Fuka Koshiba Steals the Show in Japanese Remake of Marry My Husband, Surpassing Park Min-young

The beloved Korean drama Marry My Husband—starring Park Min‑young—captivated audiences in 2024 with its dramatic blend of revenge, time travel, and romance. In an unprecedented move, Studio Dragon partnered early on to co-produce a Japanese adaptation titled Watashi no Otto to Kekkon Shite, directed by Ahn Gil-ho (The Glory), written by Satomi Oshima, and set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on June 27, 2025 

While the storyline mirrors the original—a woman betrayed by her husband and friend is killed, then sent back a decade to change her fate—the Japanese remake offers distinct storytelling shifts and cultural tones 

Fuka Koshiba: The Relatable Heart of the Story
1997-born actress Fuka Koshiba steps into the role of Misa. Not initially a household name, Koshiba’s resume includes a 2012 debut and notable performances since, including in the live-action Kiki’s Delivery Service. Her grounded portrayal of Misa—marked by expressive subtlety and emotional clarity—resonates deeply with viewers.

KbizoOm reports:

“Koshiba Fuka impresses … winning praise for her natural acting and emotional depth, even surpassing Park Min‑young”.

This echoes the sentiment at launch: Japanese audiences who were skeptical now commend her, citing a "more relatable and grounded quality." Koshiba’s Misa carries strength in silence and vulnerability in her gaze—moments that arguably eclipse Park Min‑young’s emotive but intense original portrayal 

Storytelling Reimagined: Quiet Tension, Cultural Flavor
CJ ENM, Studio Dragon, and Shochiku jointly reimagined the series with a Japanese touch—toned-down expressions of conflict (no dramatic slaps during confrontations), a reframed pivotal moment with Misa falling from a high-rise rather than a glass table, and an added “stage-play” structural motif.

This shift results in a more restrained yet powerful emotional narrative. Korea JoongAng Daily notes the “restrained emotional expression felt very Japanese”. The slower pacing and cultural authenticity—such as scenes featuring wagashi and Japanese tea—add warm, local flavor absent in the Korean original 

Chemistry That Outdoes the Original
Opposite Koshiba, Takeru Satoh takes on Wataru Suzuki—the Japanese version of Yoo Ji-hyuk. Initial reception highlights a fresh dynamic; fans say this duo eclipses the chemistry seen between Park Min‑young and Na In-woo. One Reddit comment praised:

“I’m also seeing great chemistry between Suzuki Wataru (Satoh Takeru) and Kobe Misa (Koshiba Fuka) something I feel I didn't see between Park Min‑young & Na In Woo.” 

Their connection is described as sweet, gentle, and emotionally resonant—qualities that complement the softer cultural tone of the remake.

Watashi no Otto to Kekkon Shite premiered June 27, 2025 on Amazon Prime Video, accessible in over 240 countries. This makes it a global crossover, riding the wave of K-drama nostalgia while appealing to J-drama fans. Its 10-episode arc balances faithfulness to the Korean source with unique Japanese storytelling.

This is more than a direct copy—it's a strategic, culturally tailored reinterpretation. The joint Korean-Japanese production and creative decisions represent a new blueprint for cross-border drama adaptations. Fuka Koshiba's breakout role and authentic depth could pave the way for a Japanese export in Hallyu-style content—one grounded in local emotion yet with global appeal.

• Koshiba's naturalism draws consistent praise.
  
  

• Subtle scene direction adds charm.
  
  

• Chemistry with Satoh strikes a chord deeper than the original pairing.
  
  

• Japanese settings and cultural notes feel fresh and enriching.