Issue Focus

Recent remakes of K-dramas by overseas production companies highlight the growing global appeal of Korean content, transcending genre and domestic ratings. Japanese and British producers have picked up JTBC’s "SKY Castle" and ENA’s "The Kidnapping Day," respectively.
In Japan, TV Asahi is set to broadcast its adaptation of "SKY Castle," a drama that originally aired from November 2018 to February 2019 and achieved a record-high 23.8% viewership rating. The Japanese version will focus on the country's intense high school entrance exams, with popular local actors taking on key roles.
"The Kidnapping Day," which ended in October last year with an average viewership of 3.5%, will be remade in the UK by Studio Hamburg UK in partnership with Ace Story. Despite its modest ratings, the show’s quick overseas adaptation underscores the heightened status of K-content.
The trend of K-drama remakes is expanding beyond Asia and romantic comedies to include various genres. Notable projects include Thailand's remake of "Reborn Rich," the Middle East's adaptation of "Misty," and India's version of "Signal." An industry insider highlighted that the export of diverse Korean IPs showcases the excellence of Korean content. Joint productions, like SLL’s collaboration with TV Asahi on "SKY Castle" and Ace Story’s partnership with Studio Hamburg UK on "The Kidnapping Day," are becoming more common, allowing for shared profits from distribution and related ventures.