Beloved Webtoons That Turned into Hit K-Dramas
If you’re a webtoon reader, you know the feeling, falling in love with a story panel by panel, then hearing the words, “It’s getting a K-drama adaptation.” Exciting? Yes. Nerve-wracking? Absolutely. While not every adaptation gets it right, some K-dramas truly capture the heart of their webtoon originals. Here are webtoon-based K-dramas that fans (and first-time viewers) shouldn’t miss.
Itaewon Class
As webtoon readers, we knew Itaewon Class was powerful long before it hit the screen. Watching Park Sae-ro-yi’s journey unfold in live action was both satisfying and emotional. The drama stayed true to the webtoon’s themes of resilience, justice, and fighting back against an unfair system—making it one of the most successful adaptations to date.
True Beauty
From iconic art style to relatable insecurities, True Beauty was already a favorite on Webtoon. The drama added depth to the characters while keeping the humor and heart intact. Seeing Jugyeong’s story come to life reminded us why this webtoon resonated with so many readers in the first place.
Sweet Home
This adaptation had webtoon fans holding their breath, and for good reason. Sweet Home brought its dark, unsettling world to life with intense visuals and emotional weight. While the drama took some creative liberties, it still captured the core message about human nature and survival that readers loved.
Extraordinary You
Based on July Found by Chance, this drama felt like a love letter to readers who’ve ever questioned a character’s fate. The meta storytelling, emotional twists, and self-aware narrative made it a standout adaptation that felt fresh and surprisingly moving.
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim
Webtoon readers knew this rom-com would work well on screen, and it did. The drama perfectly delivered the humor, romance, and iconic moments fans expected, making it a comfort watch for both readers and drama lovers alike.
All of Us Are Dead
For readers who followed the webtoon, this adaptation was intense from start to finish. The drama expanded the story while keeping its emotional core intact, reminding us that beneath the chaos and zombies are very human stories of fear, friendship, and sacrifice.
Webtoons already offer strong visuals, pacing, and storytelling, so when done right, adaptations feel like watching your favorite panels come alive. So, whether you’ve been scrolling through webtoons for years or are just starting to explore adaptations, these K-dramas prove that when passion meets storytelling, magic happens.
And yes! Proof that not all adaptations deserve the side-eye.
