Cover Park Hae-joon, Kim Hee-ae and Han So-hee in ‘The World of the Married’, a K-drama remake of the British series ‘Doctor Foster’. (Photo: Netflix)
Park Hae-joon, Kim Hee-ae and Han So-hee in ‘The World of the Married’, a K-drama remake of the British series ‘Doctor Foster’. (Photo: Netflix)
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Discover the K-drama remakes that are either as good as the original version or possibly even better
While K-dramas continue to soar in streams, with popular shows such as Queen of Tears clocking in 689.5 million hours and Gyeongseong Creature garnering 134 million hours of views respectively on Netflix in the first half of 2024 alone, it’s unmistakable that the Hallyu train is still going at full speed and it shows no signs of stopping soon. However, many popular K-dramas are adaptations of foreign shows and films, reimagined to resonate with Korean audiences.
Read more: The strategies behind the Hallyu and South Korea’s efforts to win global hearts
When comparing K-drama remakes to their originals, it’s evident that Korean adaptations often bring a fresh perspective, adding cultural nuances and emotional depth that resonate with their audience. While the originals lay the foundation, the remakes often build upon them, creating something that stands on its own. In many cases, viewers find themselves appreciating both versions for their unique strengths.
This raises the question: when it comes to K-drama remakes versus their originals, which version does it better? Let’s find out.
Above Zo In-sung and Song Hye-kyo in ‘That Winter, The Wind Blows’ (Photo: SBS)
Zo In-sung and Song Hye-kyo in ‘That Winter, The Wind Blows’ (Photo: SBS)
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‘That Winter, The Wind Blows’ (2013)
Cast: Zo In-sung and Song Hye-kyo
That Winter, The Wind Blows is a Korean remake of the 2002 Japanese drama I Don’t Need Love, Summer (愛なんていらねえよ、夏). It tells the story of a con man who pretends to be the brother of a blind heiress to swindle her inheritance but ends up falling in love with her. Both versions share the core premise of a conman deceiving a blind heiress for financial gain but the K-drama adaptation takes a more emotionally intense and visually poetic approach, making it a standout in the melodrama genre.
‘Fated to Love You’ (2014)
Cast: Jang Hyuk, Jang Na-ra, Choi Jin-hyuk and Wang Ji-won
Romantic comedy dramas about accidental love stories have long been a staple of Asian television, and Fated to Love You is one of the most well-loved titles in this genre. This series, also known as You Are My Destiny, is a remake of a Taiwanese drama of the same name. The story centres on a one-night stand that leads to an unexpected pregnancy and subsequent marriage. The Korean version has been lauded for its chemistry between the leads and its emotional depth.
See also: 10 shorter K-dramas for your weekend binge-watching
‘The Good Wife’ (2016)
Cast: Jeon Do-yeon, Yoo Ji-tae and Yoon Kye-sang
Adapted from the American series of the same name, the Korean version of The Good Wife follows a woman who returns to her legal career after her husband’s scandal. Despite being a remake, The Good Wife (Korean) successfully stands on its own, thanks to its strong performances, tight script and cultural adaptations that make the story feel fresh rather than just a direct copy. While it doesn’t have the multi-season complexity of its American counterpart, its streamlined approach makes it a compelling legal drama with a distinctly Korean touch.
Above The trailer for ‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’
‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’ (2016)
Cast: Lee Joon-gi, Lee Ji-eun (IU), Kang Ha-neul, Kim San-ho, Hong Jong-hyun, Yoon Sun-woo, Byun Baek-hyun, Nam Joo-hyuk, Ji Soo
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is based on the Chinese drama Scarlet Heart (步步驚心). While the original is set in the Qing Dynasty, the K-drama remake shifts the timeline to the Goryeo Dynasty. This change provided a fresh historical backdrop and heightened the emotional stakes—especially with Lee Joon-gi’s heart-wrenching portrayal of Wang So. The stunning cinematography and the powerful OST also helped elevate the Korean adaptation, making it a cult favourite.
‘Suits’ (2018)
Cast: Jang Dong-gun and Park Hyung-sik
The Korean adaptation of the American legal drama Suits brings its own flavour to the courtroom. While the original series is known for its sharp dialogue and intricate legal cases, the K-drama version has been appreciated for its character development and the chemistry between the leads.
Don’t miss: Class wars: 10 K-dramas that depict class division and revenge in schools
‘Leverage’ (2019)
Cast: Lee Dong-gun, Jeon Hye-bin, Kim Sae-ron, Kim Kwon and Yeo Hoe-hyun
Based on the American series, the Korean Leverage is a crime drama that follows a team of highly skilled con artists who use their expertise to take down corrupt individuals and powerful corporations. The original gained a loyal fanbase for its fun, fast-paced heist plots, witty banter and strong team chemistry but the K-drama remake brings a distinctly Korean flavour to the story, offering a different take on the characters, storytelling style and overall execution. The remake has also been praised for its engaging plot and the dynamic between its characters.
Above The teaser trailer for ‘Designated Survivor: 60 Days’
‘Designated Survivor: 60 Days’ (2019)
Cast: Ji Jin-hee, Lee Joon-hyuk, Huh Joon-ho, Kang Han-na and Bae Jong-ok
When Netflix released Designated Survivor: 60 Days in 2019, it wasn’t just another K-drama adaptation—it was a reimagining of the American political thriller Designated Survivor (2016 to 2019) through a distinctly Korean lens. While both versions share the same high-stakes premise—a low-level government official suddenly becoming the country’s acting leader after a catastrophic attack—there are key differences in tone, political context and character development that make the Korean adaptation stand out.
‘18 Again’ (2020)
Cast: Kim Ha-neul, Yoon Sang-hyun and Lee Do-hyun
18 Again is a K-drama adaptation of the American film 17 Again. While the original movie is a light-hearted comedy about a man who becomes a teenager again, the K-drama delves deeper into the emotional aspects of family and personal growth. The series offers a more nuanced exploration of its characters, making it a hit among viewers.
Read more: The K-drama renaissance: 6 ways Korean television has evolved and broken new ground
‘The World of the Married’ (2020)
Cast: Kim Hee-ae, Park Hae-joon, and Han So-hee
Adapted from the British series Doctor Foster, this K-drama explores the tumultuous life of a doctor who discovers her husband’s infidelity. The series became one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean cable television history, praised for its intense storytelling and stellar performances. Doctor Foster, which ran for two seasons, maintains a slow-burn psychological thriller tone while The World of the Married intensifies the emotions, adding a greater sense of suspense, raw anger and unpredictability. The record-breaking success of the remake proves that The World of the Married left a lasting impression in the world of K-dramas.
Above The trailer for ‘Woori The Virgin’
‘Woori The Virgin’ (2022)
Cast: Im Soo-hyang, Sung-hoon, Shin Dong-wook and Hong Ji-yoon
This K-drama is a remake of the American series Jane the Virgin. The story revolves around a woman who becomes pregnant through accidental artificial insemination. The Korean adaptation has been noted for its humour and the way it handles cultural nuances.
See also: K-drama chic: How Korean television is reshaping street style
‘Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area’ (2022)
Cast: Yoo Ji-tae, Yunjin Kim, Park Hae-soo, Jeon Jong-seo, Lee Hyun-woo, Lee Won-jong and Park Myung-hoon
A remake of the Spanish series La Casa de Papel aka Money Heist, this K-drama follows a group of robbers who plan a heist on the Korean Peninsula. In the Korean adaptation, the story is set in the Joint Economic Area (JEA), a fictional zone where the two Koreas have established a unified currency as a step toward full reunification. Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area retains many of the original characters and their core personalities but with subtle but significant differences in how they are written and performed. The result was an adaptation—appreciated for its unique setting and cultural references—that stayed largely faithful to its source material but introduced an intriguing geopolitical twist that set it apart.
