The Ultimate K-Drama Wave: 10 Must-Watch American Remakes!

Summary

K-dramas have become a cultural sensation, with shows like Love Alarm and Vincenzo gaining popularity on Netflix.

Several K-dramas have drawn inspiration from American media, whereas American shows such as The Good Doctor have been adapted from K-dramas. K-dramas like SKY Castle and Hotel Del Luna present intriguing concepts that have the potential to captivate American viewers, bringing a fresh perspective to well-known genres.

K-dramas are a major cultural export of South Korea, and some of them are ripe for adaptation as American remakes. These Korean dramas have captivated a wide fan base with their sentimental romances and heartwarming human stories, especially since many of them have become available for streaming on Netflix. Successful series like Love Alarm and Vincenzo have even premiered as Netflix originals. With the viral success of other Korean productions like Squid Game, it's clear that K-dramas are here to stay, and it's only a matter of time before American streaming platforms want to reimagine them for a new audience.

While many popular K-dramas feature original storylines or are adapted from webtoons and popular fiction, some have also drawn inspiration from American media. For example, 18 Again was a melodramatic twist on the concept of 17 Again, and both Suits and Entourage have had K-drama adaptations with the same names. The American market has also seen this dynamic, with The Good Doctor being a notable example. This long-running medical drama initially started as a remake of the 2013 K-drama of the same name. Given the rising popularity of the "Korean wave" or Hallyu among Americans, there are numerous K-dramas that deserve American remakes.

10 SKY Castle (2018-2019)

9 Hotel Del Luna (2019)

SKY Castle, unlike typical K-dramas, stands out as a gripping family drama that deviates from the usual romantic storylines. The plot centers around a community of privileged families who exert immense pressure on their children to secure admission to the most prestigious universities in the country. Through its portrayal of parenting and class politics, the show cleverly satirizes the influence and power dynamics involved in Ivy League college admissions in America. If adapted into a Western version, it could maintain the original premise while offering a fresh and nuanced perspective on the often cliché American high-school drama genre.

Hotel Del Luna, a hauntingly beautiful series, immerses viewers in a captivating world of lost souls. Managed by the ghost of a notorious mass murderer and her innocent human assistant, this enchanting hotel navigates the trials and tribulations of the departed with a perfect blend of emotion and humor. Drawing inspiration from the recent resurgence of Tim Burton's distinct style, a Gothic reimagining of Hotel Del Luna has the potential to captivate audiences searching for a fresh addition to Netflix's collection of supernatural dramas. By incorporating genre actors such as Jena Ortega or Anya Taylor-Joy in lieu of K-Pop idol IU's mesmerizing portrayal as the manager, the series holds endless possibilities.

8 Love Alarm (2019-2021)

7 What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim (2018)

Love Alarm breaks the mold of a typical love triangle-driven drama. Since its premiere on Netflix in 2019, this K-drama has captivated audiences with its unique concept—an app that detects potential matches within a 10-meter radius. However, unlike contemporary dating apps, Love Alarm strips away individual autonomy and compels its users to devote themselves to the soulmate chosen by the app. The ensuing theatrics serve as a witty satire on both modern technology and data privacy, universal themes that would resonate even with younger American viewers. Consequently, a Westernized adaptation of Love Alarm would seamlessly fit into the realm of American coming-of-age dramas.

Originally a novel turned webtoon, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim was then adapted into the immensely popular K-drama of the same name. With its blend of clever humor and heartfelt moments, this workplace romance follows a self-absorbed corporate executive who unexpectedly falls for his upbeat secretary, precisely when she decides to quit. Office romances and comedies have flourished in Western culture, and given the massive following enjoyed by this K-drama, an American remake is highly anticipated. While the show incorporates some familiar romantic comedy clichés, the American version has the potential to cleverly subvert or playfully parody them, leading to even better results.

6 Vincenzo (2021)

While previous K-dramas have featured gangsters, the protagonist of Vincenzo stands out due to his unique heritage as an Italian-Korean mix. Unlike Western mafia movies that often focus on individual gangsters or mafia bosses, Vincenzo puts the spotlight on a principled and morally upright consigliere (adviser). The resulting clashes of ideals between him and his superiors inject a breath of fresh air into American gangster dramas. Alongside the abundance of deadpan humor and exploration of identity politics in the Netflix original, Vincenzo offers exactly what the K-drama world needed, and has the potential for an equally sleek and stylish remake.

5 The World Of The Married (2020)

A reinterpretation of the acclaimed British series Doctor Foster, The World of the Married delivers a unique and gripping narrative that captivated Korean audiences and broke viewership records. Challenging the notion of a perfect Korean family, this show combines formulaic marital drama with a compelling portrayal of infidelity. With its constant plot twists and turns, it has the potential to resonate with the American market, which already has a strong appetite for marriage dramas. Handled skillfully, an American adaptation of this K-drama could join the ranks of popular series such as The Affair, Scandal, A Teacher, and more.

4 Sweet Home (2020-)

Adequately drenched in blood and consumed by a constant state of fear, Sweet Home presents an enthralling tale of an apocalyptic zombie monster drama. Song Kang, renowned for his role in Love Alarm, takes center stage as a deeply tormented high-school student, grappling not only with a family tragedy but also a looming threat of monstrous invasion. Trapped within the confines of a towering residential complex, he joins forces with fellow survivors, embarking on a relentless fight for survival. While the premise may not be the most groundbreaking, considering the saturation of zombie dramas in the American market following the success of The Walking Dead, the remarkable creativity in violence, bone-chilling creature designs, and an emotionally captivating protagonist elevate the potential for a promising American remake.

3 W (2016)

Blending science fiction with the familiar elements of K-drama romance, W captivates viewers with a captivating storyline that spans both the real world and a digital realm of webtoons. Adapted from the webtoon of the same name, the show raises the stakes as the protagonist faces the difficult choice of resurrecting her deceased father or aiding a charming man from an alternate universe. Following the success of Everything Everywhere All At Once, the door has opened to the exploration of multiple possibilities within the multiverse concept. An American adaptation of a K-drama like W has the potential to provide a fresh and intriguing approach to the sci-fi subgenre.

2 Itaewon Class (2020)

Itaewon Class presents a protagonist in K-drama that is worth rooting for, along with an exceptional K-drama villain. The storyline revolves around Park Sae-ro-yi, an ex-convict who endeavors to start afresh by opening a bar with his friends. However, his journey becomes arduous due to the presence of Jang Dae Hee, a merciless CEO who has wronged him in the past and continues to create obstacles. The underlying David vs. Goliath narrative is so compelling that it warrants consideration for an American remake. Additionally, the scenes depicting the bar's opening and operations bring about an optimistic shift in tone. By infusing elements of fast-paced editing inspired by The Bear, these scenes can be creatively reimagined.

1 Goblin/Guardian: The Lonely And Great God (2016-2017)

Goblin, also known as The Lonely and Great God, is a beloved K-drama that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Starring Gong Yoo from Train to Busan and Squid Game fame, the drama follows the journey of an immortal military general who is determined to find a bride in order to break the curse of the Grim Reaper. Along the way, a deeply moving and unforgettable love story unfolds between the protagonist and a student haunted by a tragic past. While rooted in Korean mythology and history, Goblin has the potential to be adapted to include elements of global folklore, creating a timeless tale of love and longing that is sure to bring tears to the eyes of viewers, even in a remake.