Audiences are intrigued and excited about the upcoming release of Daniel Dae Kim’s “The Good Doctor,” an American remake of a Korean drama, but cultural exchanges between American and Korean television industries have been going on for quite a while.
Check out these Korean remakes of American TV shows:
Criminal Minds
This riveting police procedural drama about a team of forensic scientists tracking down serial killers has kept American audiences clutching onto the edge of their seats for 12 seasons, and now Korean audiences can look forward to seeing it on their screens too. Slated for a late July premiere on tvN, this adaptation will star Son Hyun-joo (“Secretly, Greatly”) and Lee Joon-gi (“Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo”).
The Good Wife
The first American TV series to be remade in Korea, CBS’ “The Good Wife” is about a woman who must return to her career as a litigator to support her family after her politician husband lands himself in a sex and corruption scandal. The tvN remake was received with much interest and anticipation as it also marked veteran actress Jeon Do-yeon’s return to television after an 11-year hiatus.
Entourage
American audiences were enamored with this comedy-drama about an up-and-coming movie star navigating an unfamiliar Los Angeles and Hollywood and his childhood friends’ shenanigans. Now, Korean TV audiences can see what all the hype is about with a tvN-produced Korean remake starring Seo Kang-joon (“Cheese in the Trap”) and Lee Kwang-soo (“Running Man”).
Suits
Enter Media Pictures has bought the rights to remake yet another American television show. This time, it’s USA Network’s “Suits,” a legal drama about a prodigious young college dropout working at a prestigious New York firm who somehow manages to thrive despite never having been to law school. The Korean remake is still in the planning stages, though execs are hoping to air the show soon! No cast has been announced yet.
Missing 9
Though not officially a remake of ABC’s “LOST,” MBC’s “Missing 9” has all the elements to stand in as an unofficial Korean version of the show. A plane crashes in the middle of the ocean, and 47 survivors wind up stranded on an island, where panic and paranoia results in murder and intrigue. Starring Baek Jin-hee and Jung Kyung-ho, “Missing 9” has a bit more a murder mystery and political scandal vibe than its American unofficial counterpart.
What other American TV show would make a great K-drama?
