2023 is already boasting a fantastic list of upcoming K-Dramas and webtoon-based shows seem to be making up a good percentage of it. So far, there are already over 45 webtoons confirmed for production and over 28 announced this year alone. Not only are these adaptations growing K-Drama audiences by welcoming webtoon fans across the world, but the webtoon industry is also thriving like never before.
With that said, here are 7 exciting webtoon-based K-Dramas coming summer 2023!
Note: This list is not a ranking.
Picturesque
When: March 14, 2023
where to watch:Viki
Cast: JaeHan and YeChan from OMEGA X
Summary: An enemies to lovers story set in high school about DaYeol, a talented but quiet archer/scholarship student, and TaeHyun, a chaotic popular boy who puts DaYeol’s scholarship at risk by framing him for a crime he didn’t committed.
Based on the popular BL webtoon “A Shoulder To Cry On” by dongmul. You can read the webtoon in English here.
watch because: The webtoon does an excellent job of characterization, and with such an incredible cast, it will be interesting to see how our favorite scenes come to life. Plus, it has all the tropes we love about romance dramas: love-hate, heartwarming chemistry, campus romance, angst, and more. With all the makings of a viral hit, “A Shoulder To Cry On” is highly anticipated around the world.
tvN
When: First half of 2023
where to watch: Netflix, FORCING, tvN
Cast: Shin Haesun, Ahn Bohyun
Summary: Ban JiEum is a woman with a secret. She has been reincarnated 19 times and retains the memories of all her past lives. In her 18th life, she meets Moon SeoHa, and their relationship as children changes her life for the better. However, after a tragic accident cuts her time short, she is reincarnated into her 19th life and decides to reconnect with those she left behind.
Based on the webtoon “See You In My 19th Life” by Lee Hey. You can read the webtoon in English here.
watch because: Ban JiEum is one of the best and most well-written female characters in the world of romance webtoons. At the same time, Moon SeoHa has stolen hearts all over the world with her delicate charms and beautiful visuals. With Shin HaeSun and Ahn BoHyun playing these amazing characters, we are sure that “See You In My 19th Life” will be iconic. The webtoon has just the right mix of genres – fantasy, romance, comedy and thriller, which should translate so well to the screen. You don’t want to miss this one.
3. “After School Duty”
CLIP
When: March 31, 2023
where to watch: STRENGTH
Cast: Shin Hyun SooIm SeMi, Kim KiHae, Lee YeonMoon SangMin, Kwon EunBin, Kim SuGyeom, Kim Min Chul, Lee Soon Won
Summary: “Duty After School” tells the story of a sudden apocalyptic event where slimy alien creatures called “cells” invade the earth and pose a significant threat to humanity. The situation gets so serious that the military power falls short, and the government announces the recruitment of high school and university students in the reserve forces to fight the unknown evil.
Based on the webtoon “Duty After School” by Ilkwon Ha. You can read the webtoon in English here.
watch because: The webtoon maintains a dark comedy genre, juxtaposing pure apocalyptic horror with mockumentary-style cuts. It makes for refreshing storytelling and allows us to see the end of the world through the lens of high schoolers who don’t care (at least at first). We’re looking forward to seeing how K-Drama replicates the same effect. There is incredible character development that drives the story forward, and the twists and turns will keep you on your toes throughout.
4. “Joseon Lawyer”
MBC
When: March 31, 2023
where to watch: MBC
Cast: Woo DoHwan, WJSN’s BoNa, VIXX’s N (Cha HakYeon)
Summary: “Joseon Attorney” tells the story of a manipulative lawyer who orchestrates lawsuits and takes advantage of victims, but is accidentally hailed as a savior of the people, which leads him to reflect on himself and grow as a true servant of justice.
Based on the webtoon “Joseon Attorney” by yes gun It is writer Jeong. You can read the webtoon in Korean here.
watch because: Fans across the world are praising the production team for such amazing and accurate casting. The webtoon has strong and endearing characters that you’ll become attached to, and we can already imagine Woo DoHwan and BoNa’s unbeatable chemistry just from the posters! Also, the riveting storyline and rom-com genre will definitely make for an entertaining watch.
5. “Jaws: The Storm”
CLIP
When: First half of 2023
where to watch: STRENGTH
Cast: Kim Min Seok, Lee Hyun Wook
Summary: Serving as the sequel to the film “Shark: The Beginning”, “Shark: The Storm” tells the story of Cha WooSol, who was once the victim of school bullying, later became a convict for fighting back the perpetrator. In prison, he learns to fight from a mixed martial arts champion and starts a new life.
Based on the “Shark” webtoon by Woon It is Kim WooSub. You can read the webtoon in Korean here.
watch because: Kim MinSeok delivered a killer performance in the prequel movie and is expected to create another masterpiece with this drama. Fans of the webtoon were thrilled with the movie and the announcement of a K-Drama is just the cherry on top. With unbelievable action scenes and satisfying, cathartic revenge plots alongside wholesome family themes, “Shark: The Storm” will be a must-see.
6. “Bloodhounds”
Netflix
When: Second quarter of 2023
where to watch: Netflix
Cast: Woo DoHwan, Lee SangYi, Park Sung Woong
Summary: Two young men, GeonWoo and WooJin, whose lives are tangled up in debt, will do anything for money, even if it means living like hounds in the world of vicious loan sharks.
Based on the “Bloodhounds” webtoon by Jeong Chan. You can read the webtoon in English here.
watch because: Described as a noir action drama, “Bloodhounds” will take us into the grip of a dark and gloomy world where money comes before life. Our main characters are ex-boxers, so expect top-notch action choreography. Plus, as rivals become allies, a power duo will emerge that we can already predict will be iconic. “Bloodhounds” is a fight of good versus evil like no other.
Netflix
When: Second quarter of 2023
where to watch: Netflix
Cast: Kim Woo Bin, Ace
Summary: Set in a dystopian future where air pollution has become so dangerous that it’s nearly impossible to get out, “Black Knight” tells the story of delivery agents, gloriously known as “Delivery Knights” in the webtoon, who take it upon themselves to take the people’s packages at your doorstep, safely.
Based on the webtoon “Delivery Knight” by Lee Yung Yun. You can read it in English here.
watch because: Kim WooBin’s return to the small screen is everything we could wish for in 2023. Alongside powerful actress Esom, Kim WooBin is ready to make history again with this legendary adaptation, where he will play “5-8”, the central protagonist of the drama . Not only is the story one of the most original takes on dystopian thrillers we’ve seen, but the characters are wonderfully developed and multidimensional. The webtoon itself has a loyal fanbase who are enthusiastic about K-Drama, so expectations are high, and Kim WooBin & Esom are ready to deliver.
Which next webtoon-based K-Drama are you most looking forward to?
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“See you in my 19th life”
