Wait — Your Favorite K-Drama Was Actually a Webtoon First?
Okay, real talk. If you’ve been obsessing over K-dramas based on webtoons without even realizing it, you’re not alone — and honestly, same. Some of the most iconic Korean dramas of the last decade started life as digital comics on platforms like Naver and Kakao, and the adaptations have been so good (and occasionally so chaotic) that fans can’t stop talking about them. From heart-fluttering romance to full-on makjang madness, the webtoon-to-kdrama pipeline has given us some absolute gems.
I’ve been down the rabbit hole so many times it’s embarrassing. Like, I’ll be three episodes into a new drama at 2am, completely wrecked emotionally, only to discover there’s an entire webtoon I could be reading instead of sleeping. Help.
So let’s talk about it. Here are 22 successful K-drama adaptations of webtoons, ranked — with hot takes, streaming info, and zero spoilers (mostly).
What Makes a Webtoon Adaptation Actually Work?
Here’s the thing — not every webtoon makes a smooth transition to live action. The ones that work usually have a few things in common: a strong emotional core, a premise that translates visually, and actors who genuinely embody the characters fans have already fallen in love with on screen. When those elements click, you get magic. When they don’t… well, we’ll get to that.
The best Korean drama adaptations from webtoons tend to keep the soul of the source material while expanding the world. They add context, backstory, and those slow-burn tension scenes that make you want to throw your phone across the room in the best possible way.
The S-Tier: K-Drama Webtoon Adaptations That Are Basically Perfect
1. True Beauty (2020–2021) — tvN / Netflix
Let me tell you, True Beauty broke the internet for a reason. Based on Yaongyi’s wildly popular webtoon of the same name, this drama stars Moon Ga-young as Lim Ju-gyeong, a girl who transforms herself through makeup and hides behind her flawless appearance. Cha Eun-woo plays the brooding Lee Su-ho, and honestly? Second lead syndrome hit HARD with Hwang In-yeop’s Han Seo-jun. I’m still not over it.
The drama doesn’t stray too far from the webtoon’s vibe — it’s funny, emotional, and deeply relatable if you’ve ever felt like you were hiding parts of yourself. Available on Netflix. Rating: 9/10.
2. Itaewon Class (2020) — JTBC / Netflix
Okay but seriously, Itaewon Class is one of those dramas that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. Park Saeroyi (played by the phenomenal Park Seo-joon) is out for revenge against the chaebol family that destroyed his life, and he’s building a tiny bar empire to do it. Based on the webtoon by Kwang Jin, this one is paced like a thriller, feels like a romance, and hits like a gut punch. Available on Netflix. Rating: 9/10.
3. Sweet Home (2020) — Netflix
Hot take incoming: Sweet Home is one of the best horror Korean dramas ever made, full stop. The webtoon by Carnby Kim and Youngchan Hwang is already terrifying, and Netflix’s adaptation somehow made it even more visceral. Song Kang stars as Cha Hyun-su, a reclusive teenager who moves into an apartment building just as humans start turning into monsters. The practical effects, the emotional weight, the ensemble cast — it’s all there. Available exclusively on Netflix. Rating: 9.5/10.
4. Cheese in the Trap (2016) — tvN
The one that started a lot of conversations about webtoon adaptations. Cheese in the Trap, based on Soonkki’s long-running webtoon, stars Park Hae-jin and Kim Go-eun in a campus romance with a serious psychological edge. Jung is charming, cold, and utterly unpredictable — and the drama captures that complexity brilliantly. Available on Viki. Rating: 8.5/10.
The A-Tier: Dramas That Delivered in a Big Way
5. Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022) — ENA / Netflix
Wait — this one started as a webtoon? Technically, it was developed alongside webtoon content, but the crossover universe expanded massively thanks to the drama’s success. Park Eun-bin’s portrayal of Woo Young-woo, a brilliant autistic attorney who loves whales, became a full-on cultural moment. I literally cried during the whale episode. Multiple times. Available on Netflix. Rating: 8.5/10.
6. Lookism (2022) — Netflix (Animated / Webtoon Adaptation)
Okay, Lookism gets a special mention because it was adapted as an animated series rather than a live-action drama, but it deserves its spot. The webtoon by Park Tae-joon tackles body image, bullying, and identity in a way that’s both funny and gut-wrenching. The Netflix animated adaptation is slick, emotional, and way more nuanced than you’d expect. Rating: 8/10.
7. My ID Is Gangnam Beauty (2018) — JTBC / Viki
Sound familiar? It’s another campus romance with big feelings about appearance and self-worth — but this one hits differently. Im Soo-hyang plays Kang Mi-rae, who underwent plastic surgery before college and now navigates the complicated social world that follows. Based on Gi Maeng-gi’s webtoon. Cha Eun-woo (yes, him again) plays the male lead with quiet intensity. Available on Viki. Rating: 8/10.
8. All of Us Are Dead (2022) — Netflix
Zombie apocalypse. High school. Trapped. That’s the pitch for All of Us Are Dead, and somehow it works better than it has any right to. Based on Joo Dong-geun’s webtoon Now at Our School, this Netflix Korean drama ran for 12 episodes of pure chaos and emotional devastation. I canceled plans for an entire weekend. Worth it. Rating: 8.5/10.
9. Weak Hero Class 1 (2022) — Wavve / Viki
This one’s criminally underrated. Based on the webtoon by Seopass and Kim Jin-seok, Weak Hero Class 1 stars Park Ji-hoon as Yeon Si-eun, a quiet, brilliant student who uses calculated tactics rather than brute strength to fight back against school bullies. It’s tense, well-acted, and the fight choreography is genuinely impressive. Available on Viki. Rating: 8.5/10.
The B-Tier: Solid Adaptations Worth Your Time
10. The Uncanny Counter (2020–2023) — OCN / Netflix
Demon hunters who work at a noodle shop. That’s the show. The Uncanny Counter, based on Jang Yi’s webtoon Amazing Rumor, is exactly as fun as it sounds. Jo Byeong-gyu leads a great ensemble cast in this action-fantasy Korean drama that balances supernatural battles with surprisingly heartfelt character moments. Available on Netflix. Rating: 8/10.
11. Doom at Your Step (2021) — tvN / Netflix
Also known as Doom at Your Step or That Doom Is Coming to You internationally. This drama had SO much potential — Lee Soo-hyuk plays Myul Mang, literally the spirit of doom, and Park Bo-young is the relentlessly cheerful Tak Dong-kyung who summons him. Based on the webtoon 100 Days My Prince author’s new project. The chemistry is electric, even when the plot wobbles. Available on Netflix. Rating: 7.5/10.
12. Lore Olympus: The Story Behind Korean Mythology Dramas
Let me take a tiny detour here. While Lore Olympus itself isn’t a Korean adaptation, the webtoon format has profoundly influenced how Korean creators approach mythology-based stories. Dramas like Goblin and Hotel Del Luna share DNA with the webtoon storytelling style — episodic emotional beats, visually dramatic panels, and larger-than-life romantic tension. It’s a fascinating parallel.
13. Yumi’s Cells (2021–2022) — tvN / Viki
Here’s the thing — Yumi’s Cells is one of the most creative Korean dramas in recent memory. Based on Lee Dong-gun’s beloved webtoon, it combines live action with adorable CGI characters representing Yumi’s brain cells (love cell, rational cell, hunger cell…). Kim Go-eun is absolutely radiant in the lead role. Available on Viki. Rating: 8/10.
14. Remarriage and Desires (2022) — Netflix
Okay, the makjang energy in this show is OFF THE CHARTS and I mean that as a compliment. Based on a webtoon, Remarriage and Desires is set in a dating agency where elite divorcees compete for wealthy partners. It’s sharp, satirical, and occasionally completely unhinged. Perfect late-night binge material. Available on Netflix. Rating: 7.5/10.
Fan Favorites and Deep Cuts: More Webtoon Dramas You Shouldn’t Miss
15. Killing Stalking (Manhwa Influence on Thriller Dramas)
Before you come for me — I’m not talking about a direct adaptation (though there’s been ongoing fan discussion about one). I’m talking about how Koogi’s intensely psychological manhwa has influenced the thriller tone of modern Korean dramas. Shows like Strangers from Hell (2019), which IS based on a webtoon by Kim Yong-ki, carry that same suffocating dread. Available on Viki. Rating: 8/10.
16. The Sound of Magic (2022) — Netflix
A magical realist musical drama based on the webtoon Annarasumanara by Ha Il-kwon. Ji Chang-wook plays a mysterious magician living in an abandoned amusement park, and the entire thing feels like a fever dream in the best possible way. The OST is genuinely gorgeous. Available on Netflix. Rating: 7.5/10.
17. Twinkling Watermelon (2023) — ENA / Viki
One of the most emotionally satisfying time-travel dramas in recent kdrama history, this show’s webtoon origins give it a uniquely layered storytelling structure. Choi Hyun-wook plays a high schooler who travels back to the 1990s and meets his parents as teenagers. I literally cried for the last three episodes straight. Available on Viki. Rating: 9/10.
18. Midnight Poppy Land (Webtoon to Drama Potential)
This one hasn’t been officially adapted yet, but the webtoon by Toffu has such a devoted fanbase that it’s worth mentioning. The gangster-romance premise feels tailor-made for a Netflix Korean drama, and fan casting has been going on for years. Fingers crossed.
19. My Love From the Star (Influenced by Webtoon Culture)
While My Love From the Star (2013) isn’t a direct webtoon adaptation, the drama’s episodic, visually driven storytelling was profoundly shaped by the webtoon format that dominated Korean pop culture at the time. Kim Soo-hyun and Jun Ji-hyun’s chemistry remains unmatched. Available on Viki. Rating: 9.5/10.
20. Juvenile Justice (2022) — Netflix
Based on webtoon source material exploring the juvenile criminal justice system, this drama stars Kim Hye-soo as a strict judge who, despite disliking juvenile offenders, is assigned to a juvenile court. It’s heavy, uncomfortable, and absolutely essential viewing. Available on Netflix. Rating: 8.5/10.
21. A Business Proposal (2022) — SBS / Netflix
The romcom that ate the entire year of 2022. Based on HaeHwa’s webtoon The Office Blind Date, A Business Proposal stars Ahn Hyo-seop and Kim Se-jeong in a fake-dating setup that somehow manages to feel fresh even though we’ve seen the trope a thousand times. The chemistry is unreal, the second couple is equally compelling, and the pacing is binge-worthy perfection. Available on Netflix. Rating: 9/10.
22. Alchemy of Souls (2022–2023) — tvN / Netflix
Okay, wrapping up with a fantasy epic. While Alchemy of Souls was written as an original screenplay, its visual storytelling and character complexity are deeply indebted to the webtoon genre. The worldbuilding, the ensemble dynamics, the heart-fluttering romance between Jang Uk and Mu-deok — it all carries that webtoon DNA. And the OST? Absolutely devastating. Available on Netflix. Rating: 9/10.
Hot Take Corner: Unpopular Opinions About Webtoon Adaptations
Someone had to say it: the webtoon source material is almost always better than the drama. There, I said it. Not because the dramas are bad — some of them are extraordinary — but because webtoons can take their time. They don’t have to compress 500 chapters into 16 episodes. They don’t have to cast a real human being who may or may not match the audience’s mental image of a beloved character.
Also, hot take number two: the second lead in True Beauty (Han Seo-jun, played by Hwang In-yeop) deserved the girl. Absolutely deserved her. I will die on this hill.
And finally: K-dramas that stray significantly from their webtoon source material aren’t necessarily failures. Sometimes the changes serve the story. Itaewon Class made some notable adjustments from the webtoon, and the drama is arguably tighter for it.
Where to Watch: Quick Streaming Guide
- Netflix: Sweet Home, All of Us Are Dead, A Business Proposal, Itaewon Class, True Beauty, The Sound of Magic, Juvenile Justice, Alchemy of Souls
- Viki (Rakuten Viki): Cheese in the Trap, My ID Is Gangnam Beauty, Yumi’s Cells, Weak Hero Class 1, Twinkling Watermelon
- Disney+ / Wavve: Select titles depending on your region
Availability varies by region, so always double-check what’s accessible in your country. VPN users, you know what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions About K-Dramas Based on Webtoons
What is the most popular K-drama adapted from a webtoon?
It’s genuinely hard to pick just one, but True Beauty and Itaewon Class are consistently cited as the most popular K-dramas adapted from webtoons globally. Both are available on Netflix, both have massive international fanbases, and both sparked huge conversations about their source material webtoons. A Business Proposal is a more recent contender for the top spot.
Where can I read the webtoons that became K-dramas?
Most of the webtoons behind your favorite Korean dramas are available on Webtoon (webtoon.com) or Kakao Webtoon. Some, like True Beauty and Itaewon Class, are available in English translation on the official Webtoon platform. Others may require the Naver or Kakao apps with Korean-language access.
Are webtoon-based K-dramas usually faithful to the original story?
It really varies. Some adaptations like True Beauty stay fairly close to the webtoon while condensing the timeline. Others, like Cheese in the Trap, made controversial changes that divided fans. Generally, Korean drama adaptations maintain the core premise and main characters but adjust pacing, subplots, and sometimes endings to suit the episodic format.
What are the best webtoon-based K-dramas on Netflix right now?
Some of the best webtoon-based Korean dramas currently on Netflix include Sweet Home (and its sequels), All of Us Are Dead, A Business Proposal, Itaewon Class, and True Beauty. For something more recent, check out Twinkling Watermelon if it’s available in your region — it’s genuinely one of the best Korean dramas of 2023.
Is it better to read the webtoon before or after watching the K-drama?
Honestly? Both approaches have their charm. Reading the webtoon first gives you deeper character context and makes you appreciate (or critique) the adaptation choices. Watching the drama first and then reading the webtoon is its own kind of joy — you get to see the story expand. My personal preference is drama first, webtoon after, so the casting doesn’t bias my mental image of the characters.
So Which Webtoon K-Drama Should You Watch First?
If you’re new to K-dramas based on webtoons, start with A Business Proposal for something light and absolutely addictive, Sweet Home if you want to be genuinely scared, or Twinkling Watermelon if you’re ready to cry in a deeply satisfying way. All three are binge-worthy, all three have incredible OSTs, and all three will make you immediately search for the webtoon afterward.
The webtoon-to-kdrama pipeline isn’t slowing down — if anything, it’s accelerating. And honestly? As someone who’s spent way too many late nights reading webtoons on her phone and then immediately firing up the drama adaptation, I’m not complaining even a little bit.
Which webtoon-based Korean drama is your all-time favorite? Drop it in the comments — I genuinely want to know, and I’m always looking for my next obsession. And if you found this ranking helpful, share it with a fellow kdrama fan who needs a new watch list!
