Many Filipino viewers are big fans of teleseryes and dramas that appeal to their senses. I mean, hello? The Philippine media culture has given us a lot of dramas to enjoy in specific topics that are close to our hearts. More importantly, it showcases one’s attitude towards relating oneself on every character’s portrayal of a role.
On the other hand, we have seen a lot of adaptation from dramas in different cultures in Korea, Thailand, US, and far away countries. This doesn’t mean that we don’t want to explore more on our own but rather giving the amount of respect and glory on every culture or country we have yet to know.
Why are Korean dramas so popular here in the Philippines? Or on a side note, why do Filipino filmmakers continuously strive for these ones?
Remakes are provided because people understand and buy the fact that it all happens just the same. Our cultures might be different but the viewpoint towards family, love, and affairs are totally synonymous. Is it that we continue to pursue remakes just as so we can enjoy it naturally? Yes, and yes.
The main concepts and themes of Korean dramas specifically revolve around broken families, third parties, and rags to riches stories—and for the record, these are also based on the culture we experience here in our country. It sells to the masses because it looks like a representation they can all relate to. Other than that, it maintains glory for the two countries to patronize each other in terms of entertainment and the whole entertainment industry.
Here are some of the most famous K-dramas and their remake counterparts in the Philippines:
COFFEE PRINCE
It’s a 2007 Korean drama starring Gong Yoo and Yoon Eun-hye. It’s a story of an irresponsible bachelor who pretends to be gay to avoid blind dates arranged by his grandmother. He hires a particular person not knowing that the actual person is actually a female.
The Filipino version was starred by Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal in 2012.
MY GIRL
My Girl is a Korean drama about a girl who has a talent in telling lies who gets mixed up with a rich guy. The guy recruits this girl to fulfill his grandfather’s dying wish.
The main cast includes Lee Dong Wook and Lee Da Hae. The Filipino counterpart was played by the actors Kim Chui and Gerald Anderson on a 2008 ABS-CBN teleserye.
DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN
This South Korean television series is about the fate of two people in different line of work—where one works with the special forces while the other is on the medical field.
Descendants of the Sun was hailed as the birth of the rising popularity of K-dramas in the Philippines. Dingdong Dantes played Song Joong Ki’s role as the charming soldier, while Jennylyn Mercado played Song Hye Kyo’s role as the doctor.
CONCLUSION
With a lot of iconic K-dramas put into Filipino remakes, we can tell that it reached its target market—it’s actually way beyond that. Part of the culture is spending time with family watching all the dramas at noon time or during at night and this is just a great example.
The Korean entertainment industry just proved us that they can be versatile by sharing us some of their most respectable shows and Filipino viewers did not disappoint in showing their love and support. It’s a two-way street—knowing that the countries benefit from each other, they both sell beyond target markets by also reaching a wide range of demographic.
At present, GMA-7 is bringing the hit Korean drama series ‘Start Up’ and the lead cast will include Alden Richards and Bea Alonzo.
