K-Webtoons and Novels Make a Splash in Hollywood-Level Adaptations
South Korea’s webtoon and web novel industry is making waves as global demand for rich storytelling fuels blockbuster adaptations into films and dramas. Dominating this trend is ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint’, a fantasy epic now being developed into a high-budget film. Featuring an A-list cast including Lee Min-ho, Ahn Hyo-seop, Chae Soo-bin, Shin Seung-ho, Nana, and Jisoo of BLACKPINK, the movie boasts a massive 30 billion KRW production budget—currently the highest among Korean productions this year.
Originating as a web novel in 2018 and later adapted into a webtoon, ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint’ tells the story of Kim Dokja, a lone reader who knows the end of a collapsed version of reality, teaming up with protagonist Yoo Joong-hyuk to save the world. The original web novel has surpassed 200 million views, and the webtoon has recorded over 2 billion views globally.
The adaptation is spearheaded by Realize Pictures, known for producing the hit franchise ‘Along with the Gods’, and will include investment and production support from entertainment giant Smilegate, the creators of the global game ‘Lost Ark.’
Following suit, ‘Remarried Empress’, another webtoon juggernaut with 2.6 billion global views, is set for a live-action drama adaptation. The story unfolds the political and romantic journey of Navier, the empress of the Eastern Empire, who after being divorced by Emperor Sovieshu, seeks remarriage with Western prince Heinrey. This iconic romance fantasy has already captured international attention since its web novel debut in 2018, boasting translations in 10 languages.
The drama features a star-studded cast including Shin Min-a, Joo Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk, and Lee Se-young. Produced by Studio N—acclaimed for series like ‘Severe Injury Center’ and ‘Jeongnyeoni’—the adaptation promises cinematic visuals and faithful world-building to meet fan expectations.
Additionally, ‘The Men of Harem’, a popular web novel revolving around Empress Latil who maintains her power with a team of male concubines, will also get the drama treatment. Packed with themes of role-reversal and strong female leadership, the original series became Naver’s top-grossing romance novel within a year of its release. Seo Ye-ji and Joo Ji-hoon previously re-enacted signature scenes from the novel in a promotional campaign that went viral, and Suzy is in talks to join the franchise.
Production will be helmed by acclaimed director Lee Eung-bok—known for ‘Sweet Home’, ‘Mr. Sunshine’, and ‘Goblin’—teaming up with screenwriter Hwang Jin-young of 2023’s highly celebrated drama ‘Lovers’.
Global streaming hits like ‘All of Us Are Dead’ and ‘Yumi’s Cells’ further testify to the power of completed webtoon IPs. With built-in fanbases and structured narratives, studios find these stories ideal for adaptation, offering instant hype and higher chances of box office or viewership success. As proven models, they often fast-track sequel production steps after premiere success, building a sustainable franchise in K-content’s global expansion.
