The Korean wave (Hallyu) has introduced the world to many cultural gems, but one of the most exciting trends is the rise of K-dramas adapted from webtoons. These digital comics, born in South Korea, provide a rich source of compelling stories, unique characters, and established fanbases, making them perfect for on-screen adaptations. From heart-fluttering romances to high-octane thrillers, these dramas bring beloved 2D worlds to life with stunning visuals and brilliant acting. In 2026, the list of must-see adaptations continues to grow. Here are the top 10 K-dramas based on webtoons that you absolutely cannot miss.
1. Itaewon Class (이태원 클라쓰)
Why it’s special: A powerful underdog story of revenge, ambition, and found family. Itaewon Class follows Park Sae-ro-yi, an ex-convict who opens a bar-restaurant in the vibrant Itaewon district to challenge the corporate giant responsible for his father’s death. The drama is celebrated for its diverse cast of characters, its defiant spirit, and its inspirational message about sticking to your principles. Park Seo-joon’s portrayal of the determined protagonist is iconic, perfectly capturing the webtoon character’s unyielding resolve. The show’s soundtrack and stylish cinematography make it an unforgettable viewing experience that tackles themes of social justice and identity.
Practical Info: Genre: Drama. Where to Watch: Netflix.
Insider Tip: The webtoon author, Gwang Jin, was directly involved in writing the drama’s script, ensuring the adaptation remained faithful to the source material’s powerful core message. Pay attention to the subtle differences in character development between the two versions.
2. True Beauty (여신강림)
Why it’s special: A delightful romantic comedy that explores themes of self-esteem and the meaning of true beauty. The story centers on Lim Ju-kyung, a high school student who masters the art of makeup to overcome insecurities about her appearance. The drama perfectly balances laugh-out-loud comedy with heartfelt moments as she navigates friendships and a love triangle with two very different but equally charming male leads. True Beauty is a visual treat, capturing the vibrant, stylized essence of its webtoon origin. It’s a relatable and uplifting story for anyone who has ever felt insecure, reminding us that confidence comes from within.
Practical Info: Genre: Romantic Comedy, Coming-of-Age. Where to Watch: Viki, Viu.
Insider Tip: After watching, read the original webtoon on the WEBTOON app. The art style is gorgeous, and the story continues far beyond the drama’s ending, offering more depth to the characters’ relationships and personal growth.
3. Sweet Home (스위트홈)
Why it’s special: This series is a groundbreaking entry in the monster horror genre. Based on the wildly popular thriller webtoon, Sweet Home follows the residents of an apartment complex as they are trapped inside during a monster apocalypse, where humans turn into grotesque creatures reflecting their inner desires. The show is renowned for its stunning creature designs and high-stakes, claustrophobic tension. It’s more than just a horror series; it’s a profound character study about what it means to be human when humanity is lost. The blend of terrifying action, emotional depth, and moral ambiguity makes it an addictive and thought-provoking watch.
Practical Info: Genre: Horror, Thriller, Fantasy. Where to Watch: Netflix.
Insider Tip: The webtoon and the drama have significant plot differences, especially concerning the monsters’ origins and certain character fates. Watching the show and then reading the webtoon feels like experiencing two unique, complementary versions of the same terrifying world.
4. Business Proposal (사내맞선)
Why it’s special: A perfect execution of classic romantic comedy tropes with a modern, witty twist. Shin Ha-ri goes on a blind date in place of her friend to scare the suitor away, only to discover he is the CEO of her company. What follows is a hilarious and charming contractual relationship that blossoms into real love. Business Proposal is beloved for its fast pacing, incredible chemistry between the leads, and genuinely funny side characters. It avoids unnecessary drama, focusing instead on delivering pure, heartwarming entertainment. It’s the kind of feel-good show that will have you smiling from beginning to end.
Practical Info: Genre: Romantic Comedy, Office Romance. Where to Watch: Netflix.
Insider Tip: The webtoon, titled ‘The Office Blind Date’, is slightly more mature (‘R-rated’) than the drama. If you enjoyed the show’s chemistry, the webtoon offers a spicier and more detailed look into the main couple’s relationship.
5. Moving (무빙)
Why it’s special: An epic superhero saga with a deeply human heart. Moving tells the story of a group of teenagers with inherited superpowers and their parents who have hidden pasts as secret agents. The drama masterfully weaves together coming-of-age themes, espionage action, and heartfelt family drama. Its massive budget is evident in the spectacular visual effects, but its true strength lies in its emotional core and complex character relationships. It’s a story about sacrifice, love, and the burden of being different, earning it critical acclaim as one of the best K-dramas ever made. The scale and emotional depth are simply unmatched.
Practical Info: Genre: Superhero, Action, Fantasy, Drama. Where to Watch: Disney+, Hulu.
Insider Tip: The webtoon’s author, Kang Full, also wrote the screenplay for the drama, ensuring a seamless and authentic adaptation. The webtoon universe is vast, so starting with ‘Moving’ is a great entry point into his other interconnected stories.
6. The Uncanny Counter (경이로운 소문)
Why it’s special: This show is a fantastic blend of superhero action and supernatural mystery. It follows a group of demon hunters, known as ‘Counters’, who disguise themselves as employees at a noodle shop. When a disabled high school student unexpectedly joins their team, he unlocks extraordinary powers. The series is celebrated for its found-family dynamic and exhilarating, well-choreographed fight sequences. It has a unique charm, balancing dark, supernatural elements with humor and immense heart. The bond between the Counters is the show’s emotional anchor, making you root for them in every battle against evil spirits.
Practical Info: Genre: Fantasy, Action, Mystery. Where to Watch: Netflix.
Insider Tip: The drama significantly expands on the webtoon’s world-building and character backstories, particularly for the supporting cast. Reading the webtoon afterward can provide a more streamlined, action-focused version of the core plot.
7. All of Us Are Dead (지금 우리 학교는)
Why it’s special: A visceral and intense take on the zombie apocalypse genre, set entirely within a high school. When a science experiment goes wrong, a high school becomes ground zero for a zombie virus outbreak, forcing the trapped students to fight for their survival. What sets this drama apart is its relentless pace and realistic portrayal of teenage desperation and ingenuity. It explores social commentary on bullying, academic pressure, and adult failure. The creative and terrifying zombie choreography, combined with the raw, emotional performances from the young cast, makes for an incredibly gripping and stressful viewing experience in the best way possible.
Practical Info: Genre: Horror, Zombie Apocalypse, Action. Where to Watch: Netflix.
Insider Tip: The webtoon, ‘Now at Our School’, is known for its darker and more grim tone. If you found the drama intense, the webtoon delves even deeper into the bleakness of the students’ situation, offering a different but equally compelling narrative.
8. Marry My Husband (내 남편과 결혼해줘)
Why it’s special: The ultimate revenge drama with a satisfying time-travel twist. Kang Ji-won, terminally ill, is murdered by her husband and best friend after she discovers their affair. Miraculously, she is transported back in time 10 years and given a chance to rewrite her destiny. The show is incredibly addictive, driven by a powerful female lead who takes control of her life and orchestrates the perfect revenge. It’s a thrilling and empowering story about second chances, self-worth, and ensuring that karma is served. The clever plotting and cathartic moments of triumph make it a standout in the revenge genre.
Practical Info: Genre: Revenge, Romance, Fantasy, Drama. Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
Insider Tip: Pay close attention to the symbolism of colors and fashion choices in the drama. Kang Ji-won’s transformation is visually represented through her wardrobe, a subtle detail that adds another layer to her character’s journey from victim to victor.
9. Nevertheless, (알고있지만,)
Why it’s special: A hyper-realistic and mature exploration of modern dating and ambiguous relationships. The drama follows two art students: a woman who is cynical about love after a bad breakup and a charismatic man who enjoys flirting but avoids commitment. Their push-and-pull relationship is portrayed with a raw honesty that challenges typical K-drama romance formulas. It’s known for its steamy chemistry, beautiful cinematography, and nuanced depiction of the gray areas of romance. The drama asks difficult questions about love, lust, and emotional vulnerability, making it a relatable and often polarizing watch for viewers navigating similar relationship dynamics.
Practical Info: Genre: Romance, Slice of Life, Drama. Where to Watch: Netflix.
Insider Tip: The drama offers a slightly more hopeful perspective than the original webtoon. Reading the source material provides a starker, more cynical look at the characters’ motivations, which can spark interesting debates when comparing the two.
10. A Killer Paradox (살인자ㅇ난감)
Why it’s special: A dark comedy and psychological thriller that masterfully plays with morality. The story is about an ordinary college student who accidentally kills a man, only to discover his victim was a serial killer. This unlocks a strange new ability in him to identify evil people, leading him down a path of becoming a dark-hero vigilante, all while being pursued by a sharp, relentless detective. The series stands out for its stylish direction, clever writing, and brilliant performances from Choi Woo-shik and Son Suk-ku. It’s a cat-and-mouse game that constantly blurs the line between right and wrong, making for a compelling and unpredictable watch.
Practical Info: Genre: Thriller, Crime, Dark Comedy. Where to Watch: Netflix.
Insider Tip: The webtoon’s title is a clever piece of Korean wordplay (‘살인자ㅇ난감’ can be read as ‘The Murderer’s Conundrum’ or ‘Toy Killer’). This duality is central to the story’s theme, reflecting the main character’s ambiguous moral position.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a webtoon?
A webtoon is a type of digital comic that originated in South Korea. They are typically read by scrolling vertically on a smartphone or computer. Platforms like WEBTOON and Tapas have made them globally accessible, with a huge variety of genres available.
2. Why are so many K-dramas based on webtoons?
Webtoons provide a fantastic blueprint for TV shows. They come with pre-existing, beloved stories, well-developed characters, and a built-in audience. This reduces the risk for production companies and provides a solid foundation to build a successful drama. The visual nature of webtoons also makes it easier to storyboard and plan for a live-action adaptation.
3. Where can I read the original webtoons?
Most of the webtoons mentioned in this list are available in English on official platforms. The most popular global platform is WEBTOON (by Naver), but others like Tapas, Lezhin, and Tappytoon also host a wide range of official translations. We always recommend using official sources to support the creators!
From epic fantasies to relatable office romances, the world of webtoons offers a limitless well of stories for K-dramas to draw from. This synergy has resulted in some of the most creative and beloved shows in recent years. Whether you’re a long-time K-drama fan or new to the scene, these 10 adaptations are the perfect place to start your journey. Happy watching (and reading)!
Tags: #K-Drama #Webtoon #KoreanCulture #NetflixKorean #KoreanTVShows #Manhwa #Hallyu #Streaming #RomanceDrama #ThrillerDrama
