Korean TV is turning more and more to webtoons, using their creative stories as the basis for new dramas. Korean movies and dramas are ruling the streaming world, and now even Amazon Prime Video has begun developing Korean original content.
In recent years, adaptations like Sweet Home and Business Proposal have proven just how successful these projects can be. Now, a new wave of webtoon-to-K-drama adaptations is set to arrive in 2025 and beyond. The lineup includes Solo Leveling, Dear X, Delusion, and The Remarried Empress, to name a few.
To add to the excitement, global platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and TVING are investing heavily in these series.
Solo Leveling
Solo Leveling, originally written by Chugong, is one of the most successful web novels and webtoons in recent years. It is set in a world where mysterious gates release monsters, and hunters are tasked with fighting them. The story follows Sung Jinwoo, once the weakest of all hunters, who gains access to a system that allows him to grow stronger with each battle.
Netflix is producing the live-action version, and casting news has only intensified the buzz. Byeon Woo Seok (Lovely Runner, 20th Century Girl) has been confirmed as Sung Jin Woo, while Han So Hee (My Name, Gyeongseong Creature) is expected to play Cha Hae In, Korea’s only female S-rank hunter.
The anime adaptation is already topping Crunchyroll’s charts and outpacing global hits like One Piece and Attack on Titan. It is only natural that expectations for the drama are immense.
Given Netflix’s history with large-scale adaptations such as Alice in Borderland and One Piece, fans are expecting a visually ambitious project. Production is underway, but the release is not expected until 2027.
Delusion
Based on Hongjacga’s webtoon, Delusion (Hyeonhok) is a gothic fantasy set in 1935 Gyeongseong and 19th-century Shanghai. It follows a struggling painter who accepts a commission to create a portrait of the elegant Madam Song Jeong Hwa. She looks young but requests that she be painted as an old woman. As Yi-ho delves deeper, he discovers the disturbing fate of artists who came before him.
The adaptation features Bae Suzy in the role of Song Jeong Hwa and Kim Seon-ho as the artist Yun Yi Ho. Initially, Ryu Jun Yeol and Han So Hee were linked to the project but exited after their romantic relationship ended. Directed by Han Jae Rim (The King), the series has a massive production budget of about ₩45 billion and will premiere on Disney+ in 2026.
Dear X
Dear X, adapted from Vanziun’s webtoon, is a psychological melo-thriller with Baek Ah Jin at the center. Baek is a celebrated actress who carefully manipulates those around her to maintain her fame and beauty. Her success begins to crumble when her longtime partner decides to reveal her secrets to the world.
The production boasts a high-profile creative team: Lee Eung Bok (Descendants of the Sun, Sweet Home) and Park So Hyun direct, with Choi Ja Won writing the script.
Kim Yoo Jung leads as Baek Ah Jin, joined by Kim Young Dae as Yoon Jun Seo, Kim Do Hoon as Kim Jae Oh, and Lee Yul Eum as Lena. Hwang In Youp will make a special appearance as Heo In Gang, a superstar idol-turned-actor wrestling with insecurity.
Dear X is slated to premiere on TVING in November 2025, with its first two episodes making their debut at the 30th Busan International Film Festival in September, ahead of its official release.
The Remarried Empress
Another highly anticipated project is The Remarried Empress, based on Alphatart’s web novel. The drama follows Navier, Empress of the Eastern Empire, who is cast aside by Emperor Sovieshu after he becomes infatuated with his mistress, Rashta. Rather than accept defeat, Navier chooses independence and remarries Heinrey, the crown prince of the Western Kingdom, who has long admired her.
The adaptation stars Shin Min Ah as Navier, Ju Ji Hoon as Sovieshu, Lee Jong Suk as Heinrey, and Lee Se Young as Rashta. Directed by Jo Soo Won, the series is scheduled for release on Disney+ in 2026.
The Loser Is the First Lady
The Loser Is the First Lady introduces a blend of political satire and rom-com energy. The story follows Kwak Hyun Woo, a conservative politician, and his wife Jo Jae Ryeong, a progressive lawmaker. When a bribery scandal erupts, the couple find themselves competing against each other in a presidential election.
The project is produced by Jaedam Media and Cross Pictures, the team behind Business Proposal and The Sound of Heart. Casting has yet to be announced, but the drama is expected to air in 2027.
A Man’s Man
The popular webtoon A Man’s Man is set to be adapted into a live-action drama. Directed by Kim Hee Won, best known for his debut with Disney+’s Light Shop, the drama is being developed by Studio N and is currently in pre-production. Since its launch on Naver WEBTOON in 2020, the series, originally based on a web novel by Lucas and illustrated by Dogado, has recorded over 470 million views worldwide.
The story centers on Yoo Hyun Han, an ordinary office worker who manages to rise to the position of the youngest CEO of Hansung, a leading electronics company. His climb to success, however, comes at a personal cost, leaving him with no one to share in his achievements.
After a night of drinking, he suddenly finds himself transported 20 years into the past, back at the beginning of his career. With the knowledge and perspective gained from his first life, Yoo Hyun sets out to repair broken relationships, make better choices, and push back against the toxic workplace culture that once consumed him.
Casting details have not been revealed, but production is expected to begin in 2026, with the release scheduled after filming wraps.
Iseop’s Romance
The popular web novel and webtoon Iseop’s Romance is officially being developed into a K-drama. Ace Factory, the agency representing stars like Lee Jong Suk and Yeom Hye Ran, and the production company behind dramas such as Confession, Stranger 2, and Grid, has acquired the adaptation rights and is preparing to bring the story to television.
Based on the novel by Anna Kim, the story follows Tae Seop, a third-generation chaebol heir who has never experienced love. His carefully managed life takes a turn when Kang Min Kyung, a former colleague who once left him frustrated, reappears as his new secretary.
Currently, the project remains in its planning phase, with the production team being organized and the script in development. While casting has not yet been confirmed, fans of the original work have already sparked lively discussions about who should play the leads.
Which webtoon-based K-drama are you looking forward to the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below
