The Japanese version of the drama "Marry My Husband" has been officially announced, featuring Fuka Koshiba and Takeru Satoh in leading roles, with Yu Yokoyama portraying the husband. Directed by Ann Gilho, this adaptation is set to captivate audiences with its intriguing storyline and stellar cast.
Originating from a popular NAVER web novel, "Marry My Husband" has already made waves in Korea, where it was transformed into a webtoon that topped LINE Manga's rankings. Following the success of the Korean drama series starring Park Min-young and Na In-woo, which was exclusively distributed on Prime Video last year, a Japanese version has been eagerly anticipated.
This highly anticipated project is a collaboration between CJ ENM, the powerhouse behind the Oscar-winning film "Parasite," and Studio Dragon, known for creating international hits such as "Crash Landing on You." Their partnership marks a significant milestone, as it represents the first Japanese visual project from these renowned companies, blending Korean storytelling with Japanese sensibilities.
The script for the Japanese adaptation is penned by Rimi Oshima, an acclaimed writer recognized for her work on notable dramas like "1 Litre of Tears" and "Goodbye Maestro: Father and My Apassionato." Oshima's ability to weave delicate psychological portrayals with warm humor has garnered her the Best Screenplay Award at the 48th Japan Academy Awards for her film "90 Years Old. What a Delight." The direction will be helmed by Ann Gilho, celebrated for her mastery in suspense and human drama, as seen in her previous work "The Glory."
Fuka Koshiba takes on the role of Mio Kado, a character whose journey is both tragic and transformative. Mio, who dies at the end of her life after living as a supporting character who always prioritizes others, embarks on a quest for revenge. Koshiba expressed her commitment to portraying a character who, despite her vow for vengeance, is inherently kind and struggles with her emotions. "Mio grows stronger as she vows for revenge, but she also grapples with the desire to be someone whom Yuto finds hard to ignore and wants to help. I focused on portraying her as someone who is straightforward and too kind, which creates an internal conflict with her quest for revenge," she shared.
Takeru Satoh, known for his roles in the "Rurouni Kenshin" series and the drama "First Love: Hatsukoi," plays the character of Yuto Suzuki, a cool department head who becomes an integral part of Mio's second chance at life. Satoh expressed his excitement about working with director Ann Gilho, stating, "I was thrilled to collaborate with Ann Gilho, whose works I have admired. The on-set environment was fulfilling, and we managed to communicate effectively despite language barriers. Yuto is a character who lives to protect Mio's life, and I focused on that core aspect while performing. The latter half of the story incorporates unique elements that are specific to the Japanese version, ensuring that even viewers who have seen the original will find it thrilling and enjoyable."
The role of Mio's childhood friend, Reina Eizaki, is portrayed by Marie Iitoyo, who has gained recognition for her performances in dramas like "New Airport Siege." Iitoyo remarked on the profound impact the character has had on her, stating, "Reina is involved in many heavy scenes and is a challenging role. However, I found immense joy in acting, and meeting Reina allowed me to discover a new version of myself that I hadn’t known before."
Yu Yokoyama takes on the role of Tomoya Hirano, Mio's first husband. He shared his thoughts on the character, saying, "Playing Hirano is a new challenge for me, as he is a character driven by obsession, which I find hard to understand. When I told people I would be taking on this role, they were surprised and excited, urging me to embrace the challenge. The content of this adaptation has many original aspects, so I hope everyone looks forward to its release."
The narrative of "Marry My Husband" revolves around Mio, who, after dying ten years ago, time-leaps back to her past. She vows to seek revenge on her unfaithful husband and friend while discovering true happiness through her relationship with Yuto. This storyline promises to deliver a blend of emotional depth and thrilling twists.
As the release date approaches, anticipation is building for the series, which will begin streaming exclusively on Prime Video in over 240 countries and regions starting June 27, 2025. The series will consist of 10 episodes, with two episodes released every Friday over five weeks.
The teaser visuals released thus far effectively capture the intricate emotions of the characters, hinting at the complex relationships and dramatic arcs that will unfold throughout the series. Each character's journey is expected to resonate deeply with viewers, making "Marry My Husband" a must-watch event.
In comments about the production, Rimi Oshima reflected on the universal themes present in the original work, stating, "What if you could live your life again? What if you could avoid an unfortunate fate by sacrificing someone else? The original's intriguing questions remain intact, but the Japanese version introduces many unique motifs. I believe this drama will evoke a whirlwind of emotions, from tension and excitement to laughter and warmth."
Keisuke Oishi, Country Manager of Prime Video Japan, highlighted the success of the original Korean version, which ranked as the highest-viewed Asian content in Prime Video's non-English category shortly after its release. "We expect that this collaboration between talented Korean creators and Japanese cast members will result in a project that captivates audiences worldwide," he stated.
As fans eagerly await the premiere, the buzz surrounding "Marry My Husband" continues to grow, promising an exciting blend of drama, romance, and revenge that will resonate with viewers across the globe.
