What do Itaewon Class, Sweet Home, and True Beauty have in common? They're all gripping K-dramas based on Korean webtoons that exploded in popularity — both on screen and on page.
In recent years, webtoon-based dramas have become some of the most beloved and successful Korean exports. These adaptations bring powerful visuals, established fanbases, and emotional depth that captivate global audiences.
Whether you're a seasoned drama lover or a newcomer curious about what to watch next — this list of the Top 5 K-dramas based on webtoons will guide you through the best of the best.
π Table of Contents
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π 1. Itaewon Class (μ΄νμ ν΄λΌμ°)
Based on Webtoon: Itaewon Class by Gwang Jin
Main Cast: Park Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi, Yoo Jae-myung, Kwon Nara
Plot: After being wronged by a powerful company, Park Sae-ro-yi opens a bar in Itaewon and begins a long road to revenge and business success. Themes of justice, loyalty, and resilience permeate the show.
Why Watch: This drama hit hard with its raw emotion, inclusive cast, and mega-hit soundtrack like Gaho’s “Start Over”.
π 2. True Beauty (μ¬μ κ°λ¦Ό)
Based on Webtoon: True Beauty by Yaongyi
Main Cast: Moon Ga-young, Cha Eun-woo, Hwang In-yeop, Park Yoo-na
Plot: Ju-kyung is an ordinary girl who becomes popular after mastering makeup skills. But underneath her glamorous appearance, she hides insecurities about her real face.
Why Watch: An entertaining mix of teen drama, romance, and social commentary on beauty standards in Korea.
π️ 3. Sweet Home (μ€μνΈν)
Why Watch: Gruesome, dark, and fast-paced — it’s a terrifying but moving story about isolation, fear, and humanity.
π️ 4. D.P. (λνΌ)
Based on Webtoon: D.P: Dog Days by Kim Bo-tong
Main Cast: Jung Hae-in, Koo Kyo-hwan, Kim Sung-kyun, Son Seok-koo
Plot: Private Jun-ho is part of a military police unit tasked with hunting down deserters. What he sees during his journey shakes his values and reveals harsh truths about military life.
Why Watch: Gritty, honest, and deeply emotional — it highlights bullying, abuse, and mental trauma in the Korean army.
π₯ 5. Hellbound (μ§μ₯)
Based on Webtoon: Hellbound by Yeon Sang-ho & Choi Gyu-seok
Main Cast: Yoo Ah-in, Kim Hyun-joo, Park Jung-min, Won Jin-ah
Plot: Suddenly, supernatural beings begin condemning people to hell. A religious cult called “The New Truth” exploits the chaos, sparking mass hysteria.
Why Watch: This chilling drama questions morality, justice, and belief in ways you’ve never seen before. Directed by the creator of Train to Busan.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are all webtoon-based K-dramas successful?
A: Not all, but the ones with strong narratives and production values tend to do very well globally.
Q: Where can I read the original webtoons?
A: Platforms like WEBTOON, Tappytoon, and Lezhin.
Q: Are these dramas available with English subtitles?
A: Yes, all of them are available on Netflix or Viki with full subtitles.
Q: Will Sweet Home or D.P. get a new season?
A: Yes. Both dramas are confirmed for new seasons.
Q: What makes webtoon-based dramas unique?
A: Their visual storytelling foundation makes them cinematic and emotionally rich from the start.
π¬ Final Thoughts
Webtoon-based K-dramas have carved out a special place in the global entertainment space. These five titles stand out for their storytelling, performances, and unique themes.
Which webtoon K-drama is your favorite? Have you read the original comics? Share your thoughts in the comments — and don’t forget to bookmark this post for your next K-drama binge πΊ!
