It seems as if Hollywood is looking to cash in on the Hallyu. ABC has announced that they are planning to remake the hit k-drama "You Who Came From The Stars," which stars Kim Soo Hyun and Jun Ji Hyun.
And it will be adapted for American TV by the writing team who created, among other hit shows, "Vampire Diaries."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, ABC requested a pilot episode.
"We've been prepared for the U.S. remake of the drama since February, and we're thankful to get this opportunity," said Moon Bo Mi, head of HB Entertainment, in a press release.
The contract for the drama is being negotiated with Sony Pictures Television.
The original k-drama told the story of an alien who falls for a Hallyu star. ABC describes the American version as an "epic supernatural love story about a world-famous pop star, Lark, and her anti-social neighbor, James, who happens to be from another planet."
Like Kim Soo Hyun's character Do Min Joon, James avoids getting involved in human relationships. During his time on earth he became disillusioned by human nature and his attempts to intervene often backfired. But he uses his super powers to save Lark when she is in danger and gets involved in her life. He falls in love with her, which creates a conflict when he gets the chance to return to his planet.
Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fein, who worked on "The Vampire Diaries" and the Joss Whedon series "The Dollhouse," will adapt the series. Moon and Park Ji Eun, the original k-drama creators, will serve as executive producers.
"You Who Came From The Stars" was not only a hit in Korea but was also very popular in China and several other countries, inspiring such trends as copying Jun Ji Hyun's makeup and eating her favorite meal of beer and fried chicken. And Hollywood is paying closer attention to k-drama fandom.
The series is not the first k-drama or Korean variety show that is up for a remake this year. "Good Doctor," which starred Joo Won, is being adapted for an American TV audience by CBS. Korean-American actor Daniel Dae Kim, who is also CEO of the production company 3AD, will be the series' executive producer.
Actress Yunjin Kim, who played Daniel Dae Kim's wife on the series "Lost" and currently stars in "Mistresses," will produce a remake of the k-drama "Nine: Nine Time Travels," which starred Lee Jin Wook.
"Reply 1997" is also up for a remake, as is the variety show "Grandpas Over Flowers."
What do you think of this attempted remake? And what do you think of Hollywood's attempts to cash in on the Hallyu. Let us know.
