Clara's 'Working Girl' Is A Korean Adaptation Of A Latin American Film

International interest in Korean entertainment continues to increase as the Hallyu or Korean Wave of cultural export flows throughout the world. This has led to cross-cultural exchange where K-pop groups like Super Junior incorporate elements of Spanish music in their song “MAMACITA.”

The Korean film industry has started to look towards Latin America, for refreshing and unique stories. The upcoming film “Working Girl” is an adaptation of the racy Brazilian movie “Upside Down.”

“Working Girl” is the second adaptation of a Latin American film from the production company who also delivered the 2012 hit romantic comedy “All About My Wife.” “All About My Wife” was adapted from the 2008 Argentine film “A Boyfriend for My Wife.”

The Korean Film Council recently chronicled the journey of “Working Girl” from its Latin American origins to its innovative, Korean adaptation.

The film which is also known as “Casa Amor: Exclusive for Ladies” tells the tale of two women: Bo Hee, a business woman who falls upon hard times and Nan Hee, the owner of a failing adult toy shop.

Bo Hee is portrayed by actress Jo Yeo Jeong (The Target). She is successful at marketing children’s toys and believes that she is happily married until she loses her job. Jobless and also facing the loss of her husband, she befriends Nan Hee.

Nan Hee is portrayed by Clara (Emergency Couple). Nan Hee is overtly sexual but struggles to find love within her life and can not make her failing adult-oriented business into a successful venture.

“Working Girl” explores the sensitive topics of female sexuality and empowerment.

With its approach of sensitive topics, the film is not without its controversy. Director Jung Bum Sik recently faced a backlash for his statements at a press conference where he discussed Clara’s use of an adult toy to gain better knowledge for her role.

“Working Girl” opens in Korean theaters on January 8, 2015.