Korean thriller-comedy 'The Kidnapping Day' confirmed for a Japanese remake

A Japanese remake of The Kidnapping Day is in the works.

Aired in 2023 on ENA, The Kidnapping Day is a comedy thriller that follows Kim Myung Joon (Yoon Kye Sang), an inept kidnapper, and Choi Ro Hee (Yu Na), an 11-year-old genius girl. Planning a kidnapping to cover his daughter’s medical expenses, Kim Myung Joon tries to abduct Choi Ro Hee but accidentally hits her, resulting in her memory loss. He then becomes entangled in a larger incident and is pursued as a suspect in the murder of Choi’s parents.

During its run, The Kidnapping Day achieved the highest average viewership rating among ENA dramas aired that year and was recognized as “Best Korean Drama of 2023” by Forbes.  

With remakes confirmed in three countries, the K-drama has attracted interest not only from domestic critics but also from international ones. 

The Japanese remake of The Kidnapping Day officially began filming in May. The script is penned by Ushio Kentaro, the acclaimed writer behind numerous hit dramas, including Hanzawa Naoki Season 2. Fukagawa Yoshihiro takes the helm. The lead roles will be played by Saitoh Takumi, and rising child actress Nagao Yuno. 

Director Fukagawa Yoshihiro described it as “a project I was born to encounter.” He went on to say, “It’s a drama packed with every genre. It maintains tension while also offering moments of laughter.” 

The Japanese remake of The Kidnapping Day is set to premiere on Japan’s terrestrial channel TV Asahi on July 8. 

The K-drama’s production company, AStory, has confirmed to co-produce the British remake of The Kidnapping Day with Studio Hamburg UK (SHUK), the first overseas subsidiary of Europe’s largest media group, Studio Hamburg Production Group (SHPG). The companies are currently working on adapting the script and planning for local distribution. 

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