While many K-dramas are based on foreign films or series, a number of popular series are inspired by foreign literary works, adapted from overseas best-selling novels. These adaptations breathe new life into the narratives, blending foreign storytelling with uniquely Korean cultural nuances, and they became very popular among K-drama fans worldwide.
In exploring this fascinating intersection of foreign literature and Korean television, let’s check out the six popular K-dramas based on foreign novels:
MR. QUEEN
‘MR. QUEEN’ is the hit Korean adaptation of the popular Chinese novel ‘The Promotion Record of a Crown Princess’ by Xian Cheng. This historical comedy-drama takes a gender-bending time-travel twist, revolving around a modern-day male chef whose soul finds itself trapped in the body of a Joseon-era queen. The K-drama reimagined the tale with satirical wit and palace intrigue, making 'MR. QUEEN' a standout fusion of slapstick and politics.
Doctor John
Adapted from the Japanese novel ‘On Hand of God’ by Yo Kusakabe, ‘Doctor John’ revolves around pain management specialists. Cha Yo Han, a genius anaesthesiologist with a mysterious past. He is known as ’10 Seconds’ due to his remarkable ability to diagnose patients within only 10 seconds. The show delivers both emotional depth and moral dilemmas, highlighting themes like euthanasia.
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
One of the most emotionally intense historical K-dramas, ‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’ tells the story of a 25-year-old 21st-century woman, Go Ha Jin, who time travels back to the Goryeo Dynasty. There she wakes up in the body of the 16-year-old Hae Soo and finds herself entangled in the lives of royal princes. It is adapted from ‘Bu Bu Jing Xin,’ the debut novel of Chinese novelist Tong Hua, which also inspired a hit Chinese series.
Come Back, Mister
Combining comedy, fantasy, and tear-jerking moments, ‘Come Back, Mister’ revolves around two dead men who returns to the living world in different bodies to resolve unfinished business. Based on the 2002 Japanese novel ‘Tsubakiyama Kacho no Nanokakan’ by Jirō Asada, which offered a reflective take on life and regrets, the K-drama added humour and warmth, striking a delicate balance between the absurd and the poignant.
Tempted
The 2018 Korean television series ‘Tempted’ is loosely based on the 1782 French novel ‘Les Liaisons dangereuses’ by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. The story follows a group of wealthy young adults who play dangerous games of love and trust. ‘Tempted’ infuses the original tale of seduction and betrayal with youthful angst and a K-drama sensibility, highlighting how classic themes of manipulation and morality remain relevant today.
A love so beautiful
A lighthearted coming-of-age romance, ‘A Love So Beautiful’ traces the journey of a cheerful high school girl and her stoic crush. Based on the Chinese novel ‘To Our Pure Little Beauty’ by Zhao Qian Qian and its successful C-drama adaptation, the Korean remake charmed with its nostalgia and sweet, slice-of-life storytelling, resonating with viewers who are fans of heartwarming tales of first love.
These K-dramas demonstrate how Korean storytellers reinterpret foreign literary works, infusing them with local flavour while retaining universal emotions and themes.
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