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 is getting a K-Drama adaptation of the same name, scheduled to air in the second half of 2022. Starring Kim GoEun, Nam JiHyun, Park JiHu, and Wi HaJun, the drama will explore 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 are higher than ever for the Korean remake. You can read more about the K-Drama adaptation of “Little Women”, the cast, characters, and their American counterparts here.
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. You can read more about the K-Drama adaptation of “Cleaning Up”, the cast, characters, and their British counterparts here.
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 ZE:A’s 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”. In addition, Netflix has confirmed a Korean remake of “Money Heist” titled “Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area”, starring Park HaeSoo, Jeon JongSeo, Yoo JiTae, and more; JTBC has confirmed a Korean remake of the British TV show “Cleaning Up” and Studio Dragon is set to adapt the French series “Call My Agent!”.
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