With CBS TV remaking the k-drama "Good Doctor," it's obvious that American TV is paying attention to the merits of and fan base for k-dramas. But will it work?
Earlier in the year, it was announced that American TV is attempting a remake of "Nine: Nine Time Travels," which starred Lee Jin Wook. Kim Yun Jin, who played a Korean castaway in the hit series "Lost," brought the show to the attention of American producers. They were intrigued by the fantasy plot complete with the kinds of flashbacks-and flash-forwards-that were seen on "Lost."
And then there was the American remake of "Boys Over Flowers," which was highly anticipated but lacked the charm of the original and did not get the best reviews.
Could a remake of "Good Doctor" actually work? "Good Doctor" told the story of Park Shi On, a gifted doctor with Asperger's Syndrome. The condition did not interfere with his ability to be a brilliant doctor but did create problems in social situations. Joo Won was excellent as Dr. Park Shi On and mesmerizing to watch onscreen as he created the character with his shy shuffling body language. Part of the reason that a potentially improbably situation played out so well was the warmth that Joo Won radiates whenever he takes a role. It would be hard to imagine anyone else playing the part.
Since the storylines of American TV shows are designed to potentially run on for seasons, it's hard to imagine how the relationship between Park Shi On and his colleague Cha Yoon Seo, played by Moon Chae Won, would play out. And that was an important part of the show's appeal.
Korean-American actor Daniel Dae Kim, who played Kim Yun Jin's husband on "Lost," discussed the remake during an interview at the 2014 Seoul Digital Forum. He's also the CEO of the 3AD production company.
At the forum he said that CBS was in the process of fine-tuning the details for the remake. CBS has been discussing the remake with KBS since last November and is now in the contract stage.
"There are plenty of medical television shows in the United States, but we expect the depth of the characters' stories in dramas like 'Good Doctor' will also sell in the American market," said Kim.
That may be true, but didn't the series "House," cover the same territory by creating a character who was a genius doctor with problems relating on a social level?
What do you think of this remake? Can American television remake k-dramas without harming them? And if they can, is "Good Doctor" a good candidate?
