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18 Again, Criminal Minds, More K-dramas Based On U.S. TV Show


18-again-lee-do-hyun
Credit: Netflix Philippines / YouTube screenshot

The Hallyu craze definitely took the world by storm by delivering a wide array of genres, catering to various types of viewers.

From the all-time favorite rom-com that makes everyone’s heart flutter to the thriller and K-zombie series, keeping them at the edge of their seats, K-dramas seemed to be a way to escape reality.

Interestingly, while viewers get entertained binge-watching series in just one sitting, little did we know that there are K-contents that were originally released in the U.S.

Curious if your favorite series is an adaptation? Here’s a rundown of 5 K-dramas that are based on American TV shows.

Criminal Minds

Released in 2017 under tvN, Criminal Minds, which stars Lee Joon Gi, Moon Chae Won,

Son Hyun Joo, Goo Yoon, Lee Sun Bin, Yoo Sun, and more are based on CBS’ police procedural series of the same name.

It depicts the journey of National Criminal Investigation (NCI) highly trained profilers, who crack the case by hunting down criminals.

Kim Hyun Joon, a temperamental police officer, played by Lee Joon Gi, is the main character of the story whose rival is the NCI team leader Kang Ki Hyung, portrayed by Son Hyun Joo.

Viewers get to see what goes inside the mind of these perpetrators and how the special team solves the case.

Criminal Minds Korean version ended with 20 episodes, more than two months since it debuted.

18 Again

While K-drama fans lauded the performance of Lee Do Hyun as he took the role of Hong Dae Young in 18 Again, did you know that the rom-com series is based on Zac Efron’s film 17 Again.

In the original movie, the main character named Mike transformed into his younger self amid his marriage issue with his wife, who has been his girlfriend since they were in high school.

However, the K-drama adaptation featured a father of two who becomes 18 again after experiencing marriage woes, leading his relationship into a divorce.

READ MORE: Kim Ji Won Net Worth: This Is How My Liberation Notes Star Earn Her Millions

The Good Wife

Another CBS show made it into a Korean adaptation through the long-running political-legal drama The Good Wife.

Jeon Do Yeon and Yoo Ji Tae headline the 16-part episode series alongside fellow lead star Yoon Kye Sang in the K-drama remake.

The Good Wife also featured Kim Seo Hyung as the older sister of Yoon Kye Sang and the Co-CEO of MJ Law Firm.

Just like the original, the K-drama depicts the struggle of a once successful prosecutor whose life crumbled after being involved in a political scandal.

Interestingly, his wife, who used to be a lawyer, returns to the courtroom after a 13-year hiatus.

Suits

Of course, the list of K-dramas based on American TV series will not be complete without Suits, which is also among the longest-running shows in the U.S, lasting for nine seasons.

In 2018, the American legal drama was remade to cater to the Korean audience with the award-winning actor Jang Dong Gun as the lead star.

Interestingly, what made the drama special was his team up with Park Hyung Sik as Go Yun Woo, who has an amazing photographic memory and a high IQ.

Designated Survivor

Wrapping up the list is Designated Survivor, which is also based on the U.S tv show of the same name.

The thriller mystery Kdrama stars Ji Jin Hee as the former chemistry professor turned Minister of Environment official.

However, the whole nation fell into chaos after a terror attack killed high-ranking officials.

Fortunately, Park Moo Jin left as the sole survivor making him the acting president for 60 days.

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Stay tuned to EpicStream for the latest news and updates about more K-dramas.

For more articles like this, take a look at our K-Wave and Kdrama page.