Korean dramas adapted from webtoons perfectly blend vivid storytelling with complex characters. They capture the hearts of global audiences. Webtoon-based dramas have unique stories. They explore themes and characters beyond the usual structure. Here, we’ve compiled the top 15 Korean dramas based on webtoons that are worth adding to your watchlist.

Itaewon Class (2020)

Adapted from Gwang Jin’s webtoon, Itaewon Class follows Park Sae-ro-yi. He is a young man seeking revenge on a corrupt food company. He hopes to succeed in the competitive streets of Itaewon, through his bar, DanBam. It will challenge traditional norms.

This drama explores ambition and resilience. It tackles social issues. It combines drama with personal growth.

True Beauty (2020-2021)

Based on Yaongyi’s webtoon, True Beauty is about Lim Ju-kyung, a high school girl who uses makeup to transform herself. Her journey with beauty standards, bullying, and self-acceptance is a classic love triangle.

The series provides a lighthearted but insightful look into self-esteem issues among teens.

Sweet Home (2020)

Adapted from a webtoon by Kim Kan-bi and Hwang Young-chan, Sweet Home is a horror-thriller. It follows Cha Hyun-soo, a teenager who moves to an apartment and must fight monstrous humans. It’s a unique take on survival and humanity in extreme situations.

This series is a thrilling journey that dives into psychological horror, appealing to fans of both action and suspense.

What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018)

This drama, based on Jung Kyung-yoon’s webtoon, is about a quirky romance. It is between an arrogant CEO, Lee Young-joon, and his capable secretary, Kim Mi-so. After nine years, she decides to quit.

This light romance is funny and heartwarming. It explores self-worth and love.

The Uncanny Counter (2020-2021)

Adapted from Jang Yi’s Amazing Rumor, The Uncanny Counter tells of a group of demon-hunters, called “Counters.” They have special abilities and disguise themselves as noodle restaurant employees by day.

This drama combines fantasy and justice. It has supernatural elements and thrilling action.

Love Alarm (2019-2021)

Love Alarm is based on the webtoon by Chon Kye-young. In a society where a mobile app alerts users if someone within 10 meters loves them, the show explores love’s complexities in the digital age.

This drama’s intriguing concept dives into modern romance, social pressure, and the impact of technology.

Navillera

Navillera, adapted from a webtoon by HUN and Ji-min, follows a 70-year-old retiree. He pursues his lifelong dream of ballet. A struggling young dancer helps him realize that dream.

This drama is a poignant tale about dreams, passion, and intergenerational friendship.

My ID is Gangnam Beauty (2018)

This drama, based on Gi Maeng-gi’s webtoon, focuses on Kang Mi-rae. She has plastic surgery to escape bullying, but faces new struggles in college. Through her journey, she learns self-acceptance and confidence.

It explores beauty standards and self-esteem. Many viewers will relate to it.

D.P. (2021)

D.P. is adapted from the webtoon Deserter Pursuit by Kim Bo-tong. The series shows the harsh realities of South Korea’s mandatory military service as two soldiers hunt deserters.

This realistic portrayal of military life offers a rare and unfiltered view into societal issues in South Korea.

Mystic Pop-up Bar (2020)

This fantasy drama, based on Bae Hye-soo’s webtoon, follows a 500-year-old woman. She runs a mysterious pop-up bar that helps people resolve grudges through dream therapy.

The blend of comedy, fantasy, and healing themes makes this drama an emotionally fulfilling watch.

Cheese in the Trap (2016)

Based on Soonkki’s webtoon, Cheese in the Trap follows university student Hong Seol and her complex relationship with the mysterious Yoo Jung. It explores the subtle struggles of student life and social relationships.

This drama’s relatable characters and intricate exploration of social dynamics keep viewers hooked.

Rugal (2020)

Rugal, based on Rilmae’s webtoon, follows a cop. He loses his family and sight. A biotech group gives him superhuman abilities. He embarks on a mission to bring down a powerful organization responsible for his tragedy.

With action-packed sequences and a strong revenge plot, this show keeps you on edge.

Hellbound (2021)

Hellbound is adapted from Yeon Sang-ho’s webtoon. The series follows the chaos that ensues when supernatural beings appear and condemn people to hell. This sparks mass hysteria and a cult-like following.

The show explores psychology and social phenomena. It has a thought-provoking story.

Yumi’s Cells (2021-2022)

Yumi’s Cells, based on Lee Dong-geun’s webtoon, follows an ordinary office worker, Yumi. Her animated “cells,” which represent her emotions, narrate her daily life. These emotions include love, logic, and anxiety.

Its unique blend of animation and live-action brings an innovative and charming approach to storytelling.

To the Beautiful You (2012)

To the Beautiful You, based on the manga Hana-Kimi, tells of a girl who disguises herself as a boy to attend an all-boys school. She is motivated by a high jumper she admires.

This drama explores themes of identity and young love, set in a high school environment full of warmth and humor.