For those unfamiliar with webcomics, they are basically online comic books. Authors/illustrators publish a chapter a week, and millions of readers subscribe to these weekly updates.
Some of the most famous Korean dramas are based on webcomics/manga, including Palace, Full House, Itaewon Class, and most recently Rumors of Wonder and Goddess Coming. This type of TV series is really unstoppable because it's almost always destined to be loved by the masses Here are 11 Korean dramas that you may not know are based on webcomics.
1. "Good Luck Romance"
Good Luck Romance is based on a webcomic. It was released on February 15, 2014 and runs until November 22, 2014. The webcomic was adapted into a Korean drama written by Choi Yoon-joo, which was released on May 25, 2016.
Starring Yoo Joon-yeol and Huang Zhengyin, the series involves a woman named Shen Baoni (played by Huang Zhengyin) who works hard to help support her little sister's hospital expenses. She meets Qi Xiuhao (played by Yoo Joon-yeol), a genius who is the owner of a game company. Despite their differences, the two eventually fell in love.
2. Props
South Korea's MBC's Props is based on an original webcomic. This web animation film has been a success for its fantasy and thriller themes. The first chapter of the webcomic was first published in March 2017, and the show was released on February 11, 2019. The drama starred Chu Ji-hoon and Chen Shiyan.
The story tells the story of a hot prosecutor named Jiang Kun (Zhu Zhixun) who risks his life to find out the truth about a special item that exhibits superpowers. Zhu Zhixun's portrayal of Jiang Kun, who is strong-willed but kind-hearted, is very memorable.
3. "Her Private Life"
"Her Private Life" is a pop drama starring Kim Jae-woo and Park Min-young. While it was quite successful, many were surprised to learn that it was based on a novel written by Kim Sung-yeon in 2017. Due to the novel's success, it was later adapted into a webcomic in 2019 (written by Jeon Hye-jin and illustrated by Kim Jin-hee). With the combined success of novels and webcomics, it's no surprise that this has been adapted into a Korean drama!
4. "A Day of Accidental Discovery"
The Korean drama "A Day of Accidental Discovery" tells the story of a world in a comic book, where a supporting character named Yin Duanwu (played by Kim Hye-woo) breaks through the fourth wall. She begins to realize her place in the comic book and is desperate to change her destiny.
The TV series is based on a webcomic written by Takeyanagi and was originally titled "July of Accidental Discovery". It was first published in January 2018 and the Korean drama aired on October 2, 2019.
5. "Do You Have Dinner Together"
The healing drama "Do You Have Dinner Together" features Song Chengxian as a psychologist, while Xu Zhizhi works for a media company. The two met by chance and decided to eat together regularly to discuss anything that was going on in life.
The TV series is based on a webcomic created by Park Seok-jin and titled "Would You Like to Eat Together?" The webcomic was released in 2013 and the show aired on May 25, 2020. It's a simple but refreshing concept that has won over readers.
6. City Hunter
City Hunter was a big success in South Korea because it starred Lee Min-ho and Park Min-young. And, while it's not based on webcomics, one might be surprised to know that the series is based on a very successful Japanese manga series. It was developed into an animated series, a movie, a video game, and eventually became a Korean drama.
This Korean drama premiered on May 25, 2011, and has been very successful not only in South Korea, but also in Europe. It made Lee a household name in Europe, where he remains beloved.
7. "Shuangjia Roadside Stall"
Starring Huang Zhengyin, Lu Xingcai and Choi Won-young, The Three of them try to heal any kind of baggage in other people's lives; this includes revenge on their behalf. The show is based on a webcomic written by Bae Hye-so, which was published on June 1, 2016.
The TV series doesn't look like it, but it contains all sorts of elements, including action, love, revenge, fantasy — you name it all! It's really no wonder this webcomic (and TV series) was a success.
8. "Let's Clean Up Enthusiastically"
"Clean Up Enthusiastically First" is played by Kim Yu-jeong, a girl who doesn't care much about cleanliness, while Yoon Jun-sang is a wealthy CEO with self-phobia. The two have conflicting personalities, but they can rely on each other, which makes them fall in love.
The tv series is based on Aengo's webcomic. Both the TV series and the webcomic are delightful because it is a life story with plenty of comedic elements and romance. They did a great job of choosing the two main characters and summed up the feelings of the characters in the webcomics. Their charm and chemistry radiate from the small screen.
9. "Model Taxi"
Model Taxi is one of the newer Webcomica-based Korean dramas on this list. It's played by Lee T-hoon, Kim Do-ki, a model taxi whose job is to avenge the oppressed. The TV series is based on a webcomic written by Carlos and illustrated by Lee Jae-jin.
The show is full of action and fight scenes, which makes people very excited to watch. This webcomic also has a sly and dark feel, and is entertaining despite not being able to see movement in motion. This is clear proof of how talented its makers are.
10. "Unborn"
"Unborn" starred Ren Shiquan, Li Xingmin and Jiang Sura, who played ordinary office workers who coped with all the suffering and responsibility in the process of trying to maintain their work.
The webcomic was created by Yoon Tae-ho, and people were thrilled to hear that it would be made into a Korean-drama series because he was able to present this ordinary part of life in a humorous and amiable way. The show took the country by storm because it was able to describe the hardships and successes of ordinary professionals in real life.
11. "Fly Like a Butterfly"
Fly Like a Butterfly is a healing drama starring Song Jiang, Park In-hwan and Luo Wenji. It tells the story of a 70-year-old retired postman, Deok Chu (played by Park In-hwan), who has always aspired to become a star. He meets Cai Lu (played by Song Kang), an aspiring star who has experienced many difficulties in life.
Also titled Fly Like a Butterfly, the webcomic was released in 2017 and was quickly selected as a TV series. It officially aired on March 22, 2021 and received a positive response
Which of the above 11 Korean dramas based on webcomics is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!