Success of the Korean Remake of “You Are The Apple of My Eye”: What to Expect?

South Korea is following Japan’s lead by remaking the beloved Taiwanese school romance film “You Are The Apple Of My Eye.” Released 13 years ago, the original film maintains a devoted fanbase, and the upcoming remake has garnered significant attention. The leads for the iconic roles of Shen Chia-Yi and Ko Ching-teng have been announced: TWICE’s Dahyun and B1A4’s Jinyoung.

After rumors emerged in May 2024, the film has finally unveiled character visuals. In the shared images, Dahyun and Jinyoung are depicted sitting together in a classroom, engaging with one another and the camera. Through the hashtags in the actors’ posts, the Korean names for Shen Chia-Yi and Ko Ching-teng were disclosed: Seon Ah and Jin Woo.

Visually, the idols’ appearances have received positive reviews. However, in terms of their portrayal and suitability for the roles, many film enthusiasts feel that Dahyun does not embody the essence of Shen Chia-Yi that they fondly remember. In contrast, Jinyoung is perceived as more fitting, though netizens have suggested alternatives like Song Geon-hee, known for a supporting role in “Lovely Runner.”

Many online commenters are worried that the Korean remake of “You Are The Apple Of My Eye” may not meet expectations. Their concerns stem from the relatively inexperienced team behind the film compared to the original, as well as the recent trend of poorly received remakes.

A Remake of a Classic with Many “Firsts”

The film “You Are The Apple Of My Eye” is cherished as a classic school romance, acclaimed for its exceptional script and the memorable performances of Kai Ko and Michelle Chen. The Taiwanese original has a special place in the hearts of moviegoers.

The challenge for this remake lies in finding a suitable Shen Chia-Yi, a Ko Ching-teng, and crafting a script that honors the original while presenting fresh elements that resonate with audiences.

Notably, this remake marks the directorial debut of Cho Young-myoung and the acting debut of Dahyun. Producer Song Dae-chan has seen success with action films like “A Man Of Reason” (2022) and “Cold Eyes” (2013), but his experience with romantic films is limited. The remake will present an intriguing challenge for the production team, especially following the unsuccessful Japanese version, increasing the pressure on the Korean adaptation.

Viewers widely agree that the film’s core lies in the character Shen Chia-Yi, known for her warm and tender personality that resonates deeply with audiences. Although the role does not demand intense emotional depth, conveying youthful innocence and the essence of first love through expressions is a complex task. Doubts linger as to whether Dahyun (of TWICE) can effectively portray this character.

Dahyun is at the beginning of her acting journey, and none of her films, including the sports movie “Sprint” and this remake, have been officially released. Consequently, there is little assurance of her acting capability at this time.

The number of K-pop idols successfully transitioning into acting is sparse, and when a classic role is assigned to a newcomer like Dahyun, fans often worry that the expectations may be overwhelming. Furthermore, Dahyun’s reputation for being energetic and humorous contrasts sharply with Shen Chia-Yi’s character, leading to understandable skepticism among netizens.

Conversely, Jinyoung has received acclaim for his extensive acting experience, with appearances in notable films like “Miss Granny” (2014) and “Sweet Home 2” (2023). Despite being 32 years old, Jinyoung maintains a youthful look and wears a school uniform effortlessly. However, many believe he may struggle to rival the charm and impact of Kai Ko’s original portrayal.

Can the Korean Version Learn From Past Failures?

In September 2023, audiences were disappointed by the remake of “A Time Called You,” featuring Ahn Hyo-seop, which was based on the Taiwanese original “Someday or One Day.” Viewers criticized the “unsettling” visual of the Korean male lead compared to Greg Hsu from the original and found the script riddled with plot holes.

The parallels between the two remakes prompt many comparisons. Both films adapt notable Taiwanese stories, encompass themes of youthful love, and feature well-known stars whose visuals do not quite resonate with the public. The team behind the Korean adaptation of “You Are The Apple Of My Eye” will need to excel in storytelling and character development while effectively promoting the film to challenge pre-existing notions regarding remakes.

Source: Harper’s BAZAAR