Are you a fan of both webtoons and K-Dramas? You might be surprised to know that many of your favorite K-Dramas are actually based on popular webtoons—and you may have already watched and loved some without even realizing it!
For those who don’t know, a webtoon is a type of digital comic that originated in South Korea. Known for its vertical scroll format, colorful art style, and addictive storylines, webtoons have become a huge part of Korean pop culture. Over the years, many of them have been adapted into K-Dramas, bringing characters and stories to life in the most exciting way. If you’re looking for new dramas to binge-watch, check out this must-watch list, all available on KOCOWA+!
“Weak Hero Class 1“
One of the best K-Dramas to exist, which is loved by many, is Park Ji Hoon and Choi Hyun Wook’s school action drama “Weak Hero Class 1.” It’s the kind of show that will make you feel how time passes by because of how good it is. This is based on a 2018 popular webtoon called “Weak Hero” by Seopass and illustrated by Kim Jin Seok (Razen) and serves as a prequel to the original series.
What makes this drama so addictive is its raw and intense portrayal of school violence, friendship, and survival. Park Ji Hoon proves he’s more than just an idol with his powerful performance as Yeon Si Eun, a quiet but smart student who learns to fight back. The action is brutal yet realistic, and the emotional depth makes you root for the characters even more. It’s not just about bullies—it’s a heartfelt story of pain, strength, and finding comfort in unexpected friendships.
“Crushology 101“
A fun campus romcom K-drama based on a webtoon to watch is Roh Jeong Eui and Lee Chae Min’s “Crushology 101“! This one is perfect for those wanting to watch something that will make you feel giddy and make your heart flutter, and it features not just one or two but four male leads! It is based on the popular webtoon Barney and Oppas written by Ni Eun.
This drama has everything we love about college dramas: a bubbly and relatable female lead, a cold-but-sweet male lead, quirky classmates, and not one, but four potential love interests! With its vibrant visuals, cute love square, and laugh-out-loud moments, this drama feels just like reading a colorful webtoon coming to life!
“My ID Is Gangnam Beauty“
To those who can’t get enough of Cha Eun Woo, did you know that aside from “True Beauty,” Eun Woo has been doing K-Drama adaptations of popular webtoons, and we know that he’s perfect for it, as his visuals are straight out of a webtoon. “My ID Is Gangnam Beauty,” which stars him and Im Soo Hyang, is based on the webtoon of the same name!
The series touches on issues of beauty standards, plastic surgery, and self-worth, which makes it more than your usual campus romance. The story follows a girl who undergoes plastic surgery and struggles with how people perceive her, while the male lead stays by her side with quiet strength and emotional maturity. Their natural chemistry made us root for this couple even more!
“The Law Cafe“
Want to have something fun mixed with a slice of life and law? This drama is perfect for you! “The Law Cafe,” starring Lee Seung Gi and Lee Se Young, is a one-of-a-kind drama that a lot of younger people would enjoy: it centers on a cafe that provides legal services for the price of one cup of coffee! This series is based on the popular web novel ‘Love According to the Law’ by Noh Seung Ah.
The charm of this drama lies in its cozy, heartwarming vibe and the intense chemistry between the leads. Their banter, chemistry, and growing romance give us all the best K-Drama tropes—from academic rivals to enemies-to-lovers. Plus, each episode features different legal cases that bring both heart and humor to the story.
“Extra-ordinary You“
I bet you didn’t know that the ultimate high school romcom “Extra-ordinary You” is based on a popular webtoon! A lot of us experienced the Eoharu phase a few years ago because of this drama, which had a unique concept and features, rising actors and actresses, which made it such a whole new K-Drama experience. It is based on a webtoon called “July Found by Chance,” by Moo Ryu Yee.
What sets Extraordinary You apart is its creative storyline: a high school girl who realizes she’s just an extra character in a comic book and decides to change her fate. Kim Hye Yoon shines as the determined lead, while Rowoon‘s mysterious character, Haru, gives us some of the most iconic swoon-worthy moments in K-Drama history. This drama mixes comedy, romance, fantasy, and even some existential questions, making it a refreshing and emotional ride from start to finish!
A New Webtoon-Based K-Drama Is Premiering This Month
If you’re looking for something brand new and totally different, get ready for “The Defects“—a survival action thriller based on the webtoon Child Shopping by Eum Se Yun!
Starring Yum Jung Ah, along with Won Jin A, Choi Young Joon, and Dex, this drama tells the story of genetically engineered children who are illegally adopted and raised as weapons. With its dark, dystopian world and emotionally intense plot, “The Defects” brings something completely new to the K-Drama scene. It’s a chilling take on survival and power that’s rarely explored in Korean television—and it’s definitely one to add to your watchlist!
Whether you’re into romance, action, legal drama, or fantasy, webtoon-based K-Dramas have something for everyone. And the best part? You can binge all of these amazing series on KOCOWA+ with subtitles and streaming quality that brings every scene to life!
