A scene from the Korean romance film "Secret: Untold Melody." / Courtesy of Plus M Entertainment

Taiwan's 2007 fantasy-music-romance film "Secret" is widely regarded as a cornerstone of the revival of Taiwanese cinema and remains a beloved classic among Korean audiences.

After its release, countless Korean fans added Danshui, the film's picturesque setting, to their must-visit lists when traveling to Taiwan, proving the movie's enduring appeal.

The original film tells the story of Xianglun, a piano prodigy who transfers to a mysterious arts high school, where he meets Xiaoyu, only to uncover her secret.

Starring Jay Chou and Gwei Lun-mei as the leads, the movie was a masterpiece in its own right. So why did director Seo Yoo-min choose to remake it in Korean about 20 years later? Watching this well-crafted yet somewhat ordinary remake, one possible reason emerges: to reimagine the story within the context of modern-day Korea.

Unlike the original, the Korean version feels more grounded in reality. Smartphones make their way into the narrative, the setting shifts to a university, and the once-fragile female characters have been updated to be more independent, fitting contemporary sensibilities.

These changes lend greater plausibility to the story, especially in the male protagonist's quest to find the suddenly missing female lead. Notably, Yoo-jun's father, portrayed by Bae Seong-woo, is wittier and more engaging than his counterpart in the original.

A scene from the Korean romance film "Secret: Untold Melody." / Courtesy of Plus M Entertainment

Director Seo stays faithful to much of the original story and settings, making only a few intriguing changes. While promising pianist Yoo-jun (Doh Kyung-soo) and Jung-ah (Won Jin-ah) carry much of the narrative weight, additional subplots — such as Yoo-jun's estranged mother being a renowned pianist — feel unnecessary. Many of these new elements dilute the simplicity and emotional purity that made the original so effective. The remake is also more dialogue-heavy, which diminishes the mysterious atmosphere once evoked by the old campus buildings and banyan trees in the original.

That said, the remake keeps the iconic piano battle sequence from the original, though it lacks the intensity of the original. Doh Kyung-soo, who reportedly had no prior experience reading sheet music, impressively conveys energy and realism through his gestures and expressions during the performance.

However, the film fails to deliver a memorable score or lasting emotional impact, leaving little impression once the credits roll.

"Secret: Untold Melody" is set for release on Jan. 28. (Yonhap)