'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUH/8QAIBAAAgEEAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQMCAAQREhMFBiFBkf/EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAID/8QAGREBAAIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQACERIx/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDK0PtZ36pSg1z3vmGydiY1AzgD5io7O+Os8kuNq4rydY6DwPQpSjqPZW1kDE//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Novels often make the leap to the screen in K-dramas, and the fans have an expectation that the adaptation will do justice to the novel. Though it is not always the case. Sometimes, K-dramas that are adapted to the screen often fail to achieve the same level of intrigue as the novel.
However, there are many adaptations that excel in bringing out the same integrity and essence as the novel has. In this list, we have discussed some of these K-dramas that are adapted from novels and web novels and have achieved the title of being one of the best.
Korean production companies have mastered the art of transforming literary narratives into compelling visual storytelling in K-dramas. These K-dramas breathe new life into the source material. The magic lies in the strength of the visual medium of these K-dramas. So, let’s dive right in.
10 K-dramas based on novels that nailed the page to screen adaptation
1) Painter of the Wind
Historical storylines in K-dramas are always an intriguing source of entertainment for the viewers. In these K-dramas, we get to experience the rich culture of the country.
There are beautiful landscapes and narratives that resonate with the viewers. It feels even more intriguing when a beloved novel gets adapted into a K-drama. It becomes the best of both worlds.
As we get to experience the story in both the form of the literature and on a visual canvas. Painter of the Wind brought life to Lee Jung-myung’s novel with the same name.
The thrill of artistic discovery and the dangers of the political intrigue in this K-drama have stolen the hearts of the viewers.
2) Top Management
This K-drama is based on a novel written by Jang Woo-san. Top Management gives the viewers an intriguing story about the world of cutthroat competition in the world of K-pop.
Eun-sung is a former idol. She starts working as the new manager of a struggling idol group. The fresh perspective of this K-drama, which is developed from the novel, makes the story even more interesting.
We see the long hours, the constant pressure, the strict diets, and so much more that the idols have to maintain to make it big in the world of entertainment. It is not an easy task. Eung-sung brings forth her empathetic nature to her role as the manager.
She understands the struggles. She is able to connect deeply with the idol group. The contemporary and realistic feel of this K-drama makes it such an intriguing one.
3) Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Did you know Moon Lovers: Scarlett Heart Ryeo is based on a Chinese novel? This novel is written by Bu Bu Jing Xin. With a unique storyline with time travel and falling in love that leads to numerous complications, this K-drama is truly one of a kind.
Ha-jin and Wang-so’s story has left a deep impact on the minds of the viewers. Ha-jin, being a modern woman with her modern sensibilities, clashes with the rigid rules and regulations of the ancient world.
This K-drama is a masterful depiction of the tragic consequences of power struggles and how love can be heartbreaking at times. This K-drama has given a unique flavor to the novel. It is a perfect example of how a compelling novel can be brought to life in the right ways.
4) What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim
An intriguing factor in this K-drama is the fact that it has beautifully captured the charm of the novel. It is a classic example of a romantic comedy done right. Kim Mi-so has been Young-joon’s assistant for years.
Initially, she was having a hard time being helpful towards Young-joon. However, slowly, she becomes an expert at her job. She becomes such an indispensable part of Young-joon’s life that when she suddenly announces that she will be resigning from her job, Young-joon finds himself in trouble.
The K-drama slowly builds its story and their eventual romance in an intriguing manner. Their playful banter and intense gazes are truly a contributing factor to the K-drama. This K-drama managed to deliver on its promise of satisfying the readers of the novel as well.
5) Sungkyunkwan Scandal
If you have read The Lives of Sungkyunkwan Confucian Scholars by Jung Eun-gwol, then you must be aware that the novel is intriguing. This K-drama is based on the novel.
It has done a commendable job of transforming the story on screen. This K-drama shows us, the viewers, a story about the time when women were not given the permission to be either educated or employed.
Yet Yoon-hee has to take the burden to make ends meet for her family. So, she decides to disguise herself as a man in order to get a job and help her family. An intriguing factor about this K-drama is the character development.
Yoon-hee’s intelligence, resilience, and morally upright nature in this K-drama have left a lasting impact on the viewers, just like the novel.
6) Cinderella with Four Knights
Cinderella with Four Knights is yet another successful K-drama that is based on a novel written by Lee Min Young (Baek Myo). The pre-existing fanbase of this novel has added to the overall intrigue of this K-drama.
Now, the story of this K-drama revolves around Eun Ha-won, whose life takes a turn when her stepmother moves into their house. She loses her tuition fee and is forced to earn money doing part-time jobs.
The modern twist to this fairy tale adds to the overall intrigue of the K-drama. Ha-won finds herself surrounded by charming men, each with their own struggles and personalities. Ha-won is strong-willed and compassionate.
Her ability to impact the lives of the privileged people is the core appeal of this K-drama.
7) Kingmaker: The Change of Destiny
This is yet another intriguing K-drama that is based on a novel. It is based on Wind, Clouds, and Tombstone, which is written by Lee Byung-joo. In this K-drama, we are taken to the world of the Joseon Dynasty. Choi Chun-joong has an extraordinary gift.
He has the talent to read faces. Though initially his life was on track, after a tragedy struck his family, his life changed. People started to look down upon him. Chun-joong decides to change the fate of others for the better.
His gift was like a double-edged sword with both negative and positive aspects. The thrilling political aspect of this K-drama makes it such an intriguing one for the viewers. It truly nailed the depiction from the novel.
8) Love in the Moonlight
When we read historical novels, it often becomes difficult to visualize the storyline with the same level of detail. This issue is solved when K-dramas adapt the story from the novels and create masterpieces with it.
For Love in the Moonlight, the breathtaking visuals of the K-drama truly capture the hearts of the viewers right from the start. It is based on a web novel, Moonlight Drawn By Clouds, written by Yoon Yi-soo and Kim Hee-kyung.
The nuanced coming-of-age story in this K-drama makes it such an intriguing one. This K-drama transports the viewers back in time, where the intricate traditions and political intrigue keep the viewers hooked throughout the K-drama.
9) River Where the Moon Rises
This is yet another intriguing K-drama based on a novel. This novel, Princess Pyeonggang, was written by Sagyu. A historical K-drama that gives us the visuals of the rich Korean culture.
Princess Pyeonggang was born as royalty. Yet she ended up living the life of an assassin. Her upbringing shapes her into a determined and ambitious woman. She learns about the truth of her identity.
As a result, she decides to reclaim her rightful place on the throne. This K-drama excels in the depiction of the complex relationships between the characters. There are numerous political intrigues in this K-drama. It adds to the overall entertaining factor.
10) The King In Love
The King In Love is based on a novel written by Kim Yi-ryung. This K-drama is a blend of romance, political intrigue, and heartbreaking friendships. The main reason behind the success of the K-drama is the perfect depiction of the novel.
K-dramas that are developed from novels have a more intricate plot and richer character development. It is also the case for this K-drama. The central conflict in this K-drama has captured the complex dynamics that viewers have loved and enjoyed.
Visually, this K-drama is a feast for the eyes. It is a beautifully depicted story that elevates the storyline of the novel in a nuanced manner.
Trending
For more such interesting pieces, stay tuned to Soap Central.
Reply
