Webtoons Based Korean Dramas

If you have watched and appreciated any of the popular Korean dramas that have aired over the past few years, there is a good chance that they were adapted from webtoons, which are more often known as digital comics. If you’re up for it, here are some upcoming adaptations of  Korean dramas of webtoon that will be turned into dramas (and some webtoons to read).

Be on the lookout for Korean dramas based on popular webtoon

If you watched the uplifting gay movie Heartstopper on Netflix, you might have noticed the brush of images that floated across the screen every once in a while. And the consistent animation of the cells in Yumi’s Cells over the entirety of both seasons of the psychological romance. Or the peculiar yet enchanted manner the Korean drama/comedy combines the two. A sleek and clever man quietly glides through the corridors of an airport, only he is fully animated unlike the rest of the passersby that are surrounding him. This scene was the first time the stellar lead of Business Proposal was shown.

The instantly memorable introduction for the latter may simply be read as a visual metaphor for his supposedly stunning visuals (you’re not wrong), but for those who are aware, this was also a welcome and gratuitous homage to the source material, which was a webtoon or manhwa with the same name.

  Business Proposal (2022): Korean Dramas Webtoon

Both “Heartstopper” and “Business Proposal” are the most recent additions to a large number of other dramas, the most of which can be found in the entertainment industry of South Korea, that are adapted from webtoons, which are also sometimes referred to as animated comics. These manhwas are more nearly analogous to indie comics or the massive animated world of Japanese animes than they are to the superhero-led scene of the comic universe in Hollywood (think Marvel or DC Comics). Animes in Japan are a form of animation that originated in Japan.

Not only do webtoons cover an infinite number of genres, but they are also designed to be read like a dream due to the fact that they are presented in full colour (which is very different from the way Japanese manga is presented in this regard), feature a wide range of alternate art styles, and are optimised for the natural motion of scrolling from the top to the bottom on mobile devices. Given that the majority of these webtoons were initially created in nations like China and South Korea, a sizeable portion of them are also indicative of the cultures and history of East Asian countries. Take, for example, the Gumiho “My Housemate,” which has since been adapted into a successful Korean drama and features a storyline that incorporates both romantic elements and elements of Korean mythology.

Reason:

It stands to reason that a rising number of filmmakers and production houses would see the benefit in adapting these currently available storylines for the screen of a television programme given the vast quantity of creative content that is being produced in this arena. Many people are unaware of the fact that many of the most popular Korean dramas that have aired in the past several years have actually been adapted from webtoons that are either still being updated or have already been completed.

We’ll do some browsing across the catalogue for you: Simply think of films like “Sweet Home,” “All of Us Are Dead,” and “Hellbound,” as well as romance classics. My ID is Gangnam Beauty, and my other names are True Beauty and Business Proposal. Or, the most recent additions to the canon of Korean dramas would be worth mentioning; for example, Ahn Bo-hyun and Shin Hye-sun’s collaboration in the just concluded season of Netflix’s See You in My 19th Life; or Disney+’s Moving, which stars Han Hyo-joo, Ryoo Seung-ryong, and Jo In-sung in a superhero adventure.

Planned Korean Dramas Based on Webtoon

But the story doesn’t end there. A number of planned South Korean drama releases based on webtoons have already been timed for release. The next one in line is that of Doona!. Which sees fan favourite Bae Suzy take up the mantle with Yang Se-jong. While some projects have already been greenlit for production. Also are poised to reap the benefits of some exceptionally astute casting choices. The K-drama industry as a whole continues to set the bar for excellence in casting. The following is a checklist of the most interesting Korean webtoon-based drama adaptations. This is to look out for regardless of what genre enthusiast you are. This is with source material that boasts magnificent panels of visuals; fascinating plots; and intriguing main characters to become familiar with.

Donna!

When you consider that South Korean A-listers Bae Suzy and Yang Se-jong are directing this specific drama adaption, it almost seems unthinkable that it will fail. While the latter assumes the character of Joon, a college student who is moving into his new flat, the former has been cast in the position of Doona herself. Doona is an ex-celebrity and is known as The Girl Downstairs. Which is also the name of the original webtoon. The fact that the two keep becoming caught up in each other’s lives as the mystery surrounding Doona’s existence is gradually revealed. This makes it abundantly evident that a romance is going to be the result of this situation.

When October 2023 rolls around, you’ll be able to watch Doona! on Netflix. You may read The Girl Downstairs on this site.

Study Group

Study Group is an adaptation of Shin Hyung-wook and Ryu Seung-yeon’s webcomic of the same name. The story follows Yoon Ga-min, who aspires to attend college and decides to start his own study group at Yusung Technical High School, also known as the “school for future criminals.” Yoon Ga-min takes it upon himself to organise the group. In spite of the fact that he seems somewhat hesitant, he turns out to be an excellent fighter, and he uses this ability to protect the people he cares about. Hwang Min-hyun, who has been progressively earning himself acting credits over the course of the past year with his popular roles for Alchemy of Souls. Also My Lovely Liar, has been chosen to play the role of Ga-min. Hwang Min-hyun is yet another actor-idol who is on the ascent.

A Good Day to be a Dog

The source narrative for the recently released film, See You in My 19th Life. It was written by Lee Hey. The premise of the film is that the protagonist, Ban Ji-eum, is someone who remembers all of her previous lives. The fantastical aspect that was derived from this film may be attributed to Lee Hey. If this is the case, then perhaps it is not surprising that Lee’s other successful webtoon. Which is titled A Good Day to be a Dog, has also earned itself a remake.

The romance-fantasy story focuses on Hana, a high school teacher. Who was born with a family curse that causes her to turn into a dog at night the minute she’s been kissed for the first time. The story has had more than ten million views on the Webtoon programme. The star power of its starring cast, which includes Cha Eun-woo. A heartthrob actor and idol, as well as Park Gyu-young. Who is known for her roles in Celebrity and Sweet Home. This is likely what makes this particular adaption one to look forward to.

Daily Dose of Sunshine

One of the most prominent actresses in South Korea, Park Bo-young. Known for her roles in Strong Girl Do Bong-soon and Doom at Your Service. This plays the part of mental nurse Jung Da-eun in the film Daily Dose of Sunshine. It is a webtoon by Lee Ra-ha that was translated into a drama called Morning Comes to Psychiatric Wards Too, which is a touching and instructive show about life in a psychiatric ward and the patients that live there. Although it will be directed by Lee Jae-gyu. Who is best known as the director of the film All of Us Are Dead. It is not yet clear whether or not the drama will adopt the offbeat concept of the webtoon. This is in which the other characters change into anthropomorphic animals.

The documentary Daily Dose of Sunshine is scheduled to debut on Netflix in November of 2023.

Secret Playlist

If you were a fan of the secret life that Hannah Montana used to lead back in the day. You might find that Secret Playlist is something that piques your interest. Song Han-joo, who is played by Kim Hyang-gi, appears to be a typical college student on the surface. Nevertheless, her alter ego on the internet is a music YouTuber by the name of PLII. She gets connected with Lee Do-gook (Shin Hye-seung), a member of a popular idol group. Who looks up to her and wants to cooperate with her. But he has no idea that she is actually his classmate in school. Lee Do-gook becomes interested in her after seeing her in a music video.

Cashero

Kim Hyang-gi, who plays Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist on Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist. It is currently in talks to feature with Lee Jun-ho, who has just finished filming King The Land on Netflix. This development suggests that 2019 will be an eventful year for Kim Hyang-gi. This particular adaption is based on the namesake webtoon Cashero. Which is a superhero-leaning alternative that follows the adventures of an average superhero. This named Kang Sang-woong as he tries to protect the people around him. The catch is… His abilities are proportional to the quantity of money he has on hand at any given time.

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