Hollywood has done American remakes of a slew of Japanese horror films, and now its turning its attention to South Korea.

"The Lake House," the romantic drama starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, is a remake of a Korean film — "Sirowae 2000." The original stars Lee Jung-jae (of "Typhoon") and Jun Ji-hyeon ("My Sassy Girl" and "Daisy").

Over the past few years, Korean films such as "Lady Vengeance," "Oldboy" and "Tae Guk Gi" have taken center stage in the global film-festival circuit. And most recently the Korean films "Typhoon" and "Tae Guk Gi" have had English subtitles added and been distributed in the United States.

Sirowae (pronounced shi wol ae) means "time-crossing love" in Chinese characters. Lee Jung-jae plays Sung Hyeon, an architect who moves into a sea-front house that his father built. Jun Ji-hyeon is Eun Joo, a voice talent who lives in the same house — two years in the future. It's a love story with a time-warp twist. The house's mailbox is the portal that connects the double dimensions. Sung Hyeon and Eun Joo write to each other and test fate as they try to meet.

There are subtle differences between the Korean and American versions. First, the house has been moved from the seaside to a — duh — lake. Second, the Eun-joo character (Kate, played by Bullock) is a doctor instead of a voice talent.

Reeves and Bullock team up again in "The Lake House." The two Hollywood stars have not worked together since the action-packed movie "Speed" in the '90s. In "The Lake House," lonesome Kate gives up the house for downtown Chicago and burned-out architect Alex (Reeves) moves into the house. Alex finds an instructional letter from Kate. He replies only to later find out that it's more than distance that separates them.

"The Lake House" is just the beginning — 15 Korean films are in the pipeline to be remade into U.S. versions. Actress Jun Ji-hyeon followed her "Sirowae" success with films such as "My Sassy Girl" and "Daisy," which is slated for a Hollywood makeover, along with "Tale of Two Sisters."

The big question: How will "The Lake House" play in Seoul? For South Koreans, it will be back to the future.

Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD, which televises Korean dramas. If you have a K-drama question or comment, call KBFD at 521-8066 or reach him at jeffchung@kbfd.com.

NEW KBFD SERIES 'SMILE AGAIN' BEGINS THIS WEEK

'THANK YOU, LIFE'

EPISODES 21 AND 22

Tonight at 7: Yeon-kyong becomes critically ill when she falls ill with pneumonia, a side effect of GIST. In-seok pulls through the worst with In-seok's care, but In-seok collapses. Min and Joon visits their mom at the hospital with Min-hee.

Tonight at 8 p.m.: Yeon-kyong rekindles her will to live when she sees her children. In-seok takes Yeon-kyong to a GIST support group, trying to cheer her up. But In-seok who's been neglecting his own health feels a sharp pain in the abdomen.

'SMILE AGAIN'

EPISODES 1 AND 2

In this new series, Dan-hee, Ha-jin and Yoo-kang are students at the same high school. Dan-hee is the only girl on the school's baseball team, popular Ha-jin is the school president, and Yoo-kang is the class weirdo. Myong-sung, Dan-hee's arch enemy, is humiliated in a bet with Dan-hee and vows revenge. Ha-jin offers to help Myong-sung with his revenge in return for a college scholarship.

Starring Kim Hee-sun, Lee Dong-gun, Lee Jin-wook.

Tomorrow at 7:30 p.m.: Dan-hee (Kim Hee-sun) is in awe of Jae-myong (Lee Jin-wook), her rival school's star pitcher. Dan-hee replaces Myong-sung on the mound, and Myong-sung plots revenge. Yoo-kang (Yoon Se-ah) tries to seduce Ha-jin (Lee Dong-gun) but he turns her down,

Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.: Three years later, Dan-hee is with a pro softball team. Yoo-kang studies abroad. An injury cuts short Jae-myong's baseball career. Dan-hee heads to Switzerland to attend the world softball games.

'LOVE & AMBITION'

EPISODES 25 AND 26

Wednesday at 7:50 p.m.: Tae-joon and Mi-ja rehash their childhood memories. Sun-hee's boss tries to fix up Sun-hee with her nephew, who also limps. Tae-soo is finally willing to settle down with the coming of the second baby.

Thursday at 7:50 p.m.: Tae-soo is shocked when Jung-ja tells her Eun-hwan is married. He visits the orchard with his son, but finds no one there. Mi-ja and Tae-joon discuss their marriage plans.

'ALONE IN LOVE'

EPISODES 9 AND 10

Friday at 7:50 p.m.: Eun-ho announces a clean break from Dong-jin. She enrolls with a match agency and goes on a string of blind dates. On her way home after a bad date, she runs into professor Yoon-su.

Saturday at 7:50 p.m.: Dong-jin meets Yoo-kyong, his first love, at the middle school reunion. Seeing Yoo-kyong brings back old school memories. Dong-jin and Yoo-kyong make plans to have dinner together.