4 Korean Dramas Based on International Originals

More and more people are seeking out Korean dramas. While some Korean dramas feature original scripts, others are based on webtoons or remakes of foreign dramas. Today, we'll introduce four Korean dramas that are remakes of foreign dramas.

“60 Days, Designated Survivor” - Remake of the American drama “Designated Survivor”

The Korean drama “60 Days, Designated Survivor” is a remake of the American drama “Designated Survivor,” which aired in three seasons from 2016 to 2019. It tells the story of Park Moo-jin, who becomes the acting president and takes on the presidential duties for 60 days after a terrorist attack on the National Assembly that results in the deaths of numerous politicians, including the president. While adapting the original drama, which is set in the United States, to a Korean setting, the story has been somewhat revised to align with Korea's political landscape and laws. The unique situation of Korea's division into South and North Korea has also been incorporated into the narrative.

In the United States, if the president dies, a designated successor takes over for the remainder of the term. However, in Korea, if the president dies, a presidential election must be held within 60 days. This is why the title of the Korean remake includes “60 Days.” It's also said that the Korean version differs slightly from the original in terms of its plot development and conclusion.

You can watch the Korean drama “60 Days, Designated Survivor” on Netflix and TVING.

“The World of the Married” - Remake of the British drama “Doctor Foster”

The Korean drama “The World of the Married” is a remake of the British BBC drama “Doctor Foster.” This drama, which tackles the theme of adultery, gained immense popularity in Korea. While its provocative subject matter stirred anger among viewers, it also sparked curiosity about the plot and kept viewers hooked as they waited to see if the main character would get a happy ending. During its run in Korea, the drama achieved an average viewership rating of 20%, and the final episode even exceeded 30%. Han So-hee, who also starred in the Netflix series “Gyeongseong Creature,” rose to fame thanks to her role in “The World of the Married.”

The original British drama was also a hit, achieving high viewership ratings in the UK due to its stimulating subject matter. Before the remake, it was even broadcast in Korea with Korean dubbing. I wonder how the endings of the original and the remake differ.

You can watch the Korean drama “The World of the Married” on TVING, Watcha, Netflix, and Disney+. Due to the suggestive and violent content in some scenes, certain episodes are rated for mature audiences only.

“365: Repeat the Year” - Remake of the Japanese drama “Repeat: 10 Months to Change Your Fate”

The Korean drama “365: Repeat the Year,” which aired on MBC in 2020, is a time-travel drama. It's based on the Japanese drama “Repeat: 10 Months to Change Your Fate,” which aired in 2018, and the Japanese drama itself is reportedly based on a Japanese novel.

Individuals with their own unique stories find themselves traveling back in time a year due to an unknown reason. Knowing what will happen in the next year, they strive to change their future. However, altering the course of destiny leads to unforeseen consequences, creating a different future. Amidst the fear of losing their lives one by one, the protagonists embark on a quest for survival.

While the drama initially had low viewership ratings, it gained popularity among fans of mystery and thriller dramas through word-of-mouth and OTT platforms. Actor Lee Joon-hyuk, who played the role of Ji Hyung-joo, also gained increased attention, leading to more people discovering the drama. It could be interesting to compare Lee Joon-hyuk's roles in “60 Days, Designated Survivor” and “365: Repeat the Year.”

You can watch the Korean drama “365: Repeat the Year” on Wavve and Watcha.

“Behind Every Star” - Remake of the French drama “Dix pour cent”

The Korean drama “Behind Every Star” is a remake of the French comedy drama “Dix pour cent,” which aired for four seasons from 2015 to 2020. The original drama received critical acclaim and even won an International Emmy Award. It has been remade not only in Korea but also in Turkey, India, Indonesia, and the UK. This makes it an excellent drama for observing the differences in the entertainment industries of various countries.

The Korean drama “Behind Every Star” is set at a fictional entertainment agency called ‘Method Entertainment,’ and centers around four managers who work there. It also garnered attention for featuring cameos by actual actors playing themselves. More than 10 actors, including Cho Yeo-jeong, Jin Seon-kyu, Lee Soon-jae, and Kim Ah-joong, who are famous for their roles in films like “Parasite,” made appearances as themselves.

You can watch the Korean drama “Behind Every Star” on TVING and Netflix.