Korean Dramas Based on the Most Popular and Exciting Manhwa Stories

Kapanlagi.com - Korean drama adaptations of manhwa continue to be a favorite among viewers because they present unique and emotional stories. Various genres ranging from school romance, fantasy, thriller, to zombies have been successfully adapted with appealing visuals.

The success of manhwa adaptation dramas is inseparable from the large webtoon fanbase that has existed since the beginning. Many viewers are curious to see how iconic characters and scenes from the illustrated version are brought to life in live action.

In addition to having strong stories, these dramas are also supported by popular actors and high-quality production. It's no wonder that some titles even become global trending after being released on streaming platforms.

1. Spirit Fingers (2025)

A unique art club transforms the life of a shy student (credit:mydramalist)

Spirit Fingers is adapted from the popular webtoon by Han Kyoung Chal. The drama follows the journey of Song Woo Yeon, a shy high school student with low self-esteem due to being often overlooked by her family. Woo Yeon's life begins to change when she meets a unique art club called Spirit Fingers.

The club is filled with creative students who gradually help her discover her identity and the courage to express her feelings. Woo Yeon is initially only asked to be a drawing model by Koo Sun Ho. However, the warm interactions with the club members make her feel accepted for the first time.

This drama stars Park Ji Hu and Choi Bo Min with a warm coming-of-age vibe. Its story highlights the power of friendship and art as a process of emotional healing.

2. Weak Hero Class 1 and 2 (2023, 2025)

A smart student fights bullies with clever strategies (credit:mydramalist)

Weak Hero Class is adapted from a webtoon by Seopass and Kim Jin Seok. The story centers on Yeon Si Eun, a smart student who uses her intelligence to fight against bullying at school. Instead of relying on physical strength, Si Eun employs strategy and logic to survive.

Conflicts among student groups turn the school atmosphere into a battlefield. The second season presents new challenges as Si Eun transfers to a tougher school. She faces various strong students again, with conflicts becoming increasingly brutal.

This drama has received praise for its intense portrayal of teenage power dynamics. Park Ji Hoon's performance has also become one of the main attractions of the series.

3. My Roommate Is a Gumiho (2021)

The love story of a human and a nine-tailed fox (credit:instagram.com/tvn_drama)

The drama My Roommate Is a Gumiho is adapted from a popular romantic webtoon. The story follows Shin Woo Yeo, a 999-year-old nine-tailed fox who wants to become human. Problems arise when Lee Dam accidentally swallows a bead of energy belonging to Woo Yeo.

They ultimately have to live together while finding a way for Lee Dam to stay safe. Their relationship slowly develops through many funny and emotional moments. The chemistry between the main characters is the reason this drama is very popular with viewers.

This drama, starring Jang Ki Yong and Hyeri, presents a blend of fantasy and romantic comedy. The adaptation retains the favorite elements from the webtoon version.

4. Mystic Pop-Up Bar (2020)

The mysterious shop helps heal the inner wounds of its customers (credit:instagram.com/jtbcdrama)

Mystic Pop-Up Bar is based on the webtoon Ssanggabpocha by Bae Hye Soo. This drama follows Wol Ju, the owner of a mysterious bar who helps resolve the emotional problems of her customers. Every night, customers come to share their inner wounds while eating and drinking at Wol Ju's pojangmacha.

Han Kang Bae then assists with his unique ability to draw confessions from others. The drama combines the world of humans and spirits in a light yet touching way. The story is also filled with messages about healing and self-acceptance.

Hwang Jung Eum delivers a strong performance as the main character with a distinctive fantasy comedy vibe. The series only has 12 episodes, making it suitable for a binge-watch.

5. True Beauty (2020)

The transformation of an ordinary student into a popular one through makeup (credit:mydramalist)

True Beauty tells the story of Lim Ju Kyung, who is often bullied because of her appearance. She then learns makeup through internet videos and successfully transforms her image at school. This change makes Ju Kyung popular and attracts the attention of two handsome students.

However, beneath it all, she continues to struggle with self-acceptance. This drama showcases the pressure of beauty standards in the school environment. Ju Kyung's journey is also filled with romantic and emotional moments that resonate with many young viewers.

Starring Moon Ga Young, Cha Eun Woo, and Hwang In Youp, this drama has become one of the most successful manhwa adaptations. Many viewers appreciate the character development of each character.

6. Marry My Husband (2024)

A second chance to change the life of a betrayed woman (credit:instagram.com/tvn_drama)

Marry My Husband follows the story of Kang Ji Won, who lives in an unhappy marriage. After discovering that her husband and her best friend are cheating, her life ends tragically. Ji Won then goes back to the past, ten years earlier.

This second chance is used to change her fate and take revenge on those who destroyed her life. The drama combines romance and revenge with an intense plot. Ji Won's character is portrayed as a strong woman who gradually takes control of her life.

Park Min Young successfully captures attention with her performance as Kang Ji Won. The adaptation has also been praised for staying true to the webtoon storyline.

7. All of Us Are Dead (2022)

A group of students survives a zombie outbreak (credit:instagram.com/netflixkr)

The drama All of Us Are Dead is adapted from a webtoon by Joo Dong Geun. The story begins when a science experiment at school turns into a deadly zombie outbreak. A group of students then struggles to survive amidst the chaos.

They must find a way out while facing friends who have turned into zombies. In addition to being filled with tense scenes, this drama also showcases friendship and emotional conflicts among teenagers.

Viewers are made to panic with the intense survival atmosphere. This Netflix original drama became a global hit after its release. Many viewers praised the action and the plot twists that keep appearing throughout the story.

8. Pyramid Game (2024)

Class voting turns into a brutal nightmare (credit: mydramalist)

Pyramid Game follows Sung Soo Ji who transfers to an elite all-girls school in Seoul. She then becomes trapped in a monthly voting system that determines the hierarchy of students in the class. The student with the lowest votes receives an F ranking and becomes a victim of bullying.

Soo Ji, who receives zero votes, immediately becomes the target of her classmates' violence. This drama showcases the social pressure and cultural aspects of bullying in schools. Tension escalates as Soo Ji tries to stop the game.

This adaptation of the webcomic by Dalggonyak has gained attention due to its unique premise. Bona stars as the main character with strong emotions.

9. Head over Heels (2025)

High school girl tries to fight against the fate of death (credit:instagram.com/tvn_drama)

Head over Heels tells the story of Park Sung A who lives as a high school student by day. However, at night, she works as a shaman named Fairy Cheonji. One night, she meets Bae Gyeon Woo and learns that the student is about to die. This encounter leads Sung A to try to change that tragic fate.

This drama combines elements of school, romance, and the supernatural into one story. This webcomic adaptation also presents emotional conflicts about fate and sacrifice. Cho Yi Hyun and Choo Young Woo star as the leads in this drama. Their chemistry has captured attention since the beginning of the show.

10. Mercy for None (2025)

Former gangster returns to avenge his brother's death (credit:mydramalist)

Mercy for None is adapted from the webcomic Gwangjang. This drama follows Nam Gi Jun, a former gangster who returns to the criminal world after the death of his younger brother. To protect his brother in the past, Gi Jun is willing to destroy his Achilles tendon and leave the gang.

However, his brother's mysterious death leads him to seek the truth. The drama is filled with gang conflicts and brutal acts of revenge.

The main character must confront a past he has been trying to leave behind. So Ji Sub plays Nam Gi Jun with a cold and intense aura. This adaptation presents a dark noir atmosphere typical of Korean crime stories.

11. Popular Q&A About Korean Drama Adaptations of Manhwa

Q: What is the most popular Korean drama adapted from a manhwa?
A: Some popular manhwa adaptation dramas are True Beauty, Weak Hero Class, and All of Us Are Dead.

Q: Is True Beauty adapted from a webtoon?
A: Yes, True Beauty is an adaptation of the popular webtoon by Yaongyi.

Q: What is the story of the Weak Hero drama about?
A: This drama follows a smart student who fights bullying using strategy and intelligence.

Q: Does Marry My Husband have elements of time travel?
A: Yes, the main character goes back to the past to change their life and seek revenge for betrayal.

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(kpl/vna)