13 Korean Dramas from Popular Manhwa that Prove Comics Can Come to Life on Screen

BUSINESS PROPOSAL: Adapted from the manhwa The Office Blind Date, this drama tells the story of Shin Ha-ri, an employee who accidentally dates her own CEO in a fake matchmaking scenario. From this, a funny and adorable love story is born. The chemistry between Ahn Hyo-seop and Kim Se-jeong becomes a strength, and this adaptation feels more alive compared to its comic version.

ITAEWON CLASS: Based on the manhwa Itaewon Class by Gwang Jin, this drama tells the story of Park Sae-royi who establishes a restaurant to fight against injustice after his father's death. The spirit of struggle and diversity is at the core of the story. This drama expands the social message of the manhwa by adding character dynamics and a strong message of inclusivity.

AFTERMATH: Adapted from the manhwa Aftermath, this drama tells the story of Ahn Dae-yong, a high school student who can see potential victims and murderers through the color of their eyes. This premise creates constant tension and a mysterious atmosphere. The drama successfully channels the intensity of its manhwa with a fast pace and a compact story.

MYSTIC POP-UP BAR: This drama is adapted from the manhwa Ssanggabpocha by Bae Hye-soo, telling the story of a magical bar that helps spirits and humans resolve their inner troubles. With a touch of fantasy and a deep moral story, this drama touches on many aspects of life. The manhwa is known for its philosophical depth, and the drama successfully translates it into a warm narrative.

CHEESE IN THE TRAP: Based on the popular manhwa Cheese in the Trap, this drama highlights the complex relationship between university student Hong Seol and her senior, Yoo Jung. Their story is filled with psychological intrigue and subtle emotional tension. The drama version emphasizes the romantic side and inner conflicts, making it one of the most memorable adaptations for manhwa fans.

LOVE ALARM: Adapted from the manhwa Love Alarm by Chon Kye-young, this drama depicts a world where an app can detect who has feelings for someone within a 10-meter radius. The character Kim Jojo becomes a symbol of the struggles teenagers face with love and technology. Both the manhwa and the drama raise issues of human relationships in the digital age.

MY ROOMMATE IS A GUMIHO: This drama is an adaptation of the manhwa My Roommate Is a Gumiho, which tells the story of Shin Woo-yeo, a 999-year-old nine-tailed fox who wants to become human. His life changes when a university student accidentally swallows his energy bead. The combination of fantasy, romance, and light humor makes this drama a captivating success.

STRANGERS FROM HELL: Adapted from the manhwa Strangers from Hell by Kim Yong-ki, this drama tells the story of Yoon Jong-woo who lives in a cheap apartment with creepy neighbors. The dark and mysterious atmosphere is felt strongly from the first episode. This drama retains the psychological horror tone of its manhwa.

STUDY GROUP: Based on the Webtoon manhwa Study Group, this drama highlights the struggles of a student named Yoon Ga-min who is determined to study in a violent school. The drama version enhances the cinematography and friendship dynamics without losing the essence of the touching struggles from the manhwa.

SOMETHING'S NOT RIGHT: An adaptation of the manhwa Who Can Define Popularity?, this drama focuses on the story of two best friends, Do Bawoo and Choi Minwoo, who must confront their unspoken feelings for each other. The character of Do Bawoo, initially confident, is transformed into a hesitant and gentle figure in the drama version.

THE TRAUMA CODE: HEROES ON CALL: This story is adapted from the manhwa Trauma Center: Golden Hour by Naver Webtoon. The drama portrays the struggles of a trauma doctor team facing life-and-death situations at Hankuk National University Hospital. This drama emphasizes the humanitarian and empathetic aspects more than its webtoon version, which is more realistic and tense.

REBORN RICH: This drama features Song Joong-ki as an employee who is betrayed and then reincarnates as the youngest child of the chaebol family that wronged him. Adapted from the manhwa Youngest Son of a Conglomerate, it showcases the dynamics of inheritance disputes and business strategies that are far more intense.

SECRET RELATIONSHIPS: This drama is based on the manhwa Secret Relationships, which is known for its themes of manipulation and emotional dependency. It tells the story of Da-on, the main character who is trapped in a relationship full of secrets and moral ambiguity. The drama version softens some of the darker elements of the original manhwa. Come on, read articles about other Korean drama recommendations on Kapanlagi.com. If not now, when, KapanLagi?