Good Doctor To Designated Survivor: 60 Days: Explore 4 Korean Remakes Of Iconic American Series

As the popularity of K-dramas continues to soar, numerous adaptations of U.S. shows have emerged, often proving to be equally, if not more, captivating than the originals. The increasing global fanbase for Korean media has led to a surge in TV show production, and some K-dramas have successfully taken inspiration from beloved U.S. content. By incorporating well-known narratives, these K-dramas attract a broader audience. Below, we unveil 5 such K-dramas that are undoubtedly worth watching.

‘Designated Survivor: 60 Days’

'Designated Survivor' is a political thriller drama that spanned three seasons from 2016 to 2019, following the story of Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Thomas Kirkman, played by Kiefer Sutherland. In the series, Kirkman becomes the sole survivor of an attack on the Capitol, thrusting him into the role of leading the country as President. The Korean adaptation, titled 'Designated Survivor: 60 Days,' emerged in 2019 to cater to the preferences of Korean drama viewers, who typically favour shorter series. The addition of '60 Days' reflects the limited episode count, with the main character having a brief period to uncover the truth behind the attack and his unique survival.

‘The Good Wife’

‘The Good Wife’ found success with American audiences upon its debut in 2009, ultimately concluding after seven seasons. The legal drama even spawned a spinoff centred around one of its main characters. In 2016, a Korean adaptation of the show was created, following a similar trajectory but adhering to the common trait of Korean dramas with a concise run of 16 episodes.

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The Korean version, sharing the same name, narrates the story of a successful prosecutor with a promising future, only to see it crumble when he faces arrest for corruption. Much like Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies) in the original, the protagonist is tasked with rebuilding her life and career, returning to the legal profession after a 15-year hiatus.

‘The Good Doctor’

The acclaimed medical drama, 'The Good Doctor' made its debut in 2017, garnering a dedicated fanbase captivated by its compelling storyline. The series revolves around a young, autistic surgeon navigating his life at the esteemed San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital. Before Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore) took the lead role, the first incarnation featured Park Shi-on (Joo Won). 'Good Doctor' premiered in 2013 and ran for a total of 20 episodes, portraying Si-on, a gifted individual with remarkable memory and spatial skills. The narrative unfolds as he strives to prove himself as a surgeon, facing scepticism from his peers who consider him unsuitable for the role, branding him a soulless robot incapable of empathising with patients.

‘Suits’

The immensely popular legal drama series, 'Suits,' left such a lasting impact that it prompted a remake in South Korea. Renowned for its gripping drama, intricate relationships, and legal intrigue, the Korean adaptation premiered on KBS2 in 2018, maintaining a similar storyline.

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In the original series, Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) engages in taking LSATs for others to earn money. While attempting to evade arrest, he stumbles upon a job interview where, believing Mike possesses a degree, he is hired. The Korean rendition introduces Yeon-woo (Park Hyung-sik), an equivalent character to Mike with a remarkable memory but lacking a law degree.

Credits: Youtube