Digital Media Concepts/Webtoon Adaptations

Overview:

Webtoon is a global digital comic platform founded in South Korea by JunKoo Kim. It can be accessed on both phones and computers by scrolling down vertically. The platform features thousands of stories across 23 genres, with notable categories including romance, action, and fantasy. The app is free to download via the Apple App store and Google Play Store, but it also offers paid content. Some episodes are behind a paywall, accessible through a “Fast Pass”, which costs less than a dollar per episode. For completed series, episodes can be unlocked with a “Daily Pass” that renews for free every 24 hours, though users can also pay less than a dollar per episode to read ahead.

Never Line Webtoon Logo

Adaptations:

In 2014, Webtoon launched its service in the United States. One of the first popular titles was Misaeng: Incomplete Life by Yoon Tae-ho. The story follows an office intern navigating the corporate world with only a General Education Development (GED) certificate and strategies from the Chinese board game Go. It was later adapted into a 20-episode Netflix series, which received multiple awards, including the Baeksang Arts Award. The series holds a rating of 8.5 out of 10 stars from 2.8 thousand reviews.

Development of Adaptations

With growing popularity, more webtoons have been adapted into Korean dramas and animes. These adaptations bring narratives that are less familiar to general American audiences, increasing exposure to the original webtoons. These webtoons are known for their compelling storytelling, diverse genres, and contemporary themes that resonate with readers.

List of Some Webtoon Adaptations:

Year	Title	Platform
2022	All of Us are Dead	Netflix
2014	Dr. Frost	Not Available
2022	Lookism	Netflix
2018	My ID is Gangnam Beauty!	Viki
2021	Nevertheless	Netflix
2023	See You in My 19th Life	Netflix
2024	Sweet Home	Netflix
2023	The Girl Downstairs/Doona!	Netflix
2020	Tower of God	Crunchyroll
2024	True Beauty	Crunchyroll

Adaptation Process:

Producers and production companies look for webtoons with captivating plots and complex characters. Not every webtoon is suitable for a K-Drama adaptation, as factors like censorship must be considered to accommodate cultural sensitivities. The screenplay also has to be tailored to fit the K-Drama format, which may require condensing episodes, adjusting pacing, and modifying parts of the plot for screen time. Visual effects are often used to recreate the otherworldly elements commonly found in webtoons. Casting is done meticulously to portray the characters according to the director’s vision, which may include choosing well-known actors.

Impact of Social Media:

Social media has played a significant role in promoting the adaptation of webtoons. The search bar accommodates keywords such as “webtoon merchandise,” “new webtoon,” and “romance webtoon,” adjusting a user’s algorithm based on their niches. New creators can showcase their work on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, as well as present merchandise related to their webtoons. Official merchandise can be purchased online from various retailers, such as Crunchyroll and Harumio, while unofficial merchandise is available on sites like eBay, Mercari, and Etsy. Fans have also shown their appreciation for webtoons by creating fanbases. One such website is Reddit, where fans discuss specific episodes, make predictions about future episodes, and summarize key points of various episodes.