Top 3 K-Dramas Based on Webtoons That Excelled in Ratings

Webtoons, celebrated for their captivating stories and relatable characters, are increasingly being adapted into K-dramas. This trend capitalizes on the distinct settings and innovative narratives that webtoons offer, capturing the interest of a wider audience.

These adaptations not only resonate with fans of the original comics but also entice new viewers seeking fresh entertainment. Here, we explore some of the standout K-dramas rooted in webtoon origins.

Jeong Nyeon

“Jeong Nyeon” (or “Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born”), adapted from a Naver webtoon, unfolds across 138 episodes, chronicling the journey of Jeong-nyeon, a girl from Mokpo who joins a women’s theatrical troupe, evolving through various experiences.

The drama poignantly illustrates her trials and personal growth. Actress Kim Tae-ri has garnered acclaim for her accurate portrayal, embodying the essence of Jeong-nyeon with emotional authenticity. Her performance vividly highlights the character’s challenges and development.

In contrast, Shin Ye-eun plays the role of Heo Young-seo, Jeong-nyeon’s rival, characterized by her cold demeanor and privileged background. Young-seo’s desire for her mother’s validation intensifies her rivalry with Jeong-nyeon.

Retaining the original webtoon’s charm while seamlessly adapting it for the television format, “Jeong Nyeon” commenced with a modest 4.8% viewership rating and remarkably climbed to a peak of 16.5% for its finale, establishing itself as a frontrunner in both audience ratings and social media buzz.

Itaewon Class

Based on another popular webtoon, “Itaewon Class” delves into the ambitions of a group of young individuals who challenge social norms and injustices as they venture into entrepreneurship.

Featuring a stellar cast including Park Seo-joon as Park Sae-ro-yi, the narrative follows his transformation into a convict seeking revenge after losing his father. Drawn to the vibrant neighborhood of Itaewon, Sae-ro-yi aims to establish a unique bar, Danbam.

Kim Da-mi takes on the role of Jo Yi-seo, a gifted individual whose aspirations shift as she becomes inspired by Sae-ro-yi’s dedication.

This drama intricately weaves themes of identity, youth, and societal challenges while tackling pertinent issues surrounding race and culture. Its compelling storytelling resulted in a peak rating of 16.5%, resonating with viewers and achieving significant popularity, bolstered by an outstanding original soundtrack.

Cheese in the Trap

“Cheese in the Trap” creatively interlaces romance and mystery, narrating the life of university student Hong Seol, whose serendipitous encounters with her enigmatic senior, Yoo Jung, lead to unforeseen complications.

This popular series adeptly examines the intricacies of human emotions and relationships through a suspenseful lens, effectively portraying the depths of interpersonal dynamics.

Featuring talents such as Park Hae-jin and Kim Go-eun, “Cheese in the Trap” reached a notable peak rating of 7.1%, becoming the 9th highest-rated drama on tvN during its airing period. Its immense popularity ultimately solidified “Cheese” as a cultural buzzword.

The success of this adaptation showcases how well-crafted webtoon narratives can resonate with mainstream viewers, effectively bridging the gap between comic and television fandoms.

Conclusion

In summary, these K-drama adaptations underscore that webtoons offer much more than simple entertainment; they represent a burgeoning segment of the K-content industry with resilient potential and a promising future in global markets. Their ongoing success is a testament to the rich narratives and character development inherent in webtoons, paving the way for more adaptations to come.