Top 5 K-Dramas Based on Webtoons and Novel That Became Most Popular

Discover the top 5 K-dramas adapted from webtoons in 2025.
Compare original webtoon stories with their TV versions.
Includes IMDb ratings and adaptation highlights.

Adaptations from webtoons and novel have become a “treasure map” for Korean screenwriters and directors: the stories are already tested, the characters are strong, and the fanbase is clear—what remains is to translate them into fresh visual language. Interestingly, each adaptation does more than copy panels; they adjust pacing, merge arcs, and even shift perspectives to fit the rhythm of TV or OTT. Below are five 2025 titles that stirred a lot of buzz. One note: Salon de Holmes is technically based on a novel, but it’s often mistaken as a webtoon adaptation and deserves mention for carrying the same fan-favorite DNA to the screen.

1) Mercy for None (Netflix, 2025) — from the webtoon “Plaza Wars”

Original source: A gritty webtoon about Nam Gi-jun, a former fighter dragged back into the gang world after his brother’s death. The webtoon leans heavily on gang hierarchy and the ethics of violence.

On screen: The drama embraces a noir aesthetic—high contrast lighting, industrial scoring, and compact fight sequences. The brother’s arc is condensed, creating an “8-episode sprint” perfect for binge-watching. IMDb rating: 7.5/10.

Adaptation notes: Complex political subplots from the webtoon were streamlined into a personal revenge conflict, giving viewers immediate emotional stakes. The result: a tighter, more emotionally driven story.

2) The First Night with the Duke (KBS2/Viki/VIU, 2025) — from a romantic isekai webtoon

Original source: A college student is transported into her favorite novel, taking the role of “Ripley,” a supporting character who just wants to enjoy life while ensuring the main couple ends up together. The webtoon thrives on meta-humor and butterfly-effect twists.

On screen: The adaptation highlights palace politics and the lead couple’s chemistry. Internal monologues from the webtoon are swapped for expressive acting and close-ups, turning slapstick humor into a polished period rom-com. IMDb rating: 7.2/10.

Adaptation notes: Instead of leaning too heavily on isekai tropes, the drama introduces layers of noble family intrigue, making the stakes feel more real while still delivering romance.

3) Salon de Holmes (ENA/Genie TV, 2025) — actually based on a novel, not a webtoon

Original source: The novel Salon de Holmes by Jeon Gun-Woo tells the story of four housewives who become amateur detectives in their apartment complex. It’s light mystery with comedy and sisterhood.

On screen: The drama preserves the theme of “ordinary community against small-time crime,” while expanding investigative set pieces. A second season has already been confirmed. IMDb rating: 7.3/10.

Adaptation notes: Although not a webtoon, the episodic format mimics a panel-by-panel feeling, with one case per episode. Ratings climbed steadily mid-season, proving the formula of light mystery and friendship worked well on cable TV.

4) Head Over Heels (tvN/Prime Video, 2025) — from the webtoon “Gyeonwoo & the Fairy”

Original source: A fantasy romance webtoon by Ahn Su-min about Park Seong-ah, a high school girl who is also a mudang (shaman). She tries to change the tragic fate awaiting the boy she loves. The tone blends teen romance with light mythology.

On screen: The drama expands the mythological lore (omens, rituals, countdowns to tragedy), adding weight to the 21-day ticking clock. Visual effects are used sparingly to maintain a youthful, magical feel without sliding into horror. IMDb rating: 7.5/10.

Adaptation notes: Introspective panels become short voice-overs and recurring visual motifs like tarot cards and inverted symbols. The heartwarming finale ensures the aftertaste remains romantic rather than tragic.

5) Study Group (TVING, 2025) — from the cult school-action webtoon “Study Group”

Original source: Set in Yusung Technical High, nicknamed a “school for criminals,” the webtoon follows Gamin, who simply wants to study. He forms a study group to survive the violent environment. Famous for high-energy fight choreography and the irony of grades vs. survival.

On screen: The adaptation delivers raw, bone-crunching fight scenes while keeping the dark humor of the original. IMDb rating: 8.3/10—one of the highest scores for a 2025 school action series.

Adaptation notes: Side arcs (new teachers, gang hierarchy) were trimmed to spotlight the core squad. The pilot episode nailed the tone with a clever cliffhanger, fueling strong word-of-mouth in drama communities.

All five titles show a similar pattern: webtoons provide ready-made worlds, while adaptations trim and reshape them for sharper TV pacing. Study Group shines with its action execution (IMDb 8.3), Head Over Heels charms with youthful fantasy (7.5), Mercy for None hits hard with modern noir (7.5), The First Night with the Duke indulges in elegant isekai romance (7.2), and Salon de Holmes—though novel-based—fills the cozy mystery niche with consistent appeal (7.3).

Sources: IMDb (title & ratings), Naver Webtoon (Plaza Wars; The First Night with the Duke; Study Group), Wikipedia/AsianWiki (Head Over Heels; Mercy for None; Salon de Holmes), Viki/VIU/Prime Video release info, IndiaTimes OTT coverage, r/KDRAMA discussions.