The well-made drama 'Kidnapping Day' is being remade in Japan.
The drama 'Kidnapping Day', one of the representative IPs of the comprehensive content studio Ace Story, has confirmed its remake in Japan and will meet local viewers this summer.
Broadcast on ENA in 2023, 'Kidnapping Day' is an emotional buddy thriller that captures the world’s most special collaboration between a clumsy kidnapper and an 11-year-old genius girl. During its domestic airing, the drama heated up the home theater with its fresh material, stylish direction, and the perfect harmony of the actors' passionate performances, providing an unparalleled immersive experience.
Capturing both ratings and buzz, 'Kidnapping Day' achieved the highest average viewership rating among ENA dramas that year and was also named one of Forbes' 'Best Korean Dramas of 2023', proving its solid quality. Emerging as an attractive IP, 'Kidnapping Day' is capturing the global market beyond Korea. It has received numerous love calls, and currently, remakes have been confirmed in three countries, showcasing the powerful potential of well-made content.
Among these, the Japanese version of 'Kidnapping Day' began full-scale filming locally in May. The 'trustworthy lineup' responsible for the Japanese remake is also drawing attention. The script is written by Kentaro Ushio, who has created numerous hit dramas including 'Hanzawa Naoki', which recorded the highest viewership rating of 42.2%, and 'Roketto Ghost'. The direction is handled by Yoshihiro Fukagawa, who gained recognition for his outstanding directing in the drama 'On a Starry Night'.
Additionally, actors Takumi Saito, known for his heavy acting skills, and Yuno Nagao, who is gaining attention as a child prodigy, will star in leading roles, heightening expectations.
In particular, director Yoshihiro Fukagawa expressed deep affection for 'Kidnapping Day', stating it is a "work born to be met," and expressed strong confidence in the project, saying, "It has points where you can laugh while maintaining tension, and it is a drama that encompasses all genres." The Japanese version of 'Kidnapping Day', completed with a top-notch production team and a glamorous cast lineup, will premiere on July 8 on Japan's terrestrial TV Asahi.
The Japanese remake of 'Kidnapping Day' will be recorded as a significant achievement that once again proves the expansion potential of K-content's original IP, its excellent quality, and global competitiveness, while Ace Story is also expanding its influence in the IP business.
Ace Story has confirmed a joint production of the UK remake version of 'Kidnapping Day' with Studio Hamburg UK (SHUK), the first overseas subsidiary of Europe's largest media group Hamburg Production Group (SHPG), and is currently working on script adaptation and local distribution planning.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
