Webtoon Adaptation K-Dramas: 15 Best Dramas Based on Popular Webtoons

Korean dramas adapted from webtoons have gained immense popularity due to their visually compelling storytelling, strong character development, and engaging plots. Webtoon-based K-dramas bring to life the beloved characters and narratives from digital comics, offering fans a fresh and immersive viewing experience.

What Are Webtoon Adaptation K-Dramas?

Webtoon adaptation K-dramas are live-action television series based on Korean digital comics (webtoons). These dramas stay true to their source material while adding cinematic elements that appeal to a wider audience. The unique art styles and creative storytelling found in webtoons often translate well into K-drama formats, making them a popular choice for adaptation.

Why Are Webtoon-Based K-Dramas So Popular?

  • Strong Pre-Existing Fanbase – Many viewers are already familiar with the story from the original webtoon.
  • Diverse Genres – Webtoon adaptations cover romance, horror, fantasy, thriller, and slice-of-life.
  • Visually Unique Storytelling – Directors often incorporate stylized visuals and cinematography to reflect the webtoon’s artistic essence.
  • Well-Written Characters – Since webtoon characters are well-developed in the source material, their depth and complexity shine in the drama adaptations.

Must-Watch Webtoon Adaptation K-Dramas

1. True Beauty (2020-2021)

Based on the webtoon “True Beauty” by Yaongyi.

  • Plot: A high school girl with low self-esteem masters the art of makeup to transform herself into the school’s beauty queen while dealing with her inner insecurities and love triangle.
  • Why Watch? A fun mix of romance, comedy, and high school drama that resonates with young audiences.
  • Key Themes: Self-acceptance, beauty standards, first love.
True Beauty | Official Trailer

2. Sweet Home (2020)

Based on the webtoon “Sweet Home” by Kim Carnby and Hwang Young-chan.

  • Plot: After losing his family, a loner moves into an apartment complex where residents battle monstrous transformations in a post-apocalyptic world.
  • Why Watch? Intense action, psychological horror, and stunning special effects bring this gripping thriller to life.
  • Key Themes: Survival, human nature, transformation.
Sweet Home | Official Trailer | Netflix

3. Itaewon Class (2020)

Based on the webtoon “Itaewon Class” by Jo Gwang-jin.

  • Plot: A young man opens a restaurant in Itaewon to take revenge on a powerful food conglomerate that destroyed his father’s life.
  • Why Watch? Inspiring underdog story with themes of resilience, justice, and entrepreneurship.
  • Key Themes: Revenge, social class, business success.
Itaewon Class | Official Trailer | Netflix

4. The Uncanny Counter (2020)

Based on the webtoon “Amazing Rumor” by Jang Yi.

  • Plot: A group of demon hunters disguises themselves as noodle shop workers while fighting evil spirits that prey on humans.
  • Why Watch? Action-packed storytelling with a mix of supernatural and emotional depth.
  • Key Themes: Good vs. evil, teamwork, supernatural abilities.

5. Business Proposal (2022)

Based on the webtoon “A Business Proposal” by Haehwa.

  • Plot: A woman goes on a blind date disguised as her friend but accidentally ends up dating her company’s CEO.
  • Why Watch? A delightful rom-com with hilarious misunderstandings and swoon-worthy romance.
  • Key Themes: Office romance, mistaken identity, comedic misunderstandings.
Business Proposal | Official Trailer | Netflix

6. All of Us Are Dead (2022)

Based on the webtoon “Now at Our School” by Joo Dong-geun.

  • Plot: A high school becomes ground zero for a zombie outbreak, and students must fight for survival.
  • Why Watch? A fresh take on the zombie apocalypse genre with intense action and emotional moments.
  • Key Themes: Survival, human morality, friendships under crisis.
All of Us Are Dead | Official Trailer | Netflix

7. Yumi’s Cells (2021-2022)

Based on the webtoon “Yumi’s Cells” by Lee Dong-geun.

  • Plot: A woman’s emotions are personified through animated “cells” that guide her relationships, career, and daily life.
  • Why Watch? A unique blend of live-action and animation that offers a heartfelt exploration of emotions and relationships.
  • Key Themes: Love, personal growth, emotional intelligence.

8. Moving (2023)

Based on the webtoon “Moving” by Kang Full.

  • Plot: Three high school students discover they possess superpowers inherited from their parents, leading them into conflicts with dangerous organizations.
  • Why Watch? A compelling mix of supernatural abilities and human drama, showcasing high-quality special effects.
  • Key Themes: Superpowers, family bonds, survival.
MOVING Official Trailer (2023)

9. See You in My 19th Life (2023)

Based on the webtoon “See You in My 19th Life” by Lee Hye.

  • Plot: A woman who remembers all her past lives sets out to reconnect with people from her previous life in her 19th reincarnation.
  • Why Watch? An intriguing exploration of reincarnation and enduring connections.
  • Key Themes: Reincarnation, love, destiny.
See You in My 19th Life | Official Trailer | Netflix

10. Death’s Game (2023-2024)

Based on the webtoon “Death’s Game” by Lee Won-sik and Ggulchan.

  • Plot: A man who attempts suicide is forced by Death to experience multiple lives and deaths, gaining new perspectives on life.
  • Why Watch? A thought-provoking series blending fantasy and thriller elements.
  • Key Themes: Life and death, second chances, personal growth.

11. Lovely Runner (2024)

Based on the webtoon “Tomorrow’s Best” by Kim Bbang.

  • Plot: A woman who once idolized a famous musician finds herself traveling back in time to prevent his tragic fate.
  • Why Watch? A heartwarming blend of romance, music, and time travel.
  • Key Themes: Second chances, fate, music industry.
Lovely Runner | Official Trailer

12. Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born (2024)

Based on the webtoon “Jeongnyeon” by Seo Ire.

  • Plot: A young woman in 1950s Korea aspires to become a renowned singer despite numerous challenges.
  • Why Watch? A nostalgic yet empowering story filled with music and drama.
  • Key Themes: Ambition, perseverance, musical talent.

13. When the Phone Rings (2024)

Based on the webtoon of the same name.

  • Plot: A married couple’s life takes a dark turn when they receive a mysterious and dangerous phone call.
  • Why Watch? A suspenseful thriller that keeps viewers on edge.
  • Key Themes: Mystery, relationships, tension.
When the Phone Rings | Official Trailer | Netflix

14. Study Group (2025)

Based on the webtoon “Study Group” by Hyungwook Shin.

  • Plot: A high school student, Yoon Ga-Min, excels in fighting rather than studying. In his effort to improve academically, he forms a study group, but instead of just preparing for exams, he finds himself protecting his friends from school bullies.
  • Why Watch? A fresh mix of action, comedy, and school drama, featuring Minhyun as the lead.
  • Key Themes: School life, resilience, friendship, self-improvement.
Study Group | Official Trailer

15. The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (2025)

Based on the web novel “Trauma Center: Golden Hour.”

  • Plot: This medical comedy follows a brilliant trauma surgeon as he navigates the challenges of a university hospital.
  • Why Watch? A mix of drama and humor, with Ju Ji-hoon and Choo Young-woo leading the cast.
  • Key Themes: Medical challenges, heroism, teamwork.
The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call | Official Trailer | Netflix

Final Thoughts

Webtoon adaptation K-dramas bring to life the stories that fans love, delivering visually stunning and emotionally engaging narratives.

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