Korean bestselling thriller 'The Kidnapping Day', previously adapted into a hit series, is now being transformed into an Arabic-language film by Egyptian company Irth.
It has been announced that the Korean bestselling thriller The Kidnapping Day will be adapted into an Arabic-language film by Egyptian production company Irth. This significant move is designed to broaden the narrative reach of this popular story. Irth aims to introduce this gripping tale to Arabic-speaking audiences while maintaining the essence that made it a bestseller.
Irth, co-founded by Haitham Dabbour, is not just stopping at The Kidnapping Day. The company’s strategy focuses on acquiring diverse narratives, including two additional works from Korean and Brazilian literature. Dabbour highlighted the intention to source stories from regions often overlooked in Arabic cinema, enriching the local film landscape with new genres and characters. By tapping into these regions, Irth seeks to bridge cultural gaps and present fresh perspectives in storytelling.
Written by acclaimed Korean author Jeong Hai-yeon, The Kidnapping Day was published in 2019 and transformed into a successful television series that aired in Korea on ENA in late 2023. The plot revolves around a man who kidnaps the daughter of a wealthy family, leading to unforeseen complications when the girl loses her memory. This gripping narrative invests not only in the suspense of the kidnapping but also delves into the complex relationship that develops between the kidnapper and the victim, eventually revealing deeper secrets connected to the crime.
Irth's adaptation efforts reflect a broader cultural trend that seeks to reimagine foreign stories within local contexts. Dabbour expressed that their goal is to create content that resonates with Arab audiences while ensuring that the original story's core is preserved. This approach could allow The Kidnapping Day to resonate deeply with audiences in a new cultural framework, facilitating a conversation around universal themes of desperation and morality within a localized setting.
Currently, Irth is also finalizing rights for adaptations of another Korean novel and a Brazilian literary work, details of which are yet to be announced. This aligns with their broader mission to grow a diverse slate of film and television content tailored for the Arab market.
In addition, Irth has recently entered a strategic partnership with Cairo-based MAD Solutions to enhance its production capabilities and distribution reach, further paving the way for innovative storytelling in the region.
The forthcoming Arabic-language adaptation of The Kidnapping Day signifies an important evolution in the global appeal of Korean narratives. By remixing these stories for different cultures, it opens avenues for diverse audiences to engage with international storytelling, possibly leading to broader interest and investment in other foreign literary adaptations. This trend is indicative of a more interconnected cinematic landscape that values culturally rich narratives.
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