“Modern Family” Korean Remake Starring “SKY Castle” Actress Sparks Massive Controversy
KBS’s upcoming K-Drama Villain’s Country, marketed as the Korean version of the hit American sitcom Modern Family, has sparked controversy and ignited heated reactions from Korean netizens.
The show, set to air in 2025, has drawn comparisons to the original Modern Family. The beloved sitcom followed the lives of an extended family in a mockumentary format, highlighting the humor and heart in their everyday interactions. Unfortunately, a now-viral synopsis of the “Korean version” of the sitcom has sparked disappointment.
The controversy began when a synopsis of Villain’s Country went viral on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), after a user expressed confusion over its connection to Modern Family. The synopsis was starkly different from Modern Family.
KBS’s ‘Villain’s Country’ is the Korean version of the popular American sitcom ‘Modern Family,’ with Oh Na Ra playing the role of a mother who lives ‘YOLO,’ as if there’s no tomorrow. In the past, she traveled the world as a flight attendant, accumulating a colorful romantic history, but now she carefully hides her past from her conservative and straight-laced husband.
— KBS
While this character setup seems intriguing, many viewers have been left wondering how it relates to the American sitcom’s original premise.
The description seems to have little to do with the typical family dynamics, diversity, and comedic elements that Modern Family is known for, and this has sparked widespread disappointment and frustration among fans of the original series. Instead of focusing on the same kind of family relationships as the American show, Villain’s Country appears to introduce a very different storyline, leading some to question why it’s even being labeled as a remake.
From their first lines to their last. The full series of #ModernFamily is now streaming. pic.twitter.com/Wo99PyhEvb
— Hulu (@hulu) February 3, 2021
Netizens have voiced concerns over what they perceive as misleading marketing, with many pointing out that the show may simply be a completely original concept, repackaged under the guise of a remake for promotional purposes. Fans of Modern Family are especially upset, feeling that the Korean drama may be using the name of the popular sitcom to gain attention without truly honoring its core themes.
So how exactly are they remaking Modern Family to come up with such a ridiculous plot? There’s no trace of Mitchell and his family. Do they even understand what a remake means???
— pockyrrm via X (formerly known as Twitter)
그러니까 모던패밀리를 리메이크하는데
도대체 어떻게 이딴 줄거리가 나올 수가 있냐고
미첼팸은 존재흐지도 않고
리메이크의 뜻을 모르나???? pic.twitter.com/T40xja8YM5— 사타구니 켄타로 (@pockyrrm) October 18, 2024
The backlash has been growing, with comments circulating online criticizing the show’s promotional strategy. Many believe that calling it a “Korean version” of Modern Family is an unnecessary move that could backfire.
- “I thought it wouldn’t be a remake because it’s so different… But if it’s not an official remake, then why did they call it a ‘Modern Family’ remake?”
- “Maybe they didn’t officially buy the rights and are just promoting it as a ‘Korean-style Modern Family’ or something.”
- “Why are they dragging ‘Modern Family’ into this?”
- “Why are they making such a fuss about ‘Modern Family’? Just call it a domestic family K-Drama.”
- “They don’t even need to say it’s a remake.”
- “Is it really a remake? Isn’t it just an original, local Korean story?”
- “They’re being so manipulative with the media. If it’s not an official remake, don’t write articles like that. ‘Modern Family’ fans are getting angry.”
