I. Introduction
Money Heist, also known as La Casa De Papel in Spanish, is a popular crime drama series created by Álex Pina. It first aired in Spain on Antena 3 in 2017 and later was streamed on Netflix, gaining worldwide popularity. The show tells the story of a group of robbers who plan and execute a heist on the Royal Mint of Spain. Due to its gripping plot, dynamic characters, and suspenseful storytelling, the series has been a massive success and paved the way for possible adaptations in different countries. In this article, we will explore Money Heist Korea and its similarities and differences with the original Spanish series.
It is important to note the difference between a remake and an adaptation. A remake is a version of a show or movie that is created to pay homage to the original while adapting it to modern times or a new audience. On the other hand, an adaptation is a version of the show that changes cultural references, characters, or storylines to appeal to a different audience or setting. Understanding this distinction helps us determine whether Money Heist Korea is a true remake of the original or merely an adaptation with creative liberties.
In this article, we will analyze Money Heist Korea’s faithfulness to the original, compare the two versions, explore the making of the show, and investigate the critical reception of the Korean adaptation.
II. Money Heist Korea: Is It a True Remake or Just an Adaptation?
As previously mentioned, understanding the difference between a remake and an adaptation is critical when assessing Money Heist Korea’s similarities and differences with the Spanish original. To determine this, we need to consider the various aspects of the show that distinguish it from the original story, such as setting, characters, plot, and cultural references.
When it comes to storyline, Money Heist Korea replicates the plot of the original series quite closely. It follows the story of a group of robbers who plan to rob a corrupted corporation instead of a mint. The team uses code names of eight countries to represent themselves, and they each take on a specific role to ensure the success of the heist. The leader of the group, who goes by the name “The Professor” in the Spanish version, is now a woman named “Ms. Seon Woo” in the Korean version. Overall, the plot remains quite similar, but the show does incorporate some cultural changes to fit the Korean context.
Money Heist Korea’s Korean adaptation also changes the setting of the heist, moving it from Spain to Seoul. This shift in location also leads to other changes in the show’s setting, with the bank of Korea serving as the primary location of the heist. As a result of these changes, the show also incorporates cultural elements of South Korean society, such as Korean politics, social stratification, and pop culture references, to create a unique version of the show.
III. From Spain to Korea: A Look at the Making of Money Heist
Adapting a show from one culture to another is not an easy task. It requires extensive research, cultural awareness, and sensitivity to avoid any cultural faux pas and misunderstandings. The production team behind Money Heist Korea had to consider these factors to create a successful adapted version of the show that Koreans can enjoy.
The team working on Money Heist Korea, led by director Kim Hong-sun, worked closely with the original Spanish production team to ensure that the Korean adaptation could successfully capture the essence of the original show. With the help of Álex Pina, the original creator, and Esther Martínez Lobato, the show’s writer, the Korean team was able to create a version of the show that pays homage to the original while adapting it to Korea.
One of the significant differences between the two shows is the casting choices. The Korean version cast Korean actors, including Yoo Ji-tae and Park Hae-soo, for the lead roles, rather than using Spanish actors as in the original. Casting such well-known actors helped increase the show’s popularity in Korea and bring a certain level of quality to the production, creating a unique version of the show for Korean audiences.
IV. Comparing the Characters: How Does Money Heist Korea Stack Up?
One of the most critical parts of any heist story is the characters that bring the story to life. To adapt Money Heist for Korean audiences, the Korean production team had to make some changes to the original characters and casting to make them resonate with Korean viewers.
When it comes to the show’s characters, the Korean adaptation creates some signature changes to many characters. While keeping the dynamic character interactions integral to the Spanish version, the Korean version shifts some of the original characters’ backstories and personalities to fit Korean society. For instance, the original Tokyo’s outsider character changes into a top star actor in Korea named Yoon Ji-ho.
While the Korean version does change the characters to some degree, the characters still retain the original excitement and relatability seen in the original. The acting and chemistry of the new Korean actors prove to show their abilities to thoroughly embody the character they portray.
V. A Cultural Examination: Money Heist Spain vs. Korea
Money Heist Spain and Korea both have unique cultural identities that play a big part in how the showis depicted in each country. The South Korean hit shows a different version of a heist story demonstrating common South Korean social themes.
The Korean adaptation adjusts several plot points and storylines to reflect South Korean society, such as its social hierarchy, political issues, and cultural references. The show is seen as authentic to the South Korean audience, and the changes implemented to adapt the show are understood and appreciated by viewers.
The adaptation also keeps gifting audiences with crucial information concerning South Korean society, and this process becomes more evident in South Korean shows adapted from foreign sources.
VI. Is Money Heist Korea Worth Watching for Fans of the Original?
For fans of the original series, Money Heist Korea may seem like a forced adaptation. Still, it has its own unique aspects that make it worth watching for lovers of the heist genre.
While it does not match the original one-to-one, Money Heist Korea follows a similar storyline to the original and adds in its own flair with South Korean cultural references. The acting of the daring new cast and the creative changes to emphasize South Korean social elements make it worth watching.
VII. Money Heist Korea: The Pros and Cons of Remaking a Successful Show
Remaking a successful show comes with both risks and rewards. For the creators of an adaptation, the goal is to pay tribute to the original while tailoring the new version to the culture and language of the intended new audience.
The benefits of creating a foreign adaptation of a successful show extend far beyond the potential profits. They also demonstrate how a show’s theme resonates with a diverse audience, allowing new perspectives and interpretations of the original content to flourish.
On the other hand, remaking a successful show comes with its own set of challenges. Firstly, it risks tainting the original series’ reputation, and secondly, creative liberties taken in adapting the show may not mesh well with the foreign audience.
VIII. The Future of Money Heist Korea: What Comes Next?
Money Heist Korea has been received positively by South Korean audiences so far. It has its unique style from the original while providing a sense of familiarity from the original series.
The show may potentially inspire more adaptations in other countries, similar to how Money Heist Spain inspired this adaptation. Regardless, Money Heist Korea may open up new doors for more globally relatable heist dramas that act as a mirror to their respective societies.
IX. Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the differences and similarities between an adaptation and a remake is essential in assessing Money Heist Korea’s value as an adapted series from Spain.
Money Heist Korea’s Korean adaptation successfully pays tribute to the original series while incorporating South Korean elements to make it familiar and authentic for South Korean audiences.
While the changes made to the show’s storylines and characters are at times drastic, the adaptations and successful execution of the show prove that Money Heist Korea can stand on its own. Ultimately, Money Heist Korea is worth watching as it provides captivating and thrilling heist entertainment.
