China and South Korea are two powerhouses in the Asian entertainment industry, and they have long inspired each other, frequently adapting films and dramas across borders. Korean producers have turned to several beloved Chinese dramas as source material, infusing these stories with fresh emotional depth, cultural nuances, and the signature charm of K-drama production. For fans of both Chinese and Korean dramas, it’s a win-win situation - a chance to see beloved characters and plots from a fresh perspective.
Here are five popular K-dramas that are adapted from hit Chinese series:
Mr. Queen
The hit K-drama ‘Mr. Queen’ is actually a remake of the 2015 Chinese web series ‘Go Princess Go,’ which itself is adapted from Xian Cheng’s novel of the same name. Starring stars like Shin Hye-sun, Kim Jung-Hyun, and Seol In-ah, the story follows a modern-day male chef who, after an unexpected accident, finds his soul transported into the body of Queen Kim So-yong during the Joseon era. Perfectly blending humor, fantasy, and heart-fluttering moments, ‘Mr. Queen’ stands out as a must-watch rom-com fantasy drama.
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
The Korean version of the Chinese drama ‘Scarlet Heart,’ titled ‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo,’ features a star-studded cast including IU, Lee Joon-gi, Kang Ha-neul, Nam Joo-hyuk, Byun Baekhyun, and Hong Jong-hyun. Both versions are based on Tong Hua’s popular novel ‘Bu Bu Jing Xin.’ The story centers on a 25-year-old woman from the 21st century who unexpectedly time-travels back to the Goryeo Dynasty, awakening in the body of a 16-year-old girl.
Family By Choice
Based on the globally acclaimed 2020 Chinese drama ‘Go Ahead,’ the 2024 Korean series ‘Family By Choice’ captures the beauty of found family and emotional growth. With Hwang In-youp, Jung Chae-yeon, and Bae Hyun-sung leading the cast, the story explores the complex dynamics that unfold when three people, raised like siblings, cross paths again after a decade apart, reigniting deep-rooted feelings.
Thirty-Nine
With Son Ye-jin, Jeon Mi-do, and Kim Ji-hyun leading the cast, ‘Thirty-Nine’ beautifully captures the lives of three best friends approaching their forties. As they face life’s challenges together - from romance to personal struggles - the series delivers an emotional and relatable journey. Based on the Chinese series ‘Nothing But Thirty,’ the drama resonated deeply with audiences both in South Korea and globally.
A Love So Beautiful
‘A Love So Beautiful’ is the Korean remake of the hit Chinese classic of the same name, which is based on the novel ‘To Our Pure Little Beauty’ by Zhao Qian Qian. Starring Kim Yo-han, So Joo-yeon, Yeo Hoe-hyun, Jo Hye-joo, and Jeong Jin-hwan, this coming-of-age series follows five high school friends as they navigate the bumpy road from adolescence to adulthood. Full of youthful innocence, first love, and life’s simple joys, the series captures the bittersweet experience of growing up.
Tell us about your favorite Korean remake of Chinese hit dramas in the comment section below!
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