Korean dramas are borrowing heavily from webtoons lately, and it makes all the sense. Webtoons create worlds that are already visual in nature, loaded with characters, drama, fantasy, and twists that K-dramas love to bring to life.

2026 is already looking like a scrum delicious meal of K-dramas, especially the ones with webtoon adaptations. Here’s the current lineup you need to know about:

Solo Leveling  

Storyline: Solo Leveling follows Sung Jinwoo, the world's weakest hunter, who gains a unique "System" after surviving a deadly dungeon, allowing him to level up infinitely like a video game character, transforming him from a powerless E-rank hunter into a formidable force against monsters emerging from mysterious gates to protect humanity and uncover the truth behind his powers

Status: Netflix has officially announced the live-action adaptation of this mega-successful webtoon and anime series, with Byeon Wooseok cast as Sung Jinwoo. This series is expected to lean into serious fantasy and high-end VFX action given how monster-heavy the story is, and production is still ongoing ahead of a likely late 2026 or early 2027 release.

Positively Yours  

Storyline: Positively Yours (also known by the literal Korean title I Have a Baby) is a romantic comedy about a man and a woman who had both sworn off marriage but find their lives unexpectedly intertwined after a one-night stand leads to a pregnancy.

Status: Officially set to premiere on Channel A on January 17, 2026, with principal photography already underway and a confirmed cast led by Choi Jin-hyuk and Oh Yeon-seo. The production, directed by Kim Jin-seong, began filming mid-2025.

The Remarried Empress  

Storyline: The Webtoon (and original novel) follows Empress Navier, a poised and intelligent empress whose life turns upside down when the emperor divorces her for his mistress. Navier doesn’t just wilt, she remarries Prince Heinrey of a neighbouring kingdom and sets out to regain influence, climb political intrigue, and survive in a world where empire and love collide.

Status: Confirmed as a Disney+ live-action series with a star-studded cast including Shin Min-a, Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk, and Lee Se-young. It’s scheduled for release in the second half of 2026.

Men of the Harem  

Storyline: Men of the Harem follows Empress Latil of Tarium, who, after being scorned by her love interest Hyacinth, takes revenge by establishing an unprecedented five-man harem to rule alongside her, managing political intrigue, competing consorts vying for her affection, and uncovering dark secrets about monsters and reincarnation connected to her own developing powers and past, as she balances love, duty, and survival.

Status: Official K-Drama adaptation has been widely reported, with Bae Suzy (Suzy) reportedly in talks to star as the lead empress and Lee Soo Hyuk linked as one of the male leads. While no release date is confirmed yet, announcements and casting talks suggest it’s in active development.

Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid  

Storyline: Set in 1926 during Japanese colonial rule, a young maid named Su-a finds an injured independence activist named Uihyeon and secretly cares for him. Their meeting reshapes her understanding of love, country, and sacrifice against the backdrop of colonial tension.

Status: Announced as a Webtoon with a confirmed upcoming live-action adaptation. Production timelines and cast details are limited, but pre-production activity around filming starting soon is noted.

The Webtoon pipeline in Korean drama is growing fast, and I love it!. Tell me, which one are you most excited about?

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