K-dramas adapted from Korean webtoons have become global hits, thanks to their visually rich storytelling, strong character arcs, and loyal fanbases. These adaptations successfully translate popular digital comics into emotionally engaging television series, often enhancing the original stories with stellar acting and high production value. From romance and slice-of-life to action and horror, webtoon-based K-dramas dominate streaming platforms worldwide. Below are the top 10 K-dramas based on Korean webtoons, ranked by popularity, viewership, and critical acclaim.
1. Itaewon Class (2020)
Adapted from the hit webtoon Itaewon Class, this revenge-driven K-drama stars Park Seo-joon and Kim Da-mi in a gritty yet inspiring story of ambition and resilience. After his father’s tragic death, an ex-convict challenges a powerful food conglomerate by building his own restaurant empire in Seoul’s Itaewon district. The drama stands out for its strong moral themes, diverse characters, and memorable OST. Praised for staying true to its webtoon roots while deepening emotional impact, Itaewon Class remains one of the most successful webtoon adaptations on Netflix.
2. True Beauty (2020–2021)
Based on the beloved webtoon True Beauty, this romantic comedy stars Moon Ga-young and Cha Eun-woo in a story about self-esteem, identity, and love. The drama follows a high school girl who becomes popular after mastering makeup, while hiding her bare face from everyone. A classic love triangle unfolds as she learns that true confidence goes beyond appearances. With its relatable themes, lighthearted humor, and faithful adaptation of iconic webtoon scenes, True Beauty became a massive hit among younger audiences and international K-drama fans on Viki.
3. Sweet Home (2020– )
Sweet Home is a dark, gripping adaptation of the webtoon of the same name, blending horror, thriller, and psychological drama. Starring Song Kang and Lee Jin-wook, the series follows apartment residents trapped inside a building as people begin transforming into monsters driven by their deepest desires. While expanding the original storyline for television, the drama preserves the webtoon’s unsettling atmosphere and moral questions about humanity. Known for its intense visuals, emotional depth, and global Netflix success, Sweet Home helped redefine horror storytelling in Korean dramas.
4. Extraordinary You (2019)
Inspired by the webtoon July Found by Chance, Extraordinary You offers a refreshing fantasy romance with a clever meta twist. Kim Hye-yoon stars as a high school student who realizes she’s a side character in a comic book and decides to rewrite her destined tragic storyline. Alongside Rowoon, the drama explores fate, free will, and first love in a visually stylized world that mirrors its webtoon origins. Its unique concept, emotional storytelling, and strong performances earned praise, making it a standout webtoon-based K-drama available on Netflix and Viki.
5. Yumi’s Cells (2021–2022)
Adapted from the wildly popular webtoon Yumi’s Cells, this slice-of-life rom-com stars Kim Go-eun as an ordinary office worker navigating love, work, and adulthood. What sets the drama apart is its creative blend of live action and animation, where Yumi’s inner brain cells represent her emotions and thoughts. Faithful to the webtoon’s humor and realism, the series resonates deeply with viewers for its honest portrayal of modern relationships. Praised for innovation and charm, Yumi’s Cells is a must-watch webtoon adaptation on Netflix.
6. My ID Is Gangnam Beauty (2018)
Based on the webtoon My ID Is Gangnam Beauty, this campus romance drama tackles beauty standards and self-worth in Korean society. Starring Cha Eun-woo and Im Soo-hyang, the story follows a college freshman who undergoes plastic surgery to escape bullying, only to face new challenges and judgments. The drama stays close to the webtoon’s core message while adding emotional depth through its characters. With relatable themes and heartfelt moments, My ID Is Gangnam Beauty remains a popular and meaningful webtoon-based K-drama on Viki and KOCOWA+.
7. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018)
Adapted from the webtoon What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, this iconic office rom-com stars Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young. The story centers on a narcissistic vice chairman whose perfectly competent secretary suddenly resigns, forcing him to confront hidden emotions and shared past trauma. Known for its witty dialogue, swoon-worthy chemistry, and faithful recreation of webtoon scenes, the drama became a global favorite. Its balance of comedy, romance, and emotional backstory makes it one of the most successful and rewatchable webtoon-based K-dramas on Netflix and Viki.
8. Doona! (2023)
Doona! is a romantic adaptation of the webtoon The Girl Downstairs, starring Bae Suzy and Yang Se-jong. The drama tells the story of a retired K-pop idol who forms an unexpected relationship with a college student while living in a shared house. Visually atmospheric and emotionally intimate, the series leans into quiet moments and character-driven storytelling. While expanding the original webtoon’s tone for television, Doona! captures the bittersweet nature of love and loneliness, making it a stylish and modern webtoon-based K-drama on Netflix.
9. All of Us Are Dead (2022)
Based on the webtoon Now at Our School, All of Us Are Dead is a high-intensity zombie survival drama set in a high school. Starring Park Ji-hu and Yoon Chan-young, the series follows students trapped during a viral outbreak that rapidly turns classmates into zombies. The drama expands on the webtoon with deeper emotional arcs, social commentary, and relentless pacing. Its mix of horror, friendship, and coming-of-age elements made it a global Netflix phenomenon, cementing its place among the most successful Korean webtoon adaptations ever made.
10. Taxi Driver (2021–2023)
Adapted from the webtoon The Deluxe Taxi, Taxi Driver is a revenge-driven action drama led by Lee Je-hoon. The story follows a secretive taxi service that delivers justice to victims failed by the legal system. Each case highlights real-world social issues, making the drama both thrilling and thought-provoking. While maintaining the webtoon’s episodic revenge structure, the series adds emotional weight and character development. With strong ratings and multiple seasons, Taxi Driver stands out as a powerful, socially relevant webtoon-based K-drama available on KOCOWA+.
Conclusion
Korean webtoon-based K-dramas continue to dominate global streaming platforms by blending visually rich storytelling with emotionally powerful narratives. From romance hits like True Beauty to action-packed series such as Taxi Driver, these adaptations stay true to their webtoon roots while elevating stories for television audiences. Whether you love rom-coms, thrillers, or fantasy, this list of the best K-dramas based on Korean webtoons offers binge-worthy recommendations that showcase why webtoon adaptations remain a driving force in Hallyu entertainment.
Webtoon-Based K-Dramas Summary
| Rank | K-Drama (Year) | Webtoon Origin | Main Genre | Lead Cast | Streaming Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Itaewon Class (2020) | Itaewon Class | Revenge, Drama | Park Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi | Netflix |
| 2 | True Beauty (2020–2021) | True Beauty | Romance, Comedy | Moon Ga-young, Cha Eun-woo | Viki |
| 3 | Sweet Home (2020– ) | Sweet Home | Horror, Thriller | Song Kang, Lee Jin-wook | Netflix |
| 4 | Extraordinary You (2019) | July Found by Chance | Fantasy, Romance | Kim Hye-yoon, Rowoon | Netflix, Viki |
| 5 | Yumi’s Cells (2021–2022) | Yumi’s Cells | Slice of Life, Rom-Com | Kim Go-eun, Ahn Bo-hyun | Netflix |
| 6 | My ID Is Gangnam Beauty (2018) | My ID Is Gangnam Beauty | Romance, Drama | Cha Eun-woo, Im Soo-hyang | KOCOWA+, Viki |
| 7 | What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018) | What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim | Office Rom-Com | Park Seo-joon, Park Min-young | Netflix, Viki |
| 8 | Doona! (2023) | The Girl Downstairs | Romance | Bae Suzy, Yang Se-jong | Netflix |
| 9 | All of Us Are Dead (2022) | Now at Our School | Zombie, Thriller | Park Ji-hu, Yoon Chan-young | Netflix |
| 10 | Taxi Driver (2021–2023) | The Deluxe Taxi | Action, Revenge | Lee Je-hoon | KOCOWA+ |
