As K-drama fans, did you know that many of the dramas we love are actually based on webtoons? For those unfamiliar with the term, a webtoon is a type of digital comic that originated in South Korea, typically designed to be read on smartphones. You might be surprised to learn that some of your favorite K-dramas were inspired by these webtoons. Let’s dive into a few of them!
“Clean With Passion For Now“
The latest K-drama on KOCOWA+, starring Yoon Kyun Sang and Kim Yoo Jung, is based on the popular webtoon of the same name. The drama centers around a germaphobic CEO of a cleaning company and a carefree woman who isn’t bothered by messy surroundings. This romantic comedy shows how two people with completely different lifestyles learn to understand each other, leading to an unlikely romance. The “Clean With Passion For Now” webtoon has a comedic and humorous tone, and the drama stays true to this, making it just as enjoyable as the webtoon!
“My ID Is Gangnam Beauty”
Yes, you guessed it right—Im Soo Hyang and Cha Eun Woo’s romantic K-drama “My ID Is Gangnam Beauty” is also based on a popular webtoon of the same name! The drama follows a young woman who undergoes plastic surgery to escape the bullying she has endured since childhood and a handsome, popular student who values inner beauty above all. Thanks to the popularity of both the drama and the webtoon, “My ID Is Gangnam Beauty” sparked discussions about the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards and how it affects people physically, mentally, and emotionally. Its honest portrayal of these issues resonated with many viewers who face similar challenges in their daily lives.
“The Law Cafe”
The 2022 rom-com drama “The Law Cafe,” starring Lee Seung Gi and Lee Se Young, is adapted from the popular web novel ‘Love According to the Law.’ The story revolves around a former prosecutor turned landlord and an eccentric lawyer who opens a law firm that accepts only a cup of coffee as payment. The drama is loved for its unique and timely legal stories, mixed with heartwarming comedic moments shared by the community. It’s also known for the incredible chemistry between the leads, showcasing a lighthearted romance between two academic rivals who were also each other’s first love. After many years, they meet again as landlord and tenant, bringing both nostalgia and fresh feelings to their relationship!
“Joseon Attorney: A Morality”
Woo Do Hwan and WJSN Bona’s historical legal drama “Joseon Attorney: A Morality” is adapted from the webtoon ‘Joseon Lawyer.’ The story features a clever and chaotic attorney and a princess who cares deeply for her people. While legal dramas are common, it’s not every day you see one set in a historical context, giving viewers a glimpse into what courtroom drama might have looked like during the Joseon era. The show is particularly engaging due to the different cases connected to the main character’s quest for revenge, making it a well-written drama with all the pieces fitting together seamlessly. The adaptation captures the essence of the original webtoon, making it satisfying to see how it translates into live action.
“Weak Hero Class 1”
One of the best dramas of 2022, “Weak Hero Class 1,” starring Park Ji Hoon and Choi Hyun Wook, is also adapted from the webtoon ‘Weak Hero.’ The story centers on a quiet but intelligent student who uses his wits to fight against school violence. With only eight episodes, the drama delivers a compelling narrative about how the main character stands up for himself without relying on physical strength. Both the drama and the webtoon are praised for their intense action scenes, strong performances, and the way they tackle the issue of school bullying, a problem that remains relevant today. The success of the first season has led to the announcement of a highly anticipated second season!
“Taxi Driver”
One of the best K-dramas ever, “Taxi Driver,” is based on the webtoon ‘The Deluxe Taxi.’ This action-packed and timely drama follows the Rainbow Taxi Company, a group of individuals who take revenge on behalf of those who can’t be protected by the law. What makes this drama so compelling is the satisfying, well-crafted revenge plots that vary depending on the crime committed by the perpetrators. Many of the cases featured in the drama are inspired by real events, shedding light on issues where the offenders didn’t receive the justice they deserved, often only serving short prison sentences. The drama does a fantastic job of adapting the webtoon’s unique stories, making it a must-watch webtoon-based K-drama.
“Extra-ordinary You”
One of the coolest webtoon-based K-dramas is “Extra-ordinary You,” starring Kim Hye Yoon and Rowoon, inspired by the webtoon ‘July Found by Chance.’ This drama takes a unique approach by being a webtoon about a webtoon, where the main character discovers she’s just a minor character in a story destined to die soon. With the help of an extra character, she tries to change her fate and take control of her story, only to realize that it’s hard to fight destiny. This drama stands out for its creative concept and the perfect blend of romance, fantasy, and comedy, making it an enjoyable watch from start to finish.
Watch and Read Them on KOCOWA+!
Which of these dramas is your favorite? You can catch all these webtoon-based K-dramas on KOCOWA+. If you’re interested in reading webtoons based on popular K-dramas, “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo” and “My Dearest” webcomics are also now available on the KOCOWA+!
