Recommendations for the Best Korean Dramas Adapted from Chinese Dramas with the Highest Ratings

Kapanlagi.com - Did you know that many popular Korean dramas are actually adapted from famous Chinese dramas? These adaptation stories not only feature interesting plots but also showcase top Korean stars in a fresher and more emotional version. From love triangles to heartwarming family dramas, these adaptations have successfully achieved high ratings and a warm reception from viewers.

Summarized by KapanLagi.com from various sources on Wednesday, (30/4/2025), here is a list of the highest-rated Korean dramas adapted from Chinese dramas that you can watch right now!

1. Boys Over Flowers: An Iconic Adaptation with a Rich Boys Gang

Photo: MyDramaList.

The Korean drama Boys Over Flowers (2009) is adapted from the Japanese manga Hana Yori Dango, but before becoming a K-drama, its drama version was already famous in China and Taiwan through Meteor Garden. This drama tells the story of Jan Di (Go Hye Sun), an ordinary girl who enters an elite school where the popular and wealthy boys' gang, F4, studies.

Lee Min Ho makes an iconic appearance as Gu Jun Pyo, the leader of F4 who falls in love with Jan Di. With a rating of 7.5/10 on MyDramaList, this drama remains a favorite among fans of classic teenage love stories.

2. Fated to Love You (You’re My Destiny): When Love Grows After an Unexpected Marriage

Photo: Prime Video.

Adapted from the Chinese drama Fated to Love You, the Korean version titled You’re My Destiny (2014) features a love story between Mi Yeong (Jang Na Ra) and a foreign man she has to marry due to an unexpected accident. Mi Yeong is known as a kind-hearted woman who often gets taken advantage of, until her life changes completely after a sudden marriage.

Their relationship was initially cold but gradually turned warm and romantic. This drama successfully achieved a rating of 8.1/10 and is loved for its refreshing comedic elements.

3. Scarlet Heart Ryeo: A Tragic Love Amidst the Struggle for the Throne

Photo: Viu.

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016) is adapted from the Chinese drama titled Scarlet Heart and presents a historical drama filled with tragedy and a love triangle. IU plays Hae Soo, a modern girl who mysteriously returns to the Goryeo era and gets caught in a conflict among princes.

The complicated story of power and the sacrifice of love makes this drama very emotional. With a high rating of 8.7/10 on MyDramaList, Scarlet Heart Ryeo is still remembered as one of the best sad ending dramas.

4. A Korean Odyssey: A Fantasy Adventure from a Classic Chinese Legend

Photo: Viu.

Hwayugi or A Korean Odyssey (2017) is a modern adaptation of the classic Chinese story Journey to the West. Lee Seung Gi plays Son Oh Gong, a magical being who is cast down to earth because of his arrogance.

He becomes involved in a conflict between demons and gods and forms a complicated relationship with a woman named Seon Mi. The combination of fantasy, action, and love in this drama has earned it a rating of 8.2/10 on MyDramaList.

5. A Love So Beautiful: The Sweet and Light Love Story of School Kids

Photo: Viu.

The Korean version of A Love So Beautiful (2020) is a direct adaptation of the Chinese drama of the same name that went viral earlier. The story follows Shin Sol I (So Ju Yeon), a cheerful girl who has a crush on her childhood friend, Cha Heon (Kim Yo Han), a quiet boy who is hard to read.

This drama also introduces a love triangle when a new guy appears and likes Sol I. With a rating of 7.7/10, this drama is perfect for those who enjoy light and relatable teenage love stories.

6. Mr. Queen: When the Soul of a Modern Chef is Trapped in the Body of a Joseon Dynasty Queen

Photo: MyDramaList.

Mr. Queen (2020) is an adaptation of the Chinese drama Go Princess, Go! but with a distinctive Korean comedic touch. The drama tells the story of a modern male chef whose soul is trapped in the body of Queen Kim So Young (Shin Hye Sun) during the Joseon era.

The combination of time travel elements, absurd comedy, and palace intrigue makes this drama unique and entertaining. Proven to be successful, Mr. Queen achieved a high rating of 9/10 and became one of the most favorite historical comedy dramas.

7. Family By Choice: Family Without Blood, But Full of Warmth

Photo: Viu.

Family By Choice (2024) is the latest Korean drama adapted from the Chinese drama Go Ahead. It tells the story of three young people—two boys and one girl—who are raised together by two single fathers without blood ties.

As adults, they become separated, but fate brings them back together after 10 years. Starring Hwang In Yeop, Jung Chaeyeon, and Bae Hyun Sung, this drama offers warmth of family and an emotional backstory.

(kpl/sfh)