The Japanese Remake of 'Marry My Husband': What's Different from the Original?

The drama 'Marry My Husband', which took the Korean television scene by storm, offered a fresh take within the "makjang" (over-the-top) drama genre, earning immense love from viewers. Its unpredictable story and thrilling revenge plot resonated not only in Korea but also internationally, once again proving the prestige of K-dramas. Riding on this popularity, a Japanese remake was recently released, drawing keen interest from fans of the original work.
 

The Japanese version of 'Marry My Husband' took a special path from the production stage. Despite being a Japanese drama, it held a press conference in Korea, sparking curiosity. This was because the project was born from a close collaboration with Korea's CJ ENM. As a product of the combined production systems of both countries, there was high anticipation for how the remake would localize the original's charm. This background positions the drama not just as a simple remake, but as a positive example of content exchange between Korea and Japan.

The most noticeable difference is the overall length and pacing of the series. Unlike the 16-episode Korean version, the Japanese adaptation is a condensed 10 episodes. This can be interpreted as a deliberate choice to trim unnecessary narratives and focus on a fast-paced plot centered around key events. Indeed, the Japanese version features a rapid development from the beginning; the character equivalent to Na In-woo's role (Suzuki Wataru), who appeared later in the Korean series, is introduced in the very first episode, heightening the story's tension early on.

Of course, due to the powerful impression left by the original, it may take some time to adjust to the Japanese version. The brilliant performances of the Korean cast, including Park Min-young, Na In-woo, Lee Yi-kyung, and Song Ha-yoon, are already vividly etched in viewers' minds. The screenplay for the Japanese version was penned by the writer of 'Wife, Becomes an Elementary Schooler,' a drama also known in Korea, adding an interesting layer of comparison to see what new sensibilities were infused into the original framework.

One of the key factors behind the original's success was the cast's overwhelming acting prowess. Lee Yi-kyung, as the "trash husband" Park Min-hwan, and Song Ha-yoon, who portrayed the treacherous best friend Jung Su-min, maximized the drama's immersion with their chilling villainous performances. Furthermore, Park Min-young, in the lead role of Kang Ji-won, overcame various controversies and delivered a career-defining performance that propelled the show's success. A key point of interest is watching how the Japanese actors reinterpret these characters. The direction, led by Ahn Gil-ho of 'The Glory' fame, has been praised for effectively capturing a Korean sensibility.

There are subtle differences in how Korean and Japanese dramas portray everyday acting. This can stem from cultural and lifestyle differences between the two countries, but also from distinct acting styles. Considering this, one might get the impression that the Korean cast's acting feels more natural and profound overall. In particular, some opinions suggest that the performance of the Japanese female lead, Fuka Koshiba, is somewhat lacking compared to Park Min-young in the original.

Differences can also be found in specific details. The Japanese version was released on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video, and interestingly, the script includes mentions of Korea. The most significant change in the early plot is how the main character has her accident. Unlike the original, she falls from an apartment in the Japanese version, and the scene immediately leads to the two main characters forming a connection and spending time together, depicting a faster progression in their relationship.

Despite these detailed differences, many viewers who know the original's solid story are tuning in to watch the Japanese remake. Since they are familiar with the overall plot, there is a distinct pleasure in comparing the actors' performances and directorial details. Korean viewers can watch the Japanese version on TVING, and it also airs on the tvN channel with two consecutive episodes every Sunday night, offering a chance to re-experience the emotions of the original in a new format.