Korean dramas never fail to capture our hearts, right? Whether it’s the swoon-worthy romances, jaw-dropping plot twists, or their ability to make us ugly-cry, these shows hit us right in the feels. But here’s the twist: some of the most heart-touching dramas you’ve been bingeing actually started as Taiwanese stories! Surprised? Don’t worry—you’re not alone.
In this article, we’re diving into a few must-watch Korean adaptations of Taiwanese classics. If you’re into emotional rollercoasters and heartfelt stories, you’re in for a treat. So grab your snacks, and let’s get into it!
What’s the Deal with Korean-Taiwanese Adaptations?
Let’s be real: K-dramas are like comfort food. They feel familiar but always leave us wanting more. Sometimes, though, the stories we love come with a twist—Korean producers taking inspiration from Taiwan’s iconic dramas and reimagining them with that signature K-drama flair.
These adaptations don’t just copy-paste the originals; they add their own magic. It’s like taking an already beautiful song and giving it a remix that still hits hard. Curious about which ones? Keep reading!
1. Family By Choice: Friends, Fights, and Feels
This one’s perfect if you love stories about friendship and complicated family dynamics. Family By Choice follows three childhood friends: Kim San Ha (played by Hwang In Youp), Yoon Joo Won (Jung Chae Yeon), and Kang Hae Joon (Bae Hyun Sung). They grew up like siblings, practically inseparable. But fast forward 10 years, and their once-tight bond is hanging by a thread.
Why? Life happened. San Ha and Hae Joon, both searching for their biological families, unintentionally leave Joo Won behind. Ouch, right? Joo Won feels abandoned, and their reunion is anything but warm and fuzzy. Add in a messy tangle of unresolved emotions and even budding romantic feelings, and you’ve got one juicy drama.
Sound familiar? It’s adapted from Taiwan’s Go Ahead (2020), a fan-favorite series that touched viewers with its themes of found family. Family By Choice takes all that goodness and layers it with K-drama aesthetics and emotions that hit different. You can catch this heartfelt story on Viu!
2. A Time Called You: A Love That Defies Time
What happens when you lose the love of your life but somehow get a second chance? That’s the premise of A Time Called You, starring Jeon Yeo Bin and Ahn Hyo Seop.
The story follows Han Joon Hee (Jeon Yeo Bin), who’s mourning her late boyfriend, Gu Yeon Joon (Ahn Hyo Seop). But then, things get weird—she wakes up in 1998 as a high school student named Kwon Min Joo. And who does she meet? Nam Shi Heon (also Ahn Hyo Seop), a guy who looks exactly like her deceased boyfriend. Talk about a plot twist!
This adaptation of Taiwan’s Someday Or One Day (2019) became one of the most talked-about dramas in 2023. If time-travel romances with a side of mystery are your thing, this is a must-watch. Plus, the chemistry between the leads? Chef’s kiss. You’ll find this gem on Netflix.
3. Hear Me: Our Summer – A Love Story Told in Silence
Let’s move to the big screen for a second. Hear Me: Our Summer is a Korean film adaptation of Taiwan’s Hear Me (2009). It’s a sweet, understated love story that’ll warm your heart.
Yong Joon (Hong Kyung) is a young man working part-time delivering lunchboxes for his family’s shop. One day, he delivers food to a swimming pool and meets Yeo Reum (Roh Yoon Seo), a girl who can’t hear. Despite the communication barrier, Yong Joon starts learning sign language to connect with her. Adorable, right?
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Yeo Reum is juggling a lot—working part-time and supporting her younger sister, Ga Eul, a deaf swimmer chasing her dreams. What makes this film so touching is how it portrays love as a language that doesn’t need words. If you’re looking for a heartfelt story that feels real, this one’s for you.
4. Secret: Untold Melody – Music and Mysteries
Now, let’s talk about Secret: Untold Melody. This 2025 film stars Do Kyung Soo (D.O. of EXO fame), Won Jin Ah, and Shin Ye Eun. It’s based on the Taiwanese movie Secret (2007), a cult classic loved for its dreamy romance and unexpected twists.
Yoo Joon (D.O.) is a piano prodigy who transfers to a new high school. On his first day, he hears a hauntingly beautiful melody coming from the music room. Intrigued, he meets a mysterious girl playing the piano. And let’s just say, things get very complicated from there.
With its breathtaking cinematography and stunning soundtrack, this film is perfect for anyone who loves stories that blend romance with a touch of mystery. Keep an eye out for its Indonesian release in February 2025!
Why Korean Adaptations Are Totally Worth It
You might wonder, why not just stick to the original? While the Taiwanese versions are amazing in their own right, Korean adaptations bring their own flavor. Think of them as reinterpretations rather than straight-up remakes. They often add that signature K-drama polish, with high production values, gorgeous cinematography, and subtle cultural twists.
Which One Should You Watch First?
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these! Whether you’re in the mood for an emotional family saga, a mind-bending time-travel romance, or a heartwarming love story, there’s something here for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Start streaming and let yourself get lost in these unforgettable stories. Who knows—you might just find your next all-time favorite drama!