π Webtoons
Webtoons That Became Famous K-Dramas
Loved the drama? Read the original webtoon. Here are 8 beloved K-dramas that started as Korean webtoons β and whether the drama or the source material is better.
π¬
Some of the most beloved K-dramas of recent years didn't start as screenplays β they started as webtoons. Korean publishers have become incredibly sophisticated at adapting webtoons for television, and the results have been spectacular.
If you've watched one of these dramas and loved it, the webtoon almost always has more story, more depth, and more of the characters you fell in love with. Here's your guide to the best drama-webtoon pairs.
π± Where to read these webtoons
Most are available in English on the Webtoon app (free with ads) or Tapas. Some premium chapters require "coins" to unlock early. All are readable on iOS and Android.
The 8 best webtoon-to-drama adaptations
A girl who masters makeup to hide her insecurities becomes the most beautiful girl at school. Two boys fall for her β one who sees only her made-up face, one who knows her real one.
π¬ The Drama
Moon Ga-young and Cha Eun-woo have incredible chemistry. Production is gorgeous. Ending is more satisfying than the webtoon's.
π The Webtoon
Much longer story with more character development. The main leads' relationship is more complex and emotionally detailed.
Verdict: Watch the drama first, then read the webtoon for more story. Both are excellent.
A young man sets up a small bar in Itaewon to take revenge on the food industry giant that destroyed his family. Ambition, loyalty, and slow-burn romance.
π¬ The Drama
Park Seo-joon's performance is magnetic. The drama adds emotional depth to supporting characters. Extremely satisfying ending.
π The Webtoon
The webtoon ending differs significantly. Some fans prefer it. The business strategy elements are more detailed in the original.
Verdict: The drama is one of the best adaptations ever. Read the webtoon after to see the original ending.
Residents of an apartment building must survive as people around them begin transforming into monsters β their greatest desires manifesting as grotesque creatures.
π¬ The Drama
Netflix production. Incredible creature effects and action sequences. Strong cast. Deviates significantly from the webtoon's ending.
π The Webtoon
Darker, more psychologically complex. The main character's journey is more developed. Many fans consider the webtoon superior.
Verdict: Read the webtoon first β the drama changes too much. But both are worth experiencing.
A college girl tries to figure out if the perfect senior paying attention to her is genuinely kind or deeply dangerous. Psychological romance thriller.
π¬ The Drama
Park Hae-jin is perfect casting. However, the drama's ending disappointed many fans due to behind-the-scenes production issues.
π The Webtoon
The definitive version. The webtoon's ending is far more satisfying. Much more psychological depth throughout.
Verdict: Read the webtoon. The drama is good but the webtoon is better in almost every way.
A girl realises she's a character in a manhwa (Korean comic) and tries to change her predetermined fate β and falls for a background character who shouldn't even have a name.
π¬ The Drama
One of the most creative premises in K-drama history. Beautifully executed. The drama adds depth to the romance.
π The Webtoon
More concise. The meta-storytelling concept is equally well executed. Read alongside the drama for the full experience.
Verdict: Both are excellent and complement each other perfectly. Watch and read together.
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