25+ Manhwa That Became K-Drama (RANKED)

Updated May 9, 2024 by testing

Reading manhwa urges us to imagine how our favorite characters would be in real life, and all of us do so. Well, believe it or not, that is the majority’s vote. Thanks to this overwhelming love and support for manhwa and Korean webtoons. Our imagination is visualized through the K-Drama adaptation of our favorites.

K-Drama gives us the thrill and excitement that we imagine while reading manhwa. However, there are always two outcomes to these adaptations. Either they will exceed our expectations, which is uncommon, or they will disappoint us in the Drama adaptation.

Not to mention the latter one is something that’s happening every now and then. Still, many K-Drama adaptations of manhwa and Webtoons have raised the bar even further. Today, I will list down 26 manhwa that became K-Drama. Also, I will rank them according to their popularity, art, and plot for your ease.

P.S. Sometimes, not knowing the end is better than getting spoiled and getting disappointed. Argh!!! Such is the twisted fate of manhwa lovers turned K-Drama addicts.

Buckle up, here we go!!!

BEST MANHWA THAT BECAME K-DRAMA

Table of Contents

26. Goong

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
7/10	15/20	5/10	27/40

Manhwa release: 2002

Drama Adaptation: 2006

You know that old is gold, right? Let me add something like that to this list. Though this one does not have the best of its art, it was promising and viral given the release time. It is more of a fairy tale.

Cha Gyeong is a regular college student. But her everyday life ends when she has to marry the current crown prince of Korea, Lee Shin. However, this fairy tale turns into a horror story for Gyeong when she meets Lee Shin.

Still, the story progresses with political struggles, love battles, and drama. The K-Drama adaptation was a hit and did much better than the manhwa.

25. D.P Dog’s Day

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
7/10	16/20	5/10	28/40

Manhwa release: 2015

Drama Adaptation: 2021

This one didn’t stand on the brighter side in terms of art. However, it has a promising plot with developing characters. The manhwa depicts the harsh life of a soldier and the pains he has to go through to side with his duty.

Introducing Jun Ho as a committed army private! He is tasked to arrest the deserters, but when he confronts them, things change. Jun Ho is faced with fellow officers that choose to desert, and their reasons have Jun-ho thinking hard.

The plot is full of action and definitely a must for those who love the adrenaline rush.

24. Tomorrow

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
7/10	15/20	9/10	31/40

Manhwa release: 2017

Drama Adaptation: 2022

Some people want to have all sorts of work experience. However, working with Grim Reapers is for a lifetime, or should I say a death experience. Tomorrow is a fast-paced and action-packed manhwa with a touch of drama and a sprinkle of death.

The plot kicks off when a jobless man named Junwung finds himself in front of Grim Reapers after entering a comatose state. To his surprise, a Grim Reaper offers him a deal to help them out in their work, and in return, he gets his life back better than before. Not bad for an after-death experience, don’t you think?

23. Strangers From Hell

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
8/10	18/20	5/10	31/40

Manhwa release: 2018

Drama Adaptation: 2019

It is time for a change of pace. After the soft, romantic, and hilarious stories, let’s talk about a manhwa that scares readers. It is a manhwa filled with twists and scary instances. It could have been as famous as its Drama adaptation if it wasn’t for the art.

Jong Gu moves to Seoul for some reason and rents out an apartment. Unbeknownst to him, the tenants in that building not only look scary but have hideous deeds. The plot develops with the survival of Jong Gu among the people with possibly deadly crimes.

22. Navillera

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
8/10	15/20	8/10	31/40

Manhwa release: 2016

Drama Adaptation: 2021

The versatility in manhwa is always something worth appreciating. Koreans never think twice about taking a risk with a not-so-popular genre. Still, more than half of their experiments end up creating a masterpiece.

Navillera portrays a manifestation of a person’s dream. A 70-year-old Shim Daek starts learning Ballet. A 23-year-old ballet dancer Chae Rok wanders with all hope lost. The story begins when the one desperate to fulfil his dream and the one looking for hope meet each other.

It is a slow-paced, dance-focused, and dream-oriented manhwa. Yet, it is highly recommended for people looking for motivation.

21. The Bride of the Water God

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
8/10	16/20	10/10	33/40

Manhwa release: 2007

Drama Adaptation: 2017

A story of Gods falling in love with humans and fighting with their otherworldly powers can hook anyone. Based on art and character writing, this manhwa gets a perfect score and has high popularity. However, its K-Drama adaptation was flipped entirely and left many hearts broken.

The plot is set in antique Korean times. A young and pretty girl named So Ah is sacrificed as a bride to the incredibly handsome and ruthless Water God, Ha Baek. However, her unforeseen life gets a pinch of confusion when she meets the kid who claims to be the water god and the handsome man who doesn’t leave her alone for some reason.

A historic manhwa with exquisite art and a captivating plot awaits you.

20. BackStreet Rookie

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
8/10	17/20	8/10	33/40

Manhwa release: 2016

Drama Adaptation: 2020

Here is another unique one, again highlighting and breaking stereotypes. An encounter with a man 10 years older than herself and love at first sight, changed our protagonist’s life.

Meet Saet Byul, she is a taekwondo practitioner. Her everyday life with her one sided love gets a break when she finds herself as an intern for Dae Hyun’s new store. Not to mention, he is the same man whom she fell for at first sight.

It is a romance story with lots of laughter and fantastic chemistry between the leads. And again, this one became more popular than the webtoon leaving everyone stunned.

19. All Of Us Are Dead (2022)

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
8/10	18/20	7/10	33/40

Manhwa release: 2009

Drama Adaptation: 2022

We are living in the age where zombies don’t scare us anymore, as long as they are on the other side of the screen and part of our imagination. The next one on my list is a fan favorite. The reasons are too obvious, the thrill, excitement, emotions, and goosebumps will leave you in awe.

All Of Us Are Dead is the story of a group of friends trapped in a school. They’re all happy but life is suddenly challenged by deaths and loss of friends to zombies. Their survival is a tale that is worth reading and watching.

Both the webtoon and the K-Drama adaptation were on point and exceedingly popular. A must read for romance manhwa lovers for a change of pace.

18. Full House

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
08/10	19/20	07/10	34/40

Manhwa release: 2004

Drama Adaptation: 2004

All of us have experienced reading popular manhwa that became K-Drama. Surprisingly, there are some whose popularity crossed borders. They even got a Drama adaptation in many other countries. The next one on my list is one such manhwa.

Full House, the concept of living together with a stranger has never been so attractive and exciting. Ellie is a striving writer, and Ryder is a famous star. They enter a contract marriage under the guise of love.

We all know how it ends, yet, it is a manhwa with a hooking story and entertainment.

17. True Beauty

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
8/10	17/20	10/10	35/40

Manhwa release: 2019

Drama Adaptation: 2020

Bullying is forever the worst, no matter the place and time. Some pure and innocent souls would just give up, and some would fight against them. The latter one, however, is the better choice. But have you ever seen intimidating bullies with makeup skills?

Well, let me introduce you to Im Ju Kyung. She is an avid manga reader and a college student. To survive against bullies, she learns the art of beauty. The once ugly duckling transforms into an angel of the new college.

Get ready to learn some beauty hacks, anti-bully strategies, and acting skills as a bonus.

16. Extraordinary You/Just Found By Chance

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
9/10	18/20	8/10	35/40

Manhwa release: 2018

Drama Adaptation: 2019

One of the most astonishing and exciting things is to have a chance to live a life in another world. Even if not the world, for a manhwa lover, a comic, a novel, or a game would do. Extraordinary You is one such manhwa with an excellent K-Drama adaptation.

The plot is set in a comic world focusing on an extra named Eun Dan-Oh. She is determined to change her fate as an extra. Eun Dan jumps into the whirlpool and fights against the author of the comic. However, can an extra ever be the main lead?

Well, just so you know, we are all the protagonists of our own stories, so, yes, Dan- Oh, can do it as well.

15. Itaewon Class

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
10/10	18/20	7/10	35/40

Manhwa release: 2018

Drama Adaptation: 2020

We all have heard stories about school dropouts and failures turning into the richest and the strongest. Well, Itaewon Class is a manifestation of one such story.

Meet Park Sae. He is a school dropout and is often mistaken as a chintzy. He is determined to overcome his dark past and open a restaurant. However, if taking a new path was so easy, everyone could do it, no?

14. Memorist

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
10/10	19/20	6/10	35/40

Manhwa release: 2016

Drama Adaptation: 2020

Memorist is definitely gonna give you an adrenaline rush. An action-thriller hacked with extraordinary power and a truckload of fun coming your way. Meet detective Dong Baek, apparently a regular human.

However, he is capable of seeing memories of other people. The word “memorist” revolves around Dong Baek. Witness him putting his powers to better use and fighting off the bad guys. Han-mi, an expert profiler, joins him to make things spicier, and unlimited excitement and thrill begin.

13. Again My Life

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
9/10	17/20	10/10	36/40

Manhwa release: 2019

Drama Adaptation: 2022

Being a lawyer is challenging. You have to deal with bad guys and sometimes die at their hands. Okay, I am scared of them, yet I find these lawyers handsome and charming, especially in manhwa and then in K-Drama (selectively). So, the next entry on my list is about a lawyer.

Introducing Kim Hi Wu, he is a brave and hot-tempered prosecutor. He thought he could win against the villains while playing the fair game but faced death. However, a miracle occurs, and he makes a deal with a grim reaper.

Back to life again, and this time around, he will be the devil himself to bring the villains down. It is an action-packed thriller and a guide to breaking the law without really breaking it. Tempted enough to try?

12. Cheese in the Trap

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
9/10	19/20	8/10	36/40

Manhwa release: 2010

Drama Adaptation: 2016

College time is the golden period of life, and stories from such times are always exciting. The next one on my list is very refreshing, with some banter between our leads. You will feel butterflies through and through.

Introducing the genius Hong Sul and her archenemy, Yoo Jung! The story starts with Sul’s life getting a bombing interruption from Jung, her perfect senior. The plot develops when their interactions lead to misunderstandings and then much more.

This manhwa was a hit. Even though it does not have perfect art, the plot and characters are the main attraction.

11. Rugal

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
9/10	19/20	8/10	36/40

Manhwa release: 2016

Drama Adaptation: 2020

Rugal is another webtoon on my list that was filled with thrills and excitement. The plot was extremely attractive for action lovers with a touch of tragedy.

The story revolves around an honest police officer Kang Gi Beom. After losing everything, he gets a golden chance. Rugal, an organization, recruits him and equips him with biotech. This gives him the method and a way to get back against his perpetrators.

An action-packed manhwa with a darker side, blood, and some biotech, is a must-read… Or you can try watching it.

10. Yumi’s Cells

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
10/10	20/20	6/10	36/40

Manhwa release: 2015

Drama Adaptation: 2021

Aside from the art, Yumi’s Cells is an extremely popular webtoon and a K-Drama. It is one of the strangest and funniest webtoons and Dramas. However, it is one of the rarest webtoons that got a season 2 with more hype than season one.

The story revolves around Yumi, a 30-year-old, and her 200 brain cells. She spends her daily life listening and taking commands from these cells. They basically direct her to perform what and when to do a certain action.

It will make you fall off your chairs from laughing.

9. Sunbae, Don’t Put that Lipstick On / She Would Never Know

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
8/10	19/20	10/10	37/40

Manhwa release: 2017

Drama Adaptation: 2021

If you want to make a random story attractive and famous, you need guidance from Koreans. An older woman falling in love with a younger man feels like a taboo, but Koreans break these stereotypes just like that. And we can’t help but fall in love with these stories.

Here is another one for you. Meet Song Ah, an assistant brand manager in a cosmetics company. Her perfect self and perfect demeanor are shaken by a remark from her younger colleague named Hyun Seung.

It’s a love story through and through with a lot of drama, admiration, and goal-oriented leads fighting the stereotypes. The K-Drama adaptation was a hit. Surprisingly, it did better than the manhwa.

8. My Roommate Is A Gumiho

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
10/10	18/20	9/10	37/40

Manhwa release: 2017

Drama Adaptation: 2021

Manhwa with magical beasts gets more interesting when their lives involve humans. My roommate is a Gumiho, a manhwa with a historical background and Korean folklore. Plus, it shows a perfect combo of a sturdy and nonchalant man with a hyperactive and straightforward girl.

Dam Lee’s life would have continued on a smooth straight path if she hadn’t met Mr. Shin, the 900-year-old Gumiho. With a stroke of luck, she ends up living with this handsome Gumiho and finds a way to help him attain humanity.

7. My ID Is Gangnam Beauty

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
7/10	20/20	8/10	37/40

Manhwa release: 2016

Drama Adaptation: 2018

I can’t say the same thing about my fellow manhwa readers. Still, I love how Koreans are bold enough to highlight the severe issues of society. Body shaming is an absolute evil taking its roots. Our manhwa authors have made an exceptional effort to turn it into a manhwa.

Meet Kang Mi-Rae. She is an innocent yet talented girl bullied for her looks. After having plastic surgery, she thought everything would change. However, jealousy still hinders her peaceful life. With the support of a thoughtful and handsome boy, Eun Woo, let’s witness their story and her bravery.

The drama adaptation is a bit slow-paced, but you will love the chemistry and character development.

6. So, I Married an Anti-Fan

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
9/10	19/20	10/10	38/40

Manhwa release: 2018

Drama Adaptation: 2021

Usually, a manhwa is much better than a K-Drama adaptation. Still, as a rare occurrence, sometimes we get to see a K-Drama adaptation that tops all bars. The next one on my list is one such example.

The title speaks for itself. The lives of a top star Hoo Joon, and a straightforward and talented reporter named Geun Young get entwined. Geun promises to bring Hoo Joon’s true self; that is apparently a rude and cunning guy, before the world.

As they live and act as a married couple, they try to understand the reasons behind each other’s behavior. It is a gem, in short. As for art, this manhwa gets a perfect score, and for the plot, I must say it is refreshing with strong characters.

5. Amazing Rumor/ The Uncanny Encounter

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
10/10	19/20	9/10	38/40

Manhwa release: 2018

Drama Adaptation: 2020

This one definitely tops the chart in terms of character writing. The plot is indeed intriguing and unique. Nonetheless, a manhwa with demons or demon hunters is always a guaranteed hit.

Amazing Rumor surrounds a group of people called “Counters.” Their only job is to detect the evil souls and hunt them down before they can get eternal life. This is a marmalade of action, thrill, horror, and love. Also, its K-Drama adaptation was one of the best till now.

4. Sweet Home

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
10/10	19/20	10/10	39/40

Manhwa release: 2020

Drama Adaptation: 2020

Sometimes the titles are deceiving. They lure us in with expectations of a soft and refreshing story. But then, boom!!! Surprisingly, even if their names contradict the story, they don’t disappoint us.

Sweet Home is a thriller revolving around Cha Hyun Soo, an introvert and lonesome high schooler. A person who hates to leave home and live only for his favorite show to end, then suddenly has to survive a monster apocalypse.

The thrills and chills will give you a bumper-cart ride that you will enjoy with all your might.

3. Nevertheless

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
10/10	20/20	9/10	39/40

Manhwa release: 2019

Drama Adaptation: 2022

Manhwa about polar opposites are always a treat for the eyes. It may sound boring, but the butterflies and stirring in the emotions are always the same while reading one. The next on my list is a popular manhwa with a popular short K-Drama adaptation.

Nevertheless surrounds two college friends, Nabi and Jae-eon. The plot takes a hike in terms of interest when their lives entwine with each other. As they get to know each other, they come across all sorts of emotions and feelings.

And we all know how it will end, but still, it is worth the fun.

2. What is Wrong with Secretary Kim?

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
10/10	20/20	10/10	40/40

Manhwa release: 2015

Drama Adaptation: 2018

It is one of the most popular webtoons of the previous decade and a very popular K-Drama. The plot is romance-oriented with a lot of fun, laughter, awkward moments, and sweet ones.

The story kicks off with Miso, an extraordinarily talented and potent secretary to the very cold and narcissistic Yoong Joon. Things wouldn’t have changed if she continued her job just like that. However, her sudden decision to resign stirs things up.

Yoong Joon finds himself having experiences he never imagined before. The plot gets more exciting as both struggle in the opposite direction only to end up together.

1. A Business Proposal / Office Blind Date

Character Writing	Plot	Art	Total
10/10	20/20	10/10	40/40

Manhwa release: 2018

Drama Adaptation: 2022

Being an avid reader, there will hardly be a manhwa turned K-Drama that you could have missed. A Business Proposal falls in that line. It is all about a famous and electrifying soft office romance.

A funky girl falling in love with the handsome and cold CEO, does it ring a bell? Well, that is the story of Ha Ri and Tae Moo. A stroke of luck brings them together, and they have a contractual relationship. Eventually, their lives blend with each other.

The manhwa plot covers a lot of lives and their stories in detail; however, the K-Drama adaptation lacks that factor. Still, you will see one of the best character adaptations from manhwa. So what’s the delay? Open a new tab. Now!

RECOMMENDED: Manhwa Like Manager Kim

Conclusion

With this, I will conclude today’s topic of 26 manhwa that became K-Drama. From a typical love story to breaking stereotypes, fighting monsters and bad guys, and adjusting to otherworldly creatures, this list includes every single one.

You may not like some because of their art, but once you start reading them, you will be obsessed with the plot and different characters. So, enjoy your time reading and watching their drama adaptations. You won’t regret choosing one from the list above.

See you next time then, fellas, bye-bye!!!