Webtoons, once considered a niche corner of the internet, have now evolved into a goldmine for K-drama creators. These digital comics, which were once a sensation on the internet, have now brought even more people together through intricate visual storytelling in the form of whimsical romance and heart pounding thrillers.
In recent years, K-dramas based on webtoons have exploded in popularity – and not just because we want to see our favourite actors on the big screen (okay, maybe a little). These shows when done right, bring to life the charm and creativity of the original narrative- complete with dramatic music cues, thrilling adventures, and obviously, the one fall per drama into the love interest’s arms.
So buckle up, grab your kimchi and get ready to dive into the top 10 K-dramas that leapt off the webtoon pages and straight into our hearts.
1. What’s wrong with Secretary Kim (16 episodes)
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is a sweet and delightfully chaotic gem of a K-drama based on the popular webtoon by the same name. It follows the relationship of gloriously narcissistic vice-chairman Lee Young-joon (Park Seo-joon) and his long-suffering, irreplaceable secretary Kim Mi-so (park Min-young), whose sudden decision to quit sets off a flurry of awkward flirting, repressed childhood trauma, and slow-burn romance.
This drama is perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers energy, office escapades, and ridiculously funny love stories.
2. Kingdom (12 episodes)
This masterfully forged amalgamation of palace politics and spine-chilling terror is a historical K-drama like no other. Set in Joseon-era Korea, it follows Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-Hoon) as he investigates a mysterious plague turning people into flesh-eating monsters-only to uncover corruption far more terrifying than the infected.
With spectacular cinematography and palace politics taking you back 1000 years, Kingdom delivers both brains and… well, people eating brains. This will keep viewers who crave gory, mysterious period dramas sitting at the edge of their seats.
3. True Beauty (16 episodes)
True Beauty is a coming-of-age drama following the life of Lim Ju-kyung (Moon Ga-young), a shy girl who masters the art of makeup to reinvent herself. Caught between the stoic Su-ho (Cha Eun-Woo) and ever-shining bad-boy Seo-jun (Hwang In-youp)-she navigates first love, self-worth, and the pressure to always appear perfect.
The True beauty of this show? It will push you into an emotional dilemma as you fall helplessly for both leads and you’ll end up with a full-blown second lead syndrome that no skincare routine can fix. This drama is ideal for fans of love triangles, glow-ups, and stories that say beauty isn’t just skin-deep (even if the eyeliner is flawless).
4. The uncanny counter (28 episodes)
The Uncanny Counter is a supernatural action-drama that follows a disparate group of noodle shop employees by day-and demon hunters by night. Known as “Counters,” their responsibility is to track down evil spirits who possess humans and feed on the living. At the center is So Mun (Jo Byeong-kyu), a high school student with a limp, a tragic past, and… psychic powers.
This show mixes electrifying fight scenes with themes of justice and grief and will definitely be a wild ride for fans of ghosts, grit and just the right amount of chaos.
5. Itaewon class (16 episodes)
Itaewon Class is a fiery drama that tells the story of resiliance, defiance, and starting over on your own terms. After ex-con Park Sae-ro-yi (Park Seo-joon) loses everything to an influential conglomerate, he opens a humble bar-restaurant in Seoul’s vibrant Itaewon district-and vows to bring down the empire that destroyed his life. With the help of a wonderfully eccentric crew (including a genius sociopath-influencer and a chef with quiet strength), he builds not just a business, but a movement.
Simmering with ambition, revenge, and slow-burning justice, this K-drama is for anyone who believes success tastes better when it’s hard-earned.
6. Mystic Pop-up bar (12 episodes)
This whimsical fantasy K-drama follows the life of hot-tempered but secretly soft hearted Weol-ju (Hwang Jung-eum) who runs the Mystic pop-up bar. This open-at-night only bar serves more than just food- it offers healing to the heart and soul. The magical pojangmacha (street food stall) removes the troubled customers’ grudges by entering their dreams. Joined by a kind-hearted part-timer with a cursed gift and a hilariously uptight afterlife detective, the trio dives into other people’s subconscious-and their own pasts.
Quirky, heartfelt, and unexpectedly moving, this K-drama is for those who like their fantasy with a splash of comedy, a spoonful of emotion, and a little soju on the side.
7. Business Proposal (12 episodes)
Business Proposal is a cutesy office rom-com with a basic premise of a fake identity, a blind date gone wrong (or very right), and two people who definitely weren’t supposed to fall in love. Shin Ha-ri (Kim SeJeong), a food researcher, poses as her wealthy friend on a matchmaking date-only to discover her “date” is her cold (and ridiculously handsome) CEO, Kang Tae-moo (Ahn Hyo-Seop). Cue chaos, contract relationships, and slow-burning feelings.
Full of hilarious moments, swoony tension, and second-hand embarrassment in the best way, this drama is a treat for fans of fake dating tropes and flirty power dynamics. And for those who can’t get enough? The original webtoon has extra scenes showing their life after marriage-yes, including their child. You’re welcome.
8. The tale of Nokdu (32 episodes)
The Tale of Nokdu is a historical rom-com with cross-dressing, secret identities, and emotional depth tucked under its hanbok. When nobleman Jeon Nok-du (Jang Dong-yoon) sets out to uncover the truth behind a mysterious attack on his family, he ends up disguising himself as a woman and hiding out in a village of widows. There, he meets Dong Joo (Kim So-Hyun), a reluctant gisaeng (courtesan)-in-training with a sharp tongue.
What starts as playful ruse turns into a tale of love, revenge, and gender-bending shenanigans. This show is perfect for those who crave a period drama that’s clever and rebellious as well as swoonworthy.
9. Yumi’s cells (28 episodes)
Yumi’s Cells is a delightfully quirky rom-com that dives straight into the mind of ordinary office worker Kim Yumi (Kim Go-Eun)-literally. Inside her head, a team of tiny, animated “cells” control her every thought, feeling, and impulsive craving for tteokbokki. As Yumi navigates work, love, heartbreak, and healing, her brain becomes a hilarious (and surprisingly emotional) battleground where logic, love and anxiety constantly fight for control.
Witty, warm, and deeply relatable, this drama turns everyday life into something magical. This drama will keep every slice-of-lover hooked to their seats.
10. Study group (10 episodes)
Study Group is an action-packed K-drama that asks: what if your strongest subject… was fighting? Ga Min Yoon (Hwang Min-yoon), a benevolent but academically hopeless high schooler, just wants to study and get into a good university. The problem? He attends a school where classes are voluntary and violence is part of the curriculum. So, Ga Min forms a study group-not just to raise grades, but to survive.
Balancing intense fight scenes with perseverance, Study Group is a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled show- perfect for anyone who’s ever felt out of place but still chose to fight their way forward.
Webtoon-based K-dramas bring illustrated worlds to life with breath-taking visuals and unforgettable characters. But the screen often tells only part of the story. For bonus scenes and endings that go beyond the finale, the original webtoons are the perfect next stop. Happy watching-and even happier reading!
For latest news and updates from the world of Fashion, Beauty, Entertainment, Bollywood, Hollywood, South Korean Cinema and Wedding do follow our whatsapp Channel below:
Downtown Mirror Magazine Whatsapp Channel
