It seems that American television producers have discovered the appeal of kdrama. After news that there would be an American version of 'Boys Over Flowers," it was announced this week that the tvN time travel drama "Nine: Nine Time Travels" will be remade into an American television series.
Actress Yunjin Kim, who is known in the U.S. for her work in "Lost" and "Mistresses" will serve as executive producer. Fake Empire Productions, which produced the series "Gossip Girls," "Carrie Diaries" and "The O.C." will produce the series. The script is being written by Derek Simonds.
"As an actress and someone who enjoys Korean dramas, I am excited to introduce the Korean drama style," said Kim, who also plans to introduce other Korean entertainment content.
Although she grew up in the U.S. and attended performing arts school there, the actress has also played parts in Korean dramas and films, most notably playing Gina in the drama "Wedding Dress" and playing Lee Myung Hun in the film "Shiri." She also appeared in the film "Legend of Gingko" before taking the role of Sun, the Korean castaway in the ABC series "Lost.
American television companies have remade foreign entertainemnt with mixed results. The most successful remake was the cable show "Homeland."
"Traditionally, American dramas rarely adapt television from other countries, except England," said Choi Jin Hee of CJ E&M Entertainment. "But after the success of "Homeland," a remake of an Israel drama, the idea is becoming more popular. 'Nine' received many love calls from American producers."
As good as "Homeland" is, it's not a faithful remake of the Israeli drama "Hatufim," say some critics.
Will the story of "Nine: Nine Time Travels" be changed so much it no longer resembles the original. The Korean version told the story of a television anchorman who discovers nine mysterious incense sticks that allow him to go back in time and potentially avert the disaster that destroyed his family. The kdrama starred Lee Jin Wook, Jo Yoon Hee and Jeon No Min, with Park Hyung Sik playing the young Lee Jin Wook.
Hopefully Yunjin Kim, who loves kdramas will preserve the flavor of the original show. There is as yet no word whether the drama will follow the same format of two episodes a week for a limited season or whether the story will be told in a typical American television format.
"The production team is working on the script for the series," said a representative of CJ E&M. "Filming for the pilot will begin early next year, and the series could possibly be seen as early as May at the LA Screenings."
Program buyers from around the world view television pilots at the LA Screenings.
What do you think about the idea of American television remakes of kdramas? Be sure to check out the original, as it was one of this year's most critically acclaimed.
