In the ever-expanding world of Korean entertainment, webtoons have become a goldmine for K-drama adaptations. What started as colorful digital comics published on platforms like Naver and Kakao has now evolved into some of the most binge-worthy dramas on global streaming services. The reason is simple: webtoons already come with gripping storylines, vivid character development, and a loyal fanbase—making them perfect for live-action adaptations.
From heartwarming romances to spine-chilling thrillers, K-dramas born from webtoons have been dominating screens. If you’ve been wondering which ones are truly worth your time, here’s a roundup of the best webtoon-to-K-drama adaptations you can stream right now.
1. Itaewon Class (2020)
Based on Jo Gwang-jin’s popular webtoon, Itaewon Class is one of the most iconic examples of a successful adaptation. The story follows Park Sae-ro-yi (played by Park Seo-joon), a determined young man who takes on a powerful food conglomerate after personal tragedy strikes.
The drama kept close to the webtoon’s storyline while expanding its emotional beats, making it a hit not just in Korea but worldwide. The themes of perseverance, justice, and diversity—especially with its inclusive cast of characters—resonated with audiences everywhere. Plus, the show sparked a real-life boom in Itaewon, with fans flocking to the neighborhood’s restaurants and bars.
2. True Beauty (2020–2021)
One of the most globally beloved webtoon adaptations, True Beauty (based on Yaongyi’s mega-hit webtoon) blends teen romance with themes of self-acceptance. Lim Ju-kyung (played by Moon Ga-young) learns to navigate high school life with makeup as her “mask,” only to discover that beauty is far more than skin deep.
The live-action version softened some of the webtoon’s heavier tones, making it lighthearted and heartwarming. With Cha Eun-woo and Hwang In-yeop as her love interests, the series quickly became a K-drama phenomenon. Its fashion, makeup looks, and OST even influenced trends far beyond Korea.
3. Sweet Home (2020)
If you’re into horror-thriller vibes, Sweet Home is a must-watch. Adapted from Kim Carnby and Hwang Young-chan’s webtoon, the series follows residents of a run-down apartment complex who must fight for survival as humans turn into terrifying monsters.
The Netflix adaptation took bold creative liberties but managed to retain the core essence of fear, isolation, and human resilience. With Song Kang leading the cast, the series became a worldwide sensation, proving that webtoon adaptations can be just as nail-biting and cinematic as Hollywood productions.
4. Extraordinary You (2019)
Based on the webtoon July Found by Chance, this K-drama takes meta-storytelling to another level. The plot centers on Eun Dan-oh (played by Kim Hye-yoon), a high school student who realizes she’s merely a supporting character in a comic book. Determined to take control of her own story, she fights against the “writer’s will.”
The drama charmed audiences with its originality and emotional depth. It’s both a sweet high school romance and a philosophical take on fate versus free will, making it one of the most unique webtoon adaptations to date.
5. All of Us Are Dead (2022)
Another Netflix hit, All of Us Are Dead adapts Joo Dong-geun’s webtoon into a pulse-pounding zombie apocalypse drama. When a virus outbreak traps high school students inside their school, they must band together to survive while grappling with fear, betrayal, and humanity itself.
The drama became a massive global success, reaching the top 10 on Netflix in over 90 countries. Its balance of horror and emotional storytelling showcased how webtoons can provide layered narratives that go far beyond typical genre conventions.
6. Yumi’s Cells (2021–2022)
If you want something quirky yet heartfelt, Yumi’s Cells (based on Lee Dong-gun’s webtoon) is a delightful watch. The story dives into the everyday life and relationships of Kim Yumi (played by Kim Go-eun), but with a twist—her emotions are personified as tiny animated “cells” in her brain.
The mix of live-action and animation was groundbreaking for K-dramas, giving fans a fresh experience while staying true to the charm of the webtoon. Its relatable portrayal of love, heartbreak, and personal growth struck a chord with audiences, especially millennials and Gen Z viewers.
7. Navillera (2021)
Based on the webtoon by Hun and Ji-min, Navillera is an emotional gem that shouldn’t be overlooked. The story follows a 70-year-old retired mailman who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer and a young ballet prodigy struggling with his own hardships.
The drama’s heartfelt storytelling and powerful performances by Park In-hwan and Song Kang moved viewers to tears. Unlike many flashy K-drama plots, Navillera shines through its simplicity and sincerity, proving how webtoon adaptations can touch the soul.
8. Cheese in the Trap (2016)
One of the earlier webtoon-to-drama successes, Cheese in the Trap is based on Soonkki’s webtoon about the complicated relationship between an ordinary college student and a seemingly perfect senior with hidden flaws.
While the adaptation sparked debates among fans due to its divergence from the webtoon’s ending, it remains a significant milestone in webtoon-to-K-drama history. Its nuanced take on university life, manipulation, and relationships makes it worth revisiting.
Why Webtoon Adaptations Work So Well
Webtoons offer ready-made blueprints for captivating dramas. They already have established fanbases, unique story arcs, and striking visuals that lend themselves easily to live-action. With K-dramas’ growing popularity on platforms like Netflix, Viki, and Disney+, webtoons serve as a rich reservoir of fresh, original content that global audiences are hungry for.
Moreover, webtoons often explore diverse genres—from romance and comedy to horror and sci-fi—that traditional K-drama scripts sometimes shy away from. This versatility means more creative storytelling and wider audience appeal.
Final Thoughts
The success of dramas like Itaewon Class, Sweet Home, and True Beauty proves that webtoons are more than just digital comics—they’re cultural powerhouses shaping the future of Korean entertainment. With more adaptations already in the works, including eagerly anticipated titles like Omniscient Reader and Lore Olympus (an international webtoon), the trend shows no signs of slowing down.
If you haven’t yet explored webtoon-inspired K-dramas, now’s the perfect time to dive in. Whether you’re looking for tear-jerking romance, high-stakes survival, or thoughtful life lessons, there’s a webtoon-turned-drama waiting to capture your heart.
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