The Japanese version of Marry My Husband is gaining attention for all the right reasons. Released in late June, this 10-episode remake of the Korean webtoon-turned-drama takes a slower, more introspective approach that many fans feel improves on the original.
Directed by Ahn Gil Ho, who previously helmed The Glory , and penned by Oshima Satomi, known for A Litre of Tears , the adaptation draws viewers into the emotional evolution of its characters without relying on over-the-top dramatics.
Rather than sticking strictly to high-tension revenge arcs, this version emphasises healing, personal agency, and the slow rebuild of a broken life. It’s a story that finds strength in silence and one that resonates deeply with audiences.
Japanese Remake of Marry My Husband (Credits: Amazon Prime)
A Fresh Take on a Familiar Story
At the centre of the plot is Kobe Misa, played by rising actress Kojima Fuka. After being betrayed and murdered by her husband and best friend, Misa wakes up ten years in the past. Determined to avoid the same fate, she begins to take calculated steps to change the course of her life.
One of her first moves is to speed up the inevitable, urging her husband to marry the mistress early. But as she rewrites her own story, a new figure enters her life: Suzuki Wataru, her reserved and thoughtful boss, played by Sato Takeru.
Unlike in the Korean version, where some twists felt abrupt, the Japanese series keeps a steady, cohesive pace. Scenes flow naturally, and the storytelling leans heavily into emotional weight over dramatic shock.
Japanese Remake of Marry My Husband (Credits: Amazon Prime)
Kojima Fuka’s Powerful Transformation
While Kojima Fuka may not be widely recognised internationally, this role proves her ability to hold a story on her shoulders. Her portrayal of Misa begins with uncertainty and fragility, but evolves into strength and composure.
Audiences watch her shift from someone shaped by others’ expectations to a woman who chooses her direction. Her performance is emotionally rich and nuanced, on par with Park Min Young’s from the Korean adaptation, yet with a tone uniquely her own.
Misa’s growth is carefully built, with scenes that reflect her inner changes rather than just external action. From soft moments with Wataru to her quiet defiance at a reunion, Kojima’s subtle expressions speak volumes.
Japanese Remake of Marry My Husband (Credits: Amazon Prime)
Sato Takeru: A Standout Male Lead
The heart of the Japanese adaptation, however, is Sato Takeru. Known for his acclaimed performances in Rurouni Kenshin , Be With You , and Love Lasts Forever , Sato brings a deep sincerity to his character.
As Wataru, he is distant yet compassionate, awkward yet kind. His portrayal contrasts sharply with Na In Woo’s cheerful warmth in the Korean version. Here, Wataru’s inner life is filled with loneliness, obligation, and unspoken pain.
Though outwardly successful with looks, status, and intellect, Wataru lives a life shaped by duty, not desire. Meeting Misa cracks open that shell, revealing a man who yearns for connection but is unsure how to reach for it.
Japanese Remake of Marry My Husband (Credits: Amazon Prime)
Quiet Romance and Symbolism
Wataru’s love for Misa never demands attention. He supports her from a distance, quietly encouraging her without expecting anything in return. His feelings grow in silence, and it’s this restraint that makes the romance feel genuine.
In one devastating moment, Wataru is seen holding Misa’s ashes, overcome with grief. His quiet disappearance following her death is left unexplained. Was it suicide or an accident? The show never answers. That ambiguity adds emotional weight and invites viewers to feel rather than just react.
Soft motifs like scenes where they share wagashi (Japanese sweets) or turtles representing fate, add layers of cultural charm. These moments ground the story in Japanese sensibilities and emphasise the emotional texture over flashy plot devices.
Japanese Remake of Marry My Husband (Credits: Amazon Prime)
Sharp Supporting Roles
The drama’s supporting cast also leaves a strong impression. Yokoyama Yu plays Misa’s husband with chilling precision, while Shiraishi Sei delivers a biting performance as the backstabbing best friend.
Both antagonists are sharply written and feel more realistic than the Korean version’s exaggerated villains. Their cruelty is subtle, manipulative, and painfully believable.
These characters push Misa’s transformation forward while keeping the emotional stakes high. Their presence lingers without overshadowing the central arc.
Fan Reception and Global Buzz
Since its release, the Japanese Marry My Husband has gone viral across Asia. TikTok edits have surged in popularity, and the show recently climbed to No. 8 on China’s hot search rankings.
Chinese outlets have praised the adaptation for its warmth and emotional clarity. One platform described it as “a gentle novel that leaves you full after each chapter.” Viewers feel satisfied with the slow-burn storytelling, something that contrasts with the Korean version’s more chaotic second half.
Notably, fans of the Korean version often shifted their sympathy to the villain. In contrast, this remake keeps the spotlight on Misa, ensuring the audience roots for her growth till the end.
A New Benchmark for Adaptations
While remakes often struggle to stand apart, this version succeeds because it doesn’t try to copy. Instead, it focuses on emotional realism, strong performances, and thoughtful pacing.
And at the centre of it all, Sato Takeru and Kojima Fuka shine in roles that feel honest, understated, and unforgettable.
The upcoming Korean film PROJECT Y is gaining attention for all the wrong reasons. Starring popular actresses Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo, the film is set to premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). However, Korean netizens are already calling for its boycott.
Rather than celebrating the international recognition, many online are criticising the film’s concept, themes, and casting choices.
What IsPROJECT YReally About?
PROJECT Y is an R-rated crime noir that dives into the underbelly of Seoul’s Gangnam district. The story follows two women trapped in the adult entertainment industry, who plan a dangerous heist to steal ₩8 billion in smuggled gold.
Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo play lead roles as women struggling to escape a grim life by risking everything.
The movie delves into themes like desperation, exploitation, and greed, aiming for a gritty, realistic tone. Yet, Korean audiences feel the concept is tired and outdated.
Project Y (Credits: Plus M Entertainment)
A Familiar & Problematic Premise?
Many netizens feel that PROJECT Y is yet another example of the Korean film industry relying on “edgy” tropes for attention. The portrayal of hwa-ryu-gye women (a euphemism for sex workers) has struck a nerve.
Some argue the film glamorises or trivialises a harsh reality many women face. Others believe it repeats overused narratives involving gangsters, sex workers, and illegal money.
Critics are asking: Is this really what Korean cinema should be exporting to international festivals?
Han Soo Hee’s still from Project Y (Credits: X)
Why the Casting Is Stirring More Drama
Another reason for the film’s negative buzz is the casting of Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo, two actresses currently surrounded by public controversy.
Han So-hee, known for her roles in My Name and Nevertheless , has been in the spotlight due to her rumoured relationship with Ryu Jun-yeol, sparking drama involving his ex, Hyeri. Her defensive responses to public criticism have only fueled the backlash.
Jeon Jong-seo, meanwhile, has her baggage. She has been accused of past school bullying, has made blunt statements online, and has faced allegations of being disrespectful to the media and fans.
“Problematic Pairing” or Strategic Casting?
Some netizens say casting these two “controversial” stars in an adult-themed, provocative role is tone-deaf.
The idea of two “problematic” actresses playing sex workers is being viewed as either a publicity stunt or a poor attempt at bold storytelling.
A viral comment summed up the sentiment:
“They’re trying to look ‘cool’ and ‘gritty’ but just come off as insensitive and desperate.”
Still, others argue that this kind of role aligns with their on-screen strengths—both actresses are known for playing bold, damaged characters.
Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo’s for PROJECT Y Post Photoshoot (Credits: X)
Netizen Reactions: “Ban This Film”
- “Why are we still making movies about sex workers and gangsters?”
- “This is why Korean cinema is declining.”
- “Vote to ban this movie. Stop glamorising trauma.”
- “Are women only interesting if they suffer or sell their bodies?”
This raises a larger debate about the representation of women in Korean media. Is the film industry still stuck in outdated, harmful tropes?
TIFF Invite vs Korean Backlash
Despite the home-country criticism, PROJECT Y has been officially selected to premiere at TIFF 2024, signalling that global audiences or festival programmers see the potential artistic merit in the film.
Some defenders of the film say that the gritty plot and raw performances could resonate on the international stage, much like past Korean noir films that gained global recognition.
But in Korea, the film’s artistic value is being overshadowed by the loud calls for accountability.
Should Art Push Boundaries—or Be Responsible?
At the heart of the PROJECT Y controversy lies a growing cultural tension: Can films still push boundaries in storytelling without crossing ethical lines?
Korean audiences are no longer passively consuming films—they’re demanding sensitivity, responsibility, and progress in storytelling. Especially when the subject matter is this raw and real.
Casting choices, narrative tropes, and timing all play a part in how a film is received. And right now, PROJECT Y seems to be striking the wrong chords at home.
Han So-Hee and Jeon Jong-Seo’s for PROJECT Y Post Photoshoot (Credits: X)
WillPROJECT YSink or Surprise?
Only time will tell how PROJECT Y performs both domestically and internationally. Will it silence its critics with solid performances and compelling storytelling? Or will the negative buzz drown out any chance of success?
One thing is clear: the Korean public is no longer afraid to challenge the intent behind what’s presented as entertainment.
About the Film
PROJECT Y is an upcoming R-rated crime drama that stars Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo in lead roles. The story unfolds in the gritty underground world of Gangnam, where two women working in the adult entertainment industry plot to steal 8 billion KRW in smuggled gold in a desperate bid to change their lives.
The film is set to premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), marking its global debut amid ongoing controversy.
