'Marry My Husband' Japanese version debuts with K-drama creators, J-drama stars

Japanese actors Takeru Satoh, center, and Fuka Koshiba, right, attend a press conference for the Japanese version of drama "Marry My Husband" at Ramada by Wyndham Seoul in Sindorim, Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of CJ ENM

A highly anticipated Japanese version of the hit Korean drama "Marry My Husband" was released Friday.

The collaboration project, bringing together K-drama production staff with Japanese actors and a local Japanese crew, has garnered attention as a "J-drama created by K-drama production staff."

Notably, this Japanese version doesn't simply rehash the Korean drama. Instead, it's a meticulously crafted adaptation of the original web novel, reimagined and tailored specifically for Japanese audiences.

"When we acquired the original web novel and were planning the Korean version, the webtoon also became a hit in Japan," said Studio Dragon's producer Son Ja-young during a press conference at Ramada by Wyndham Seoul in Sindorim, Seoul, Thursday.

"Usually, when a Korean drama is produced overseas, it's a remake. However, the Japanese version of this drama was planned even before the Korean version began filming. Since it's not a remake but an original Japanese drama, it's a new attempt and a significant challenge," she said regarding the planning process.

Takeru Satoh in the Japanese version of drama "Marry My Husband" / Courtesy of CJ ENM

Based on the popular web novel of the same name, "Marry My Husband" was planned and produced by Studio Dragon and aired on tvN in 2024. It gained immense popularity for its thrilling catharsis, as a woman who witnesses her best friend and husband's affair and is subsequently murdered returns to seek revenge.

CJ ENM Japan and Studio Dragon handled the planning for this project, while Korean production company Jiyuro Pictures and Japanese production company Shochiku participated in the production.

When it comes to the differences between the Korean and Japanese versions, the producer explained that while the Korean version delivered immediate and clear-cut enjoyment, the Japanese version delved more into the story's psychological aspects.

"If the Korean version offers instant satisfaction, a refreshing sense of justice and straightforward fun, the 10-episode Japanese version was designed to explore deeper relationships and the psychological nuances between characters," she said.

Son also emphasized that one of the unique features of the Japanese version is how the protagonist's life is portrayed. "We set life as a theatrical stage, and the main female character is given another chance at life and struggles through it. We tried to visually convey the feeling of a theatrical stage in video as well," she said.

She also shared the unique Japanese sensibility she felt during script meetings, when the Japanese writer showed her a scene from another work where the husband, his mistress and his wife were all calmly having tea together and talking. "We were so surprised and asked why the wife didn't slap the mistress, but they said that's the Japanese way. We incorporated that kind of refined emotion into the show," she said.

In the Japanese adaptation, Fuka Koshiba takes on the leading female role, a character famously portrayed by Park Min-young in the Korean version. Joining her as the male lead is Takeru Satoh, widely recognized for his work in the "Rurouni Kenshin" film series, a casting choice that has generated considerable excitement.

"I watch Korean dramas quite frequently at home and feel that director Ahn Gil-ho's works are excellent. I was truly happy to work with the director and learned a lot on set," said Sato, specifically highlighting his keen interest in Korean dramas during the event.

Similarly, Koshiba also expressed a strong interest in Korean productions, saying, "When I received the offer to work with a Korean producer, I was so thrilled that I immediately said yes. One of my favorite movies is a Korean one. I love 'Miracle in Cell No. 7.'"

Son emphasized that the drama seamlessly blends the sensibilities of both Korea and Japan.

"I really believe a unique kind of drama has emerged here," she said. "The synergy from combining the strengths of both countries is what makes this drama so unique. My hope is for the Japanese version to hit number one in Japan, just like the Korean one did, and go even further to reach number one globally."

The Japanese version of "Marry My Husband" will release two episodes every Friday on Amazon's Prime Video streaming service.