Thailand remakes 3 Korean TV shows

Oh My Ghost (True4U) / Courtesy of CJ E&M

By Yun Suh-young

Three of CJ E&M’s hit programs have been remade in Thailand and will be aired on Thai TV channel True4U starting next month, the Korean media company said Wednesday.

The three remakes are rom-com drama “Oh My Ghost” which airs April 16, travel-themed reality series “Grandpas Over Flowers” which airs April 18 and rap battle audition program “Show Me the Money” which airs April 19.

“Oh My Ghost” is a romantic comedy about a shy young woman who becomes possessed by a virgin ghost who has never been in love. While working at a restaurant, she falls in love with her boss, a self-centered sous chef who does not believe in ghosts.

“Show Me the Money” is a rap audition program which was broadcast on music channel Mnet in 2014. Crews comprised of professional and amateur rappers will battle in competitions and perform in collaboration with famous vocalists.

“Grandpas over Flowers” is a travel reality show featuring veteran actors in their 70s who travel to various overseas destinations, accompanied by a young porter. The show, since airing locally in 2013, has received stellar reviews for its amusing portrayal of intergenerational interaction and adventures of the elderly.

“CJ E&M always has a large fan base in Thailand. I am delighted to announce our mega hit titles in Korea have been successfully adapted for local viewers. Going forward, CJ will bring various co-produced content this year through Thailand’s major media platforms,” said Seo Jang-ho, head of international sales and acquisitions at CJ E&M.

Three earlier programs from CJ E&M -- “I Can See Your Voice Thailand” (Workpoint TV), “Golden Tambourine” (Channel 7) and “Crazy Market” (PPTV) -- became hits in Thailand since their release in the country. Over 100 episodes of “I Can See Your Voice Thailand” have aired and the format has been sold to seven other countries: Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Romania.

The media company has established a joint venture with Thailand’s largest cable and satellite television operator TrueVisions in 2016 for coproduction and local content development. The joint venture True CJ Creations plans to introduce diverse original titles including TV dramas and variety shows in cooperation with local media partners such as True4U.