Webtoons are a type of digital comic magazine that has its roots in South Korea. Where traditional comics have a paper print format, webtoons are designed to be read on computer, tabs and smartphones. Their vertical scrolling format enhances readability on digital devices. The visually rich content, either free or at an affordable cost, allows readers to enjoy comics anytime and anywhere.
Webtoons have engaging and innovative storylines that translates well to television, offering fresh and captivating content for viewers. Though sometimes it is difficult for the casting directors to choose actors and for actors to fit into the role as per the reader’s expectations and imagination. The vast array of genres, like romance, fantasy, horror, and thrillers are quite popular with readers. Some popular K-dramas adapted from webtoons are:
Marry my Husband:
Webtoon: Marry my Husband
Written by: Sung Sojak
Illustrated by: LICO
‘Marry My Husband’ is a compelling webtoon story of Kang Ji-Won, a woman who is tragically betrayed by her husband and best friend. After her untimely death, she miraculously gets a second chance at life and finds herself transported back in time to her younger self. With her second chance at life, she is determined to seek revenge and avoid the same fate.
True Beauty:
Webtoon: True Beauty
Written and illustrated by Yaongyi
This webtoon tells the story of a high school girl, Ju-kyung, who is bullied and ostracized because of her perceived unattractiveness. After experiencing significant betrayal and harsh treatment from her schoolmates, she gets transferred to a new high school. Deeply insecure about her appearance, she learns the art of makeup to transform her looks and gain confidence. At her new school, Ju-kyung quickly becomes friends with Lee Su-ho and Han Seo-Jun. As both boys develop feelings for her, a love triangle ensues, adding complexity to their relationships.
Business Proposal:
Webtoon: The Office Blind Date
Written by HaeHwa
Illustrated by Narak
Ha-ri is a food researcher at a company who ends up impersonating her friend on a blind date. She reluctantly agrees to go on a blind date in place of her best friend, who wants to avoid it. Ha-ri is convinced by her friend to sabotage the meeting. However, things take an unexpected turn when Ha-ri finds out that her date is none other than Kang Tae-moo, the CEO of her company.
The Sound of Magic:
Webtoon: Annarasumanara
Written by Ha Il-kwon
Illustrated by Narak
Yoon Ah-yi A high school student, burdened with responsibilities beyond her years, dreams of becoming a magician. One day, she encounters a mysterious magician living in an abandoned amusement park. He helps Ah-yi rediscover her sense of wonder. Indeed, it was a unique and memorable drama.
Nevertheless:
Webtoon: I Know But, Nevertheless
Written by Jung Seo
Illustrated by Naver
Yoo Na-bi is an art student who is heartbroken after a painful breakup. At her university, she meets Park Jae-eon, a charming and flirtatious fellow art student known for his casual approach to relationships. He has no intention of committing to a serious relationship. Despite knowing his reputation, Na-bi finds herself drawn to Jae-eon’s charisma and the excitement he brings into her life.
The story delves into the complexities of modern relationships, the challenges of navigating love and desire, and the importance of self-respect and emotional clarity.
My ID is Gangnam Beauty:
Webtoon: My ID is Gangnam Beauty
Written by Gi Maeng-gi
Illustrated by Yang Kyung-il
It’s the story of Kang Mi-rae. A young woman undergoes plastic surgery to escape bullying from her schoolmates. To start afresh, she changes her university. At the university, her beauty attracts attention and judgment from her peers, but her past follows her, and she struggles with her identity and the societal obsession for physical appearance.
This webtoon highlights the themes of beauty standards, self-acceptance, and the importance of physical appearance in society.
Our beloved summer:
Written by Lee Na-eun
Illustrated by Naver
Choi Woong and Kook Yeon-soo were high school sweethearts who participated in a documentary about their contrasting personalities and their relationship. Despite their differences, they fell deeply in love during the filming of the documentary.
After high school, their relationship led to a painful breakup, leaving both of them with unresolved feelings and emotional scars.
Years later, the documentary they starred in during high school is decided to be reshot, bringing the grown and mature Woong and Yeon-soo back together.
See You in My 19th Life:
Web Novel: See You in My 19th Life
Written by Lee Hey
Illustrated by Naver
The story delves into the life of Go Eun-woo, a 34-year-old woman who dies unexpectedly in a car accident, and instead of moving on, she finds herself reincarnated into her 19-year-old self in various alternate lives multiple times. Lee Jeong-hoon is a close friend of Eun-woo in each of her lives and retains memories of their past lives together. Throughout, she uses her knowledge from previous lives to rectify past mistakes and pursue her dreams.
Tomorrow:
Webtoon: RaMa
Written and illustrated by Llama
Serialized by Naver
Choi Joon-woong is an unemployed young man who is unable to secure a job. One day, in an accident, he meets the grim reapers, Koo Ryeon and Lim Ryung Gu, who are assigned to prevent suicide. Choi Joon-woong works with them as the youngest contract worker in the crisis management team of Death Angels.
Cheese in the Trap:
Webtoon: Cheese in the Trap
Written and illustrated by Soonkki
Yoo Jung, played by Kim Go-eun, is a senior student who appears perfect to everyone around him. He is handsome, charismatic and intelligent. Jung takes an interest in Seol (Park Hae-jin), which initially flatters her but soon becomes complicated as his behavior starts to reveal manipulative tendencies and a secretive nature. The story vividly portrays the dynamics of university life, academic pressures, friendships, rivalries, and the struggles of young adults for success and identity in a competitive environment.
So I Married an Anti-Fan:
Webtoon: So I Married an Anti-Fan
Written by Kim Eun-jung
The story revolves around a famous K-pop star and an enthusiastic magazine reporter who ends up being a top K-pop star’s anti-fan. Her tumultuous yet entertaining relationship with a charismatic public persona is an engaging watch.
The adaptation of webtoons into K-dramas is not only a successful trend but has enriched the K-drama landscape with imaginative and diverse stories to captivate audiences both locally and globally.
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