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Characteristics and Implications of K-Contentization of Foreign Original Remakes: Focusing on Recent Drama Case Studies

1 January 202517 pages4,462 words

Summary

The analysis positions foreign‑original remakes as a central risk‑management tool for Korean producers confronting intensified OTT competition, arguing that the combination of proven intellectual property and Korean production expertise creates a “stable investment + globally optimized distribution” model. By tracing the evolution from early, unofficial adaptations of Japanese manga to the 2020‑2025 surge of genre‑rich works sourced from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Sweden and other markets, the study demonstrates a clear diversification of both source countries and narrative forms, ranging from crime thrillers to socially contentious dramas. Empirical evidence is drawn from a series of case studies released between 2020 and 2025, including high‑rating adaptations such as “The World of the Married” (28.4 % peak viewership) and award‑winning films like “No Other Choice,” which secured Best Director at Sitges and audience awards at Toronto and Venice. Success factors identified are deep cultural translation that embeds Korean legal and social structures, rapid pacing and emotional density, and the use of top‑tier acting talent. Conversely, failures are linked to rigid adherence to original tone, misalignment with Korean legal contexts—as illustrated by the poorly received “Mary Kills People” remake—and insufficient localization for domestic fandom expectations. The scope encompasses the Korean drama and film sectors from the early 2000s through 2025, with methodology based on comparative content analysis, viewership metrics, festival outcomes and industry interviews. Recommendations stress intelligent localization that prioritizes Korean sensibilities, resolves ethical and legal gaps through narrative devices, and leverages shorter, cinematic OTT formats to sustain growth in the global remake market.

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Characteristics and Implications of K-Contentization of Foreign Original Remakes: Focusing on Recent Drama Case Studies

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