5 K-Dramas Where Love Sparked Through Comic Books
- Anwaya Mane
- Sep 13
- 3 min read
Webtoons and manhwa are at the heart of the K-drama world. Not only have some of our favorite dramas been born out of web comics, but these stories have also acted as Cupid, sparking romance and bringing couples closer. Whether love blossoms inside the magical world of a comic or because of it, webtoons often become the sweetest catalyst for K-drama relationships. Just picture your favorite couple curled up together, laughing and teasing each other over their favorite panels. Here are 5 K-dramas where comic books played matchmaker and love lit up the pages — and the screen.
1. W: Two Worlds (2016)
This drama boasts a fascinating storyline in which Oh Yeon-joo (Han Hyo-joo) discovers that the webtoon her father created, W, is actually real — and that its protagonist, Kang Cheol (Lee Jong-suk), truly exists. An unexpected romance blossoms between the handsome, charismatic Kang Cheol of the “W” world and Oh Yeon-joo of the real world, where their fates and hearts collide. Together, they must face extraordinary circumstances if they want to stay together. W: Two Worlds is innovative, ahead of its time, and a must-watch where comics act as both cupid and catalyst for the lead couple.
2. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)
Set in the nostalgic era of the 1990s, Twenty-Five Twenty-One follows Baek Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk), a once-privileged young man now struggling with part-time jobs after his family’s downfall, and Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri), a spirited fencing champion. Their paths repeatedly cross at a local comic book shop, where Hee-do is a regular customer and Yi-jin works behind the counter. Comics become the spark of a short-lived yet unforgettable romance — one that leaves behind memories to last a lifetime. And of course, who could forget the iconic scene where Hee-do runs out of the store, tear-streaked and bawling over a revelation about her favorite comic? Both hilarious and heartfelt, it’s a moment fans will never let go.
3. True Beauty (2020)
What happens when a boy who seems to have it all — good looks, top grades, wealth, and endless admirers — falls for a clumsy, awkward, yet kind-hearted girl who just so happens to share his love for horror comics? A match made in K-drama heaven! Cha Eun-woo’s Lee Su-ho and Moon Ga-young’s Lim Ju-kyung first cross paths at a local comic store as children, and fate brings them together again as adults. Their romance blooms over shared manhwa, steaming bowls of spicy ramyeon, and laughter that carries them through life’s ups and downs. And of course, who can forget Lee Su-ho’s adorable aegyo to comfort a heartbroken Ju-kyung — all captured at their favorite comic book store? Truly unforgettable.
4. Extraordinary You (2019)
Imagine discovering that your entire life is just part of a comic book — and that you’re not even the heroine, but merely an extra. That’s exactly what happens to Eun Dan-oh (Kim Hye-yoon), a bright, lively girl with a heart condition who is engaged to Baek Kyung (Lee Jae-wook). When she realizes she’s destined to die as a side character, Dan-oh refuses to accept her fate. Determined to rewrite her story, she takes charge of her own destiny — and in the process, falls in love with the mysterious Haru (Rowoon). Extraordinary You is frothy, fun, and heartfelt, serving as a delightful ode to the magic of manhwa.
5. Pop Out Boy! (2020)
What happens when the perfect leading man — tall, handsome, and charming — literally steps out of the pages of a romance comic into real life? That’s exactly the premise of Pop Out Boy! Chun Nam-wook (Kim Min-kyu), the flawless male lead of a fictional manhwa, suddenly pops into the real world and crosses paths with Han Sun-nyul (Kim Do-yeon), an ordinary high school girl. Fiction collides with reality, and the result is chaos, comedy, and plenty of heart-fluttering moments straight out of a comic book. If you’re in the mood for something lighthearted and fun, this drama is the perfect pick!
Which of these dramas is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!