The drama “Family by Choice” portrays the lives of three unrelated young adults who live together as a family. Courtesy of JTBC

JTBC's “Family by Choice” is making waves among viewers with its portrayal of three unrelated young adults forming an unconventional family built on trust rather than blood ties. What many may not realize is that the drama is a remake of the Chinese series “Go Ahead” (2020), originally aired on Hunan Satellite TV.

While Korean remakes of Chinese historical dramas have been common, remakes of modern Chinese dramas for television, such as this one, are still rare.

The popularity of Chinese dramas in Korea is growing beyond TV, particularly through streaming platforms. Over 800 Chinese-language dramas are available on Korean streaming platforms like Tving, more than doubling in number compared to three years ago.

This trend aligns with the rising influence of Chinese content in the global entertainment market. Netflix, despite being banned in China, has invested heavily in Chinese-inspired productions like the sci-fi drama “The Three-Body Problem” and streams numerous Chinese series worldwide.

A scene featuring the main characters of “Go Ahead,” the original Chinese drama remade into JTBC's “Family by Choice.” Captured from Hunan Satellite TV's website

Younger audiences embrace modern Chinese dramas

Unlike older generations, who associate Chinese dramas with traditional historical series like “Justice Bao," younger Koreans are increasingly drawn to modern Chinese romances and youth dramas.

Popular choices among 20-somethings include “A Love So Beautiful” (2017) and “Go Ahead." Viewers cite their appeal as lighter and fresher compared to Korean dramas, with unique genres like fantasy romance and unconventional storytelling.

Titles like “Love Between Fairy and Devil” (2022) have also introduced innovative narratives rarely seen in Korean entertainment.

While not as visible as fans of American or Japanese dramas, the emergence of “shy Chinese drama fans” is reshaping the Korean streaming market.

A report by the Korea Creative Content Agency highlights that as of April, platforms like Tving, Wavve and Watcha each offer over 800 Chinese dramas, a sharp increase from the 300 to 400 titles available in 2021. According to Wavve, Chinese dramas accounted for over 50 percent of overseas drama viewership early this year.

Tving data shows a 261 percent increase in viewing hours for Chinese dramas from 2021 to 2023. Popular titles include “Go Ahead,” “My Lethal Man” (2023) and “Destined” (2023), reflecting a mix of modern and historical genres.

A streaming platform official noted that the fierce competition among platforms for subscribers has led to an expansion of Chinese content to attract this growing audience segment.

A scene from the Chinese drama “A Love So Beautiful” (2017). Captured from YouTube

Ban on K-drama

The imbalance in cultural exchange between Korea and China remains a significant issue. According to the Korea Creative Content Agency's China Business Center, as of Nov. 25, 2023, no new Korean dramas have been released on Chinese television or streaming platforms since "My Liberation Notes" in February 2023.

This is presumed to be a result of the "Korean Wave Restriction Order." An industry insider familiar with China's content sector said, "Earlier this year, directives were issued to ban remakes of foreign videos. Consequently, the production of local remakes of Korean dramas has effectively come to a halt."

Amid growing industry concerns, there is cautious optimism following a meeting between the cultural ministers of Korea and China on Nov. 23, where they discussed enhancing content exchanges.

Yoon Ho-jin, head of the Korea Creative Content Agency's China Business Center, said, "With China's recent extension of visa-free periods for South Koreans and ongoing discussions about President Xi Jinping's visit to South Korea in the latter half of next year, we anticipate tangible progress in opening up Chinese markets to Korean pop culture by the first half of next year."

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.