Moreover, Designated Survivor: 60 Days portrays its characters in a realistic light, showcasing their human limitations and emotions. While their emotional expressions are controlled, they exhibit the same depth of feeling found within Korean culture. The main characters are also portrayed as authentic individuals with unique personalities and nuances. This is further enhanced by the exceptional performances from both experienced and emerging actors.
The drama benefits from its distinct time frame of 60 days and a limited number of episodes, which forces a tighter storyline. As a result, each episode delivers better pacing and tension compared to the US version of Designated Survivor.
5 Romance Is a Bonus Book
Romance Is A Bonus Book, a Korean adaptation of the popular US TV show Younger, tells the story of Kang Dan-i, who fabricates her age to secure a job at Gyeoroo Publishing, a company owned by her childhood best friend. One significant difference in this K-drama is the merging of the characters Charles and Josh to create Cha Eun-ho. Despite this change, Dan-i still embarks on a romance with her boss, who also happens to be a younger man. Notably, their age gap is reduced to a mere five years, which is far less problematic.
The revised backstory further diminishes any concerns, as it reveals their long-standing and profound connection. It is worth mentioning that Dan-i played a crucial role in sparking Eun-ho's fascination with books and reading. Apart from this major alteration, the series retains the same meaningful themes and thought-provoking questions that made Younger impactful. Romance Is A Bonus Book offers a critique of how women are treated in the professional world, examining it through the lens of Korean culture.
4 Little Women
Little Women, a K-drama adaptation of the same-named US film, breathes new life into the classic tale. The sisters, Oh In-joo, Oh In-kyung, and Oh In-Hye, are united by a profound bond and mirror the personalities of the March sisters. Both versions of Little Women touch on themes of wealth, social class, and power dynamics, but that is where the similarities end.
In this rendition, the sisters find themselves entangled in a captivating mystery, involving the wealthiest family in South Korea. Their social standing hangs in the balance, and they must unravel the puzzle to elevate themselves. The modern-day Korean setting adds a refreshing touch, enabling the audience to better connect with the characters. Moreover, this Korean adaptation of Little Women serves up heart-pounding suspense and thrilling adventures, leaving viewers at the edge of their seats.
3 Suits
2 Woori The Virgin
Despite their remarkable similarities, the K-drama adaptation of Suits proves to be on par with the original US show. The law firm Kang and Ham takes on Go Yeon-woo, a man without a law degree, as their newest recruit. What sets this show apart is the exceptional acting displayed by each cast member, as they skillfully develop their characters, leaving viewers craving for more. Remarkably, two actors even received awards for their performances in this production. Moreover, the writing effectively weaves the story in just 16 episodes, as opposed to the nine seasons of the original. This condensed format ensures that there are fewer moments filled with unnecessary content. All these factors contribute to Suits being recognized as one of the top 10 legal K-dramas.
Woori The Virgin is a Korean drama adaptation of the US show Jane the Virgin, which itself is based on the Venezuelan telenovela Juana la Virgen. The story centers around Oh Woo-ri, a woman in a committed relationship who has made the decision to abstain from sex until marriage. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she accidentally gets artificially inseminated while visiting her doctor's apartment. Similar to its American counterpart, Woori The Virgin delivers an engaging mix of exaggerated drama and humor. The show effectively captures the significance of family and sexual purity prevalent in both traditional Asian and Hispanic cultures. To enhance the narrative flow, the K-drama simplifies some subplots, resulting in a more cohesive storyline.
On top of the story, the cast and characters truly shine in Woori The Virgin. Im Soo-hyang's portrayal of Woo-ri is absolutely delightful, endearing, and filled with comedic moments. Moreover, both Raphael and Lee Kang-jae, Woo-ri's love interests, captivate everyone they encounter with their irresistible charm, despite having their own imperfections. In a refreshing departure from the norm, the characters break away from exaggerated masculinity. While they do showcase their individual moments, overall, they exude warmth and compassion.
1 Leverage
The K-drama Leverage expertly showcases its adaptation of the same-titled US crime drama. Lee Tae-joon, an insurance investigator, skillfully assembles a group of criminals with the intent of defrauding the affluent and influential. This iteration of the show is distinguished by its exceptional comedy, heightened by the remarkable chemistry among the team members. Each joke impeccably lands, delivering its punchline with impeccable timing. Evidently benefiting from its condensed seasons and episodes, the Korean rendition of Leverage maintains a brisker pace. Additionally, the inclusion of cutting-edge technology not available during the release of the American version introduces an invigorating twist to the show's action.
Source: IMDb reviewers
