5 K-drama adaptations that outperformed the OG novels

What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim | Image Via: Bon Factory Worldwide, Reborn Rich | Image Via: SLL, Touch Your Heart | Image Via: Mega Monster, Love in the Moonlight | Image Via: KBS Media
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim | Image Via: Bon Factory Worldwide, Reborn Rich | Image Via: SLL, Touch Your Heart | Image Via: Mega Monster, Love in the Moonlight | Image Via: KBS Media

Reading novels to visit the world of mystery can be fulfilling; however, watching the world of a novel come to life in front of your eyes through K-dramas definitely becomes an intriguing thing. Though it is rare to see shows bringing the world of the novel with utmost perfection, some TV shows can just do it right.


5 K-drama adaptations that outperformed the novels

1) Reborn Rich

Reborn Rich | Image Via: SLL
Reborn Rich | Image Via: SLL

This K-drama, which is based on the novel of the same name, dives into the world of the rich and powerful. Yoon Hyun-woo’s life takes a turn when he falls into the world of deceit and ends up losing his life. However, losing his life is not the end of it all.

After being killed, he finds himself in the body of Jin Do-jun. Now Jin Do-jun is not just an ordinary man. Do-jun is the grandson of the Soonyang family for whom Yoon Hyun-woo used to work. There is a distinct emotional depth that this K-drama holds that shines bright.


2) What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim

What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim | Image Via: Bon Factory Worldwide
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim | Image Via: Bon Factory Worldwide

Based on Jung Kyung-yoon’s 2013 novel of the same name, this K-drama takes us on a humorous and heartwarming journey from the get-go. On the surface, it might seem like any other office romance K-drama, but there are many more intriguing themes on which this series focuses. The story revolves around an office secretary, Kim Mi-so, whose task is to make sure her boss, Lee Young-joon, does not face any troubles in his day-to-day work.

However, her work is not just limited to the office. She takes care of her boss’s whims round the clock without hardly any breaks. After years of grueling in this demanding job, she finally understands that she never spent any time on herself. After making the decision to leave her work as an assistant, her life began to change.

Her boss hardly showed any attention towards her before. However, now he began to notice her significance in his life. Both Park Seo-jun and Park Min-young do a commendable job. They bring out the heart of the series. Their chemistry truly skyrocketed the fame of both the novel and the series.


3) Touch Your Heart

Touch Your Heart | Image Via: Mega Monster
Touch Your Heart | Image Via: Mega Monster

Touch Your Heart truly became an internet sensation. This K-drama is based on a web novel of the same name. This series enhanced the fame of the novel. Talented actors like Yoo In-na and Lee Dong-wook join hands to bring forth their A-game. This series feels fresh and unique. The chemistry between the tw characters is truly off the charts.

The story revolves around Oh Jin-shim, whose career takes a nosedive. Her only way out of the situation is to work for the cold-hearted lawyer, Kwon Jung-rok. To find out whether Oh Jin-shim is able to melt Kwon Jung-rok’s heart with her bubbly nature, you definitely need to watch this K-drama. It perfectly enhances its source material.


4) Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo | Image Via: SBS TV
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo | Image Via: SBS TV

This K-drama tells the story of how a woman gets taken back in time. This world is completely different than the one she is from, hence, she faces multiple complications right away, especially while getting adjusted.

There is romance, there is heartbreak, but on top of it all, there is a storyline that will get you hooked. This series is based on a novel named Bu Bu Jing Xin.


5) Love in the Moonlight

Love in the Moonlight | Image Via: KBS Media
Love in the Moonlight | Image Via: KBS Media

The webnovel Moonlight Drawn By Clouds came to life with Love in the Moonlight. This series delves into the aspects of identity in a nuanced manner. Hong Ra-on disguises herself as a man to survive; however, she ends up getting entangled with the heir to the throne, Lee Young.

Initially, Ra-on pretends to be a eunuch. They begin to spend time together, which slowly develops their bond. However, soon the truths are revealed. Things begin to get complicated. This series will take you on a roller coaster ride with romance and drama going hand in hand, keeping you hooked throughout.


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Edited by KOUSHIKI ROY