Webtoons and web novels are a source of inspiration. K-dramas (Korean dramas) adapted from webtoons have become a sensational trend in the world of entertainment. These adaptations bring a fresh and thrilling experience to audiences worldwide. Some Korean dramas closely follow the source while others only use limited narrative.

1. True Beauty

“True Beauty” is a South Korean romantic comedy-drama that aired in 2020-2021, based on the webtoon of the same name written and illustrated by Yaongyi.

Lim Ju-kyung is a high school student who struggles with low self-esteem due to her appearance. After being relentlessly bullied for her looks, she learns the art of makeup, transforming herself into a stunning beauty. Ju-kyung’s transformation helps her to gain popularity, but she becomes terrified that her secret will be exposed.

She catches the attention of two boys: Lee Su-ho, a popular and mysterious student who also has a troubled past, and Han Seo-jun, a rebellious yet caring guy. She gets stuck in a love triangle where both the boys see her as her true self.

True Beauty is a heartwarming journey that blends humor, romance, family love and heartfelt moments, tackling the realities of self-image and the importance of being genuine.

2. What’s wrong with Secretary Kim

Written by Jung Kyung-Yoon, “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” was originally a web novel published in 2014 on Kakao Page. It was adapted into a webtoon comic in 2015 by KakaoPage in 2015.

What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is a South Korean romantic comedy-drama that aired in 2018. It tells the story of the charming, yet narcissistic, Vice Chairman Lee Young-joon and his highly capable secretary, Kim Mi-so. Young-Joon has relied on Mi-so for the past nine years to manage his professional and personal life.

Their story begins when Mi-so suddenly announces her resignation, leaving Young-joon stunned and struggling to cope without her. He realizes his dependence on her, not only for work but also emotionally. As Young-Joon tries to convince Mi-so to stay, the two uncover their long-hidden feelings, and the professional relationship evolves into a romantic one.

What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is a delightful journey of romance, comedy, banter, and drama. It highlights personal growth and the power of love in overcoming past trauma. It is a charming exploration of how two individuals with opposite personalities can find common ground and healing through their connection.

This adaptation was highly successful and viewers loved the actors’ casting and main characters’ chemistry.

3. My roommate is a Gumiho

“My Roommate Is a Gumiho” is a charming mix of fantasy, humor, and romance. It is a South Korean drama adapted from a webtoon written by “Naong” and illustrated by “Yeongbi” that aired in 2021.

Lee Dam (played by Hyeri), a college student’s life takes an unexpected turn after a fateful encounter with Shin Woo Yeo (played by Jang Ki Yong), a 999-year-old gumiho (nine-tailed fox) living as a human. To become fully human, Woo Yeo is on a quest to collect human energy by absorbing a person’s energy into a jade bead in his stomach.

Lee Dam and Woo Yeo are forced to become roommates when she accidentally swallows the jade bead. The two decide to live together under one roof until Woo Yeo can safely retrieve it, preventing her from dying in the process. While navigating this unusual living situation, the two characters develop a unique bond.

Lee Dam, who is initially reluctant to live with Woo Yeo, begins to see a different side of him as they spend more time together, leading to sparks of attraction. However, their developing feelings are complicated by the supernatural elements and the danger that comes with it.

The series explores themes of love, trust, sacrifice, and the importance of family and friendship. My Roommate is a Gumiho that captured the hearts of viewers, offering a lovely mix of fantasy and romance.

4. My ID Is Gangnam Beauty

“My ID is Gangnam Beauty” is a South Korean television drama based on the popular webtoon of the same name written and illustrated by Ki Maeng-gi.

The story follows a young woman named Kang Mi-rae, who, after being bullied for her looks throughout her childhood, undergoes plastic surgery to fit the beauty standards of Gangnam, a district in Seoul. Once she enters college, she hopes to lead a more confident life, but her new face doesn’t solve all her problems.

Despite her new appearance, Mi-rae still struggles with her self-esteem and faces prejudice from others. Kyung-seok (Cha Eun Woo), a student with a complex past, initially looks down on Mi-rae for her superficial transformation.

However, as he gets to know her, her inner strength wins his heart slowly but surely. Both characters navigate the complexities of beauty, self-worth, and identity.

My ID is Gangnam Beauty captures the struggles and emotional growth of its characters in a world that places immense value on physical appearance. It teaches valuable lessons about loving oneself and accepting others for who they truly are.

5. A Business Proposal

“A Business Proposal” is a popular South Korean romantic comedy series. It is based on the manhwa of the same title written by Haehwa and illustrated by Narak.

Shin Ha-ri agrees to go on a blind date in place of her wealthy and beautiful friend, Jin Young-seo, to reject a potential suitor on her behalf. However, things take an unexpected turn when the suitor turns out to be none other than her CEO, Kang Tae-moo, a charming but workaholic businessman.

Despite Hari’s efforts to vixen him, Tae-moo proposes a fake relationship, urging Ha-ri to pretend to be his girlfriend to satisfy his grandfather’s wishes. As their fake romance progresses, the two begin to develop genuine feelings for each other. Along the way, Ha-ri tries to maintain her cover while dealing with the challenges of her feelings for Tae-moo.

Filled with delightful twists, romantic tension, and humorous moments, A Business Proposal keeps the audience entertained with charming characters, an engaging storyline, and chemistry between the leads.

6. Memorist

“Memorist” is a South Korean mystery thriller that blends crime-solving with supernatural elements, based on the popular webtoon of the same name.

The story follows Dong Baek (played by Yoo Seung-ho), a detective who possesses an extraordinary ability to read people’s memories simply by touching them. His gift allows him to solve cases quickly, but it also comes with its challenges, as he is constantly burdened by the emotional weight of the memories he encounters.

The drama takes a darker turn when Dong Baek is tasked with investigating a series of gruesome murders that seem connected to his past. While investigating the case, he encounters a mysterious figure, the killer, who always seems to be one step ahead of him. He partners with Sun-mi (played by Lee Se-young), who is also on the same case to uncover the truth.

Memorist offers a unique take on the crime and mystery genre, exploring themes of memory, superstitions, blind faith and morality.

7. Weak Hero Class

“Weak Hero Class 1” is a gripping South Korean drama that delves into the world of high school violence, bullying, personal struggle, and resilience. Based on the webtoon of the same name, the series centers around Yeon Si-Eun (Choi Hyun-wook), a seemingly quiet and model student at his high school.

Yeon Si-eun appears weak and vulnerable, but with his sharp wits and psychological skills he fights his bullies without cowering. He becomes entangled with a group of powerful students who engage in violent confrontations and power struggles.

The drama explores themes of power, bullying, friendship, betrayal, inferiority complex and self-identity. Weak Hero Class 1 is a mix of intense action with heartwarming and tear-jerking moments.

8. All of Us Are Dead

“All of Us Are Dead” is a South Korean zombie apocalypse drama portraying a nerve-wracking ride where a high school is overrun by the undead.

The series, based on the webtoon Now at Our School, follows a group of students trapped in their school as a mysterious virus rapidly spreads, turning people into bloodthirsty zombies. With the school surrounded and communication cut off, the students must rely on their wits, survival instincts, and teamwork to navigate a world of horror.

As the outbreak accelerates, friendships are tested, and characters are forced to make difficult choices for their survival.

The show explores themes of humanity, sacrifice, and the collapse of social order in a terrifying new world. Alongside the intense action and terrifying zombies, the drama also shows the emotional struggles of the characters, offering moments of hope, grief, and resilience.

9. Sweet Home

“Sweet Home” is a South Korean horror series that takes place in a terrifying world where humanity faces a monstrous apocalypse.

A group of residents are trapped in an apartment complex as a mysterious phenomenon begins to transform people into monsters. These creatures begin to terrorize the world, forcing the survivors to fight for their lives collectively.

Cha Hyun ( main character) is a troubled teenager who moves into the apartment after the tragic loss of his family. He somehow fights the monster in himself and retains his humanity.

Sweet Home is not just about the physical fight against horrific creatures; it also explores themes of isolation, trauma, and the darker sides of human nature in extreme circumstances.

10. Nevertheless

Based on the webtoon “I Know But”, the drama focuses on Yoo Na-bi, a young woman who has been hurt by love in the past and is wary of committing to a relationship. Despite her hesitance, she becomes entangled with Park Jae-eon, a charming and mysterious man who is known for his casual approach to romance and his reluctance to commit.

As their story continues, Na-bi grapples with her feelings for Jae-eon. When he begins to show deeper emotions, she questions whether she can truly avoid falling for him.

The series pokes into the emotional rollercoaster of modern relationships, presenting the essence of self-discovery, vulnerability, and the blurred lines between love and attraction.