Top 5 Korean Dramas You Didn't Know Were Adaptations

Explore five top K-drama adaptations from global hits.
These shows mastered the art of local storytelling.
Find your next perfect binge-watch right here.

Korean dramas have truly become a global powerhouse, captivating audiences far beyond their borders. Their secret weapon? An incredible range of genres that go far beyond the typical romance. One week, you're swept into a historical fantasy epic. The next, you're on the edge of your seat with a gritty crime thriller or laughing along with a quirky supernatural comedy. This dazzling diversity ensures there's always a new world to explore, a new story to get invested in, making them a staple in international watchlists.

But here's a fascinating twist, many of the K-dramas that have taken the world by storm aren't entirely original concepts. In a brilliant display of cultural cross-pollination, Korean producers have a knack for finding compelling stories from around the globe and reimagining them with a unique local flavor, often surpassing the fame of their originals. Curious about which hits are adaptations? Let's dive into the top five.

1. The World of the Married

Adapted from: Doctor Foster (UK)
Cast: Kim Hee Ae as Ji Seonu, Park Haejoon as Lee Tae Oh, Han So Hee as Yeo Da Kyung
Release Date: March 27 - May 16, 2020
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

This is a tense, messy, and masterfully dramatic series that ruthlessly tears down the facade of a perfect family. It follows Ji Seonu, a successful doctor who is proud of her well-put-together life, until she discovers her husband's devastating betrayal. The series chronicles her intense, often shocking, journey of revenge as she navigates the fallout of his affair with a younger woman, Yeo Da Kyung.

Tthis revenge thriller takes British restraint and douses it in high-octane, makjang gasoline. The World of the Married reimagines the BBC’s psychological thriller with all the emotional chaos and simmering tension you'd expect from a hit K-drama. It’s a relentless rollercoaster of satisfactory turns and blood-boiling fights, making you experience every emotion at a heightened level. Adultery has never looked so dramatic, and Kim Hee Ae's commanding performance is nothing short of iconic.

2. Vincenzo

Adapted from: Inspired by the themes and archetypes of The Godfather film series
Cast: Song Joong Ki as Vincenzo Cassano, Jeon Yeo Bin as Hong Chayoung
Release Date: February 20 - May 2, 2021
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Vincenzo Cassano is a Korean-Italian consigliere for a mafia family who is forced to flee to South Korea after a power struggle. There, he crosses paths with a sharp-tongued lawyer, Hong Cha-young, and finds himself using his particular set of skills, intimidation, strategy, and ruthless efficiency, to take down a monstrous conglomerate, all while battling his own moral compass.

While no one can top the classic ‘The Godfather’ trilogy,"Vincenzo is brilliantly self-aware. Instead of focusing on the Dons, it gives the spotlight to the consigliere, offering a fresh perspective. The show is a wild, genre-bending ride that seamlessly blends dark comedy, brutal action, and social commentary. Song Joong Ki is magnetic as the anti-hero, and the show’s unique South Korean setting allows it to carve its own distinct identity, making it a refreshing and utterly binge-worthy take on the mafia genre.

3. 18 Again

Adapted from: 17 Again (US film)
Cast: Yoon Sang Hyun as 37-year-old Hong Dae Young, Lee Do Hyun as 18-year-old Hong Dae Young, Kim Ha Neul as Jung Da Jung
Release Date: September 7 - November 10, 2020
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

A middle-aged man, Hong Dae Young, on the verge of divorce and disappointed with his life, miraculously gets a second chance when he transforms back into his 18-year-old self (while his mind remains that of a 37-year-old). He then seizes the opportunity to reconnect with his children and understand his wife from a completely new perspective.

This K-drama does the opposite of concision, and that's its greatest strength. It takes the core premise of the Zac Efron film and expands it into a more elaborate and emotionally resonant story. 18 Again takes its time to deeply explore important themes like ageism, the complexities of family bonds, and the importance of communication. Lee Do Hyun delivers a star-making performance, perfectly capturing the mannerisms of a frustrated middle-aged man in a teenager's body. It's a beautiful, heartwarming, and often hilarious watch that will absolutely make you laugh and cry.

4. Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area

Adapted from: Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) (Spain)
Cast: Yoo Ji Tae as The Professor, Jeon Jong Seo as Tokyo, Park Hae Soo as Berlin
Release Date: June 24, 2022
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10

A group of thieves, led by a brilliant mastermind known as The Professor, attempt to pull off the biggest heist in history. However, the Korean version adds a potent political twist. The series is set in a future where North and South Korea are undergoing reunification, and the heist takes place at the Mint of the Joint Economic Area, with the thieves aiming to take possession of the new unified currency.

The Korean version takes the political element to the next level, which is what makes it stand out. The tension isn't just about the heist, it's amplified by the real-life, nation-based conflict we're all familiar with, making the stakes feel incredibly unique and high. It also offers a more streamlined narrative than the original and features different character portrayals. For instance, Jeon Jong Sseo's Tokyo is often seen as more loyal and less frustrating than her Spanish counterpart, making her a character the audience can more easily root for.

5. Mistress

Adapted from: Mistresses (UK)
Cast: Han Ga In as Jang Se Yeon, Choi Hee Seo as Han Jung Won, Goo Jae Yi as Kim Eun Soo, Jang Seung Jo as Yoon Sang Woo
Release Date: April 28 - June 3, 2018
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

This drama revolves around four female friends, each with contrasting personalities and careers, who find their lives entangled in a web of heavy secrets, dangerous affairs, and mysterious deaths. As they navigate their complicated relationships and personal turmoil, they discover that confiding in each other might be just as risky as keeping secrets.

Mistress is the perfect watch if you're craving a series filled with relentless drama and constant shocks. It masterfully builds an atmosphere of suspense and mystery, keeping you guessing until the very end. With four protagonists, you effectively get four different, interwoven stories in just 12 episodes, making it a tightly packed and bingeable experience. It might even teach you a lesson or two about the fragile lines between relationships and friendships.

From the explosive, revenge-fueled intensity of ‘The World of the Married’ to the darkly comedic and stylish world of ‘Vincenzo’, and the surprisingly heartfelt family drama of ‘18 Again’, these adaptations prove that a great story can transcend borders and be reborn into something uniquely powerful.

Whether you're in the mood for a political thriller like ‘Money Heist: Korea’ or a secret-laden melodrama like ‘Mistress’, there's a brilliant Korean reinterpretation waiting for you. Each one offers a fascinating case study in how to adapt a story while injecting it with local culture and fresh perspectives. The real question is, with such a stellar list, which world will you choose to dive into first?

Source: Movieweb, Tatler Asia, IMDb, Asianwiki