South Korea’s webtoon phenomenon continues to dominate the entertainment landscape, seamlessly transitioning from digital pages to the small screen. These vibrant and visually dynamic stories have become a rich source of inspiration for K-Drama creators, thanks to their compelling characters, imaginative plots, and striking artwork.
Over the years, adaptations such as “Business Proposal,” “Sweet Home,” “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?,” “True Beauty,” and “All of Us Are Dead” have not only captivated domestic audiences but also achieved international acclaim, cementing their status as global hits. These webtoon-based dramas highlight the versatility and depth that webtoons bring to television storytelling, bridging the gap between graphic literature and live-action performance.
2024 offered an exciting range of webtoon-based series; there’s something for everyone—from heartwarming romances to nail-biting thrillers.
When the Phone Rings
Available on Netflix, “When the Phone Rings” follows the story of Baek Sa-eon, the youngest presidential spokesperson, and his wife Hong Hee-joo, a sign language interpreter. When they receive a threatening phone call, it changes their marriage in unexpected ways. Adapted from the webtoon of the same name, this ongoing drama mixes suspense with emotional depth.
Lovely Runner
“Lovely Runner” quickly became one of the year’s biggest hits. This romantic fantasy drama, based on the webtoon of the same name, tells the story of Im Sol, who travels through time to save her idol, Ryu Sun-jae. The chemistry between the leads and the exciting time-travel twists have captivated audiences worldwide.
Marry My Husband
“Marry My Husband” is another webtoon-based time-travel drama making waves in 2024. It follows Ji-won, who is tragically killed by her husband and goes back in time. Now armed with the knowledge of her future, she sets out to change the course of her life and exact revenge on those who betrayed her.
Love Song for Illusion
Park Ji-hoon is known for acting in many webtoon-based K-dramas. His 2024 drama “Love Song for Illusion” is based on a Naver webtoon of the same name. He plays a crown prince with dual personalities, while his assassin-turned-concubine embarks on a quest for revenge—only to lose her memory.
Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born
“Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born” is a period musical drama that is based on a Naver webtoon of the same Korean title. The story is about Jeong Nyeon, a Mokpo girl with no money or education but an incredible singing talent. With dreams of joining a women’s Gukguek theater company, she embarks on a journey to achieve stardom against all odds.
Cinderella At 2AM
“Cinderella At 2AM” is another webtoon adaptation series of the year that hooked K-drama fans. The story revolves around Ha Yoon-seo, a manager, and Seo Joo-won, a younger new employee who happens to be a third-generation chaebol. Their relationship grows as they navigate romantic tension and hidden secrets.
Wedding Impossible
Based on the webtoon of the same name, “Wedding Impossible” follows a struggling actress, Na Ah Jeong, who enters into a contractual marriage with her friend Lee Do-han, heir to the chaebol LJ Group. Complications arise when Do-han’s ambitious younger brother Lee Ji-han opposes their arrangement.
Pyramid Game
“Pyramid Game” is a psychological thriller survival mystery drama based on the Naver webtoon of the same name. It follows the transfer student Seong Soo-ji, who falls to the bottom of the class and becomes the target of bullying. Determined to end the cruel “pyramid game,” she fights to rise to the top and take control of her fate.
A Killer Paradox
Naver webtoon-based crime thriller drama “A Killer Paradox” revolves around Lee Tang, an ordinary college student who accidentally kills a serial killer and realises he has the ability to recognise evil people, which leads to one murder after another, and he finds himself in an endless cat-and-mouse chase with a shrewd detective, Nan-gam.
Light Shop
“Light Shop” is an ongoing mystery horror K-drama series based on the webtoon of the same name that stars an ensemble cast. The story follows a man who runs a small light shop that seems ordinary but is different. The store is visited by dead spirits, some who are between life and death, and they have their own stories.
2024 was an exciting year for K-Drama fans, especially for those who love webtoon adaptations. Comment on your favorite webtoon-based series of the past year!
