If you love the exciting stories and deep emotions of Korean dramas, you might be happy to know that many of your favorite K-dramas have been adapted into Filipino shows. Philippine television has skillfully recreated these beloved stories, adding local culture and charm while keeping the core elements that made the originals so popular. From romantic comedies to intense revenge stories, here are Filipino adaptations that capture the K-drama magic.
Filipino Adaptations of Popular K-Dramas
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
The psychological romance It’s Okay to Not Be Okay premiered in 2025 on ABS-CBN, starring Anne Curtis, Joshua Garcia, and Carlo Aquino. This adaptation follows the original’s story of a children’s book writer with an antisocial personality disorder who forms a relationship with a caretaker in a psychiatric ward. The show has been noted for its serious approach to representing mental health and disabilities. One viewer shared that the show’s treatment of these topics felt respectful, stating, “I am hoping that this adaptation keeps this same serious tone and purpose” .
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?
This popular romantic comedy was adapted for Filipino audiences, starring Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino. The story follows a highly capable secretary who decides to resign from her job, causing her self-obsessed boss to realize his feelings for her. The adaptation stays true to the key storylines of the original 2018 K-drama, capturing the balance between lighthearted comedy and emotional depth that fans loved .
Descendants of the Sun
The hit series about a soldier and a doctor falling in love amidst disaster and war was adapted as Descendants of the Sun: The Philippine Adaptation. Starring Dingdong Dantes as Captain Lucas Manalo and Jennylyn Mercado as Doctor Maxine Dela Cruz, the show moved the setting from the fictional country of Uruk to Urdan, showcasing Filipino soldiers and medical professionals on peacekeeping missions. This change made the story more relatable to Filipino viewers familiar with the country’s participation in international peacekeeping efforts .
My Love from the Star
This 2017 romantic fantasy was one of the most successful adaptations on Philippine television. Starring Jennylyn Mercado and Gil Cuerva, it tells the story of an alien who crash-landed on Earth centuries ago and falls in love with a famous actress. The adaptation kept the supernatural elements while adding Filipino cultural touches, creating a captivating blend of romance and fantasy that resonated with local audiences .
Temptation of Wife
Adapted from the controversial Korean drama, this series explores themes of betrayal and revenge. The Philippine version starred Marian Rivera, Dennis Trillo, and Glaiza de Castro. It tells the story of a faithful wife whose life is destroyed by her husband’s affair with her best friend. After surviving an attempt on her life, she transforms herself and returns to seek vengeance. The series became extremely popular for its intense melodrama and shocking plot twists .
The World of the Married
The Philippine adaptation of the critically acclaimed Korean drama was titled The Broken Marriage Vow. Starring Jodi Sta. Maria and Zanjoe Marudo, this gripping series delves into the complexities of marriage, infidelity, and deception. It offers a raw portrayal of relationships and the extreme measures people take to protect their families, captivating audiences with its emotional depth and powerful performances .
Coffee Prince
This beloved Korean drama about gender roles and workplace romance was adapted in 2014 starring Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal. The story follows a young woman who disguises herself as a man to get a job at a coffee shop that only hires males. The owner, impressed by her work, asks her to pretend to be his gay lover to avoid his grandmother’s pressure to marry. The series was praised for its humorous take on gender stereotypes and the chemistry between the lead actors .
Two Wives
Based on the Korean drama of the same name, this 2014 adaptation starred Kaye Abad, Jason Abalos, and Erich Gonzales. The series explores the complicated relationships between a man, his estranged wife, and the woman who unknowingly became his second wife. It delves into the emotional turmoil of betrayal and the fight for love and truth, showcasing how Korean drama plots can be adapted to resonate with Filipino societal contexts .
Miss Granny
Originally a Korean comedy-drama film, the Philippine adaptation starred Sarah Geronimo and Nova Villa. The heartwarming story follows an elderly woman who magically transforms back into her 20-year-old self after a visit to a mysterious photo studio. As the young “Sandy,” she gets a second chance to pursue dreams she had abandoned and reconnect with her family in new ways .
Full House
The Philippine version of this classic K-drama starred Heart Evangelista and Richard Gutierrez. The story follows an aspiring writer who discovers her family home has been sold to a famous actor. To buy back her house, she agrees to work as his maid and eventually enters into a contract marriage with him, leading to complicated feelings between them .
My Girl
Adapted from the 2005 hit Korean show, the Philippine version starred Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, and Enchong Dee. The story follows Jasmine, who takes a job as a Chinese translator for a hotel executive. When he asks her to pretend to be his long-lost cousin, their fake relationship becomes complicated as real feelings develop between them .
Why These Adaptations Resonate with Viewers
Filipino adaptations of K-dramas have proven successful because they maintain the emotional core of the original stories while adapting them to local culture and sensibilities. The shared themes of family sacrifice, the importance of friendship, and pursuing dreams align closely with Filipino values, making these stories feel both familiar and fresh.
These adaptations demonstrate the powerful cultural exchange between Korea and the Philippines, showing how compelling storytelling can transcend borders and bring audiences together through shared emotions and experiences.
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