Figuring out what to watch once you've finished your current K-Drama or Korean web drama can be a daunting task. You might be worried that the next drama you pick doesn't live up to the one you've just watched. You might not even know where to start with choosing a new one.

Don't worry, though! Kpopmap has got your back with an inclusive guide to the hottest upcoming Korean web dramas being released each month.

A 'web drama' refers to original series dramas that are professionally produced and released primarily through online platforms (OTT platforms).

We are here to help you make your selection of web dramas to add to your watchlist this December.

Let's take an in-depth look at the Korean web dramas streaming and being released this month.

Note: This list only includes web dramas. The K-Drama selection can be found in this article.

 

1. "Island"

Release date: From December

Platform/Where to watch: TVING, Amazon Prime

Number of episodes: 12

Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Action, Exorcism

Summary: Monsters of Jeju Island have been looking for opportunities to get rid of the human world for a long time and have started to target a chaebol heiress who arrived on the island. Daehan Group's Won MiHo is the only daughter of the company's chairman. Her selfish and arrogant attitude led to her father's decision to send her to Jeju Island. There, she was assigned to teach ethics at a high school, where evil was roaming free without her knowing it. Together with the other individuals on the island, she starts to form a new community to survive.

Director: Park BaeJong

Director Park BaeJong directed the drama "Goodbye My Love"(1999) and wrote and directed the film "Fabricated City" (2017) starring Ji ChangWook.

Cast: Kim NamGil, Lee DaHee, ASTRO's Cha EunWoo, Sung Jun

Kim NamGil will play the role of Van. He is an emotionless immortal with a rugged charm who chases down and kills monsters. You might recognize him from his hit roles in the K-Dramas "Through the Darkness" (2022), "Live Up to Your Name" (2017), and more.

Lee DaHee will play the role of Won MiHo. MiHo is the only daughter of the chairman of Daehan Group. She is targeted by the monsters on Jeju Island. You might know her from her recent role in the drama "Love Is for Suckers" (2022) and hit roles in dramas such as "The Beauty Inside"(2018).

ASTRO's Cha EunWoo will play the role of YoHan/John Skelp (Kang ChanHyuk). He is a hip exorcist and priest at a cathedral in the USA. He grew up in the States but hasn't forgotten the language thanks to K-Dramas. Despite his cheerful exterior, he has a dark past, too. Cha EunWoo is not only a talented idol but also one of the most sought-after idol actors in the Korean industry. He is famous for his roles in the popular dramas "True Beauty" (2020), "My ID is Gangnam Beauty" (2018), and more.

Sung Jun will play the role of Kung Tan. Kung Tan works with Van to defeat the monsters. However, there is a twist in the works for his character. Sung Jun is a model-turned-actor well-known for his role in dramas like "High Society" (2015), "I Need Romance 3" (2014), and more.

Why you should look forward to it: The drama is based on a manhwa/webtoon of the same name by Yoon InWan and Yang KyungIl. Many fans are especially excited to see Kim NamGil and Lee DaHee on screen together as their character dynamic is guaranteed to be entertaining.

Not only that but many fans of Sung Jun are excited to see him on screen again. Although the drama is not necessarily a comeback drama for him, many have missed seeing him on the screen regularly.

We can't forget to mention the huge anticipation surrounding ASTRO Cha EunWoo's casting in this drama. Not only is the drama very different from his usual roles, but AROHA (ASTRO's fandom) and other K-Drama fans are excited to see him pull off a dark concept in this twisted but thrilling story.

Read more about the drama here:

 

2. "Recipe For Farewell"

Release date: From December 1

Platform/Where to watch: Watcha

Number of episodes: 12

Genre: Slice-of-life, Drama

Summary: It is a slice-of-life drama about a husband's kitchen diary. He prepares meals for his ex-wife who was diagnosed with colon cancer.

Director: Lee HoJae

Lee HoJae is not only the screenwriter and director of this drama but also of the films "SORI: Voice from the Heart" (2016) and "The Scam" (2016).

Cast: Han SeokKyu, Kim SeoHyung, Jin HoEun, Yang KyungWon

Han SeokKyu will play the role of Kang ChangRae. He works in humanities and ends up cooking for his ill ex-wife everyday, despite his limited cooking skills. Han SeokKyu is an esteemed actor who has starred in several productions such as "Secret Door" (2014) and the "Dr. Romantic" franchise.

Kim SeoHyung will play the role of DaJung. She is diagnosed with colon cancer and develops digestive problems which leads to asking her ex-husband to cook for her. Kim SeoHyung is also an esteemed actress who has made a bold impression in dramas like "Mine" (2021) and "SKY Castle" (2018).

Jin HoEun will play the role of Kang JaeHo. Kang JaeHo is Kang ChangRae's son in the story. Jin HoEun is a rising actor who has acted in many popular dramas such as "All of Us Are Dead" (2022), "Sh**ting Stars" (2022), and more.

Yang KyungWon will play the role of Yang SooWon. Yang KyungWon is another rising actor who has been in several hit dramas such as "Crash Landing on You" (2019), "Vincenzo" (2021), and more.

Why you should look forward to it: This drama is based on a true story, noted in a non-fiction book written by the real-life Kang ChangRae, making for an intriguing look into a piece of someone's history. It tells the personal story of Korean writer Kang ChangRae whose life fascinates many. You might have to grab some tissues while watching, but the drama promises to be deeply touching.

On a lighter note, this drama should also inspire those who know little about cooking to learn more about the sincerity of cooking and take on a new hobby.

 

3. "Oh! My Assistant"

Release date: From December 1

Platform/Where to watch: GagaOOLala

Number of episodes: 8

Genre: BL, Romance

Summary: This drama tells the story of a mature webtoon graphic artist (SeonHo) and his assistant (MuYeong) who work together resulting in romance.

Cast: Song SeungHyun (ex-FTISLAND), Ko ChanBin, Lee DoHa

Song SeungHyun will play the role of SeonHo. SeonHo is an adult webtoon artist who is struggling with his own personal issues in that regard. He is a straightforward person. Song SeungHyun is a former member of the idol rock band FTISLAND. He left the group to focus on his career as an actor and has "Detective Alice 2" (2016) and "Perhaps Love?" (2019) as dramas in his filmography.

Ko ChanBin will play the role of MuYeong. MuYeong is a wealthy and talented person who gets hired as SeonHo's assistant. Ko ChanBin is a rookie actor who has acted in the web drama "Love Revolution" (2020).

Lee DoHa will play the role of JunSeok. JunSeok always seems to be on standby in this story. Lee DoHa is another rookie actor who has had support and guest roles in dramas like "Let Me Be Your Knight" (2021), "18 Again" (2020), and more.

Why you should look forward to it: This webtoon-based drama, originally written by Mila and Angrymonster, is well-known for the explosive chemistry between the characters. If the web drama is anything like the webtoon, it will definitely be a must-watch filled with heart-fluttering moments.

There is a mystery element as to why a character like MuYeong would want to work under SeonHo but it will all make for an interesting twist in their dynamic when his motive is revealed.

With the visuals of this cast, it will also be hard to decide which handsome actor you allow your heart to flutter for.

 

4. "Work Later, Drink Now 2"

Release date: From December 9

Platform/Where to watch: TVING

Number of episodes: 10

Genre: Comedy, Slice-of-life, Drama

Summary: "It is a relatable and heartwarming drama about longtime friends and drinking buddies with quirky chemistry." (TVING)

Director: Kim JungShik

Kim JungShik is the director behind the comedic hit drama "So Not Worth It" (2021) and the first season of "Work Later, Drink Now" (2021). He is also the director of the much-anticipated "Strong Woman Kang Nam Soon"(2023).

Cast: Lee SunBin, Han SunHwa, Apink's Jeong EunJi, Super Junior's Choi SiWon

Lee SunBin will play the role of Ahn SoHee, a broadcast writer. You might recognize this actress from her roles in the dramas "Sketch" (2018), "Criminal Minds" (2017), and more.

Han SunHwa will play the role of Han JiYeon, a yoga instructor. Han SunHwa has had impressive roles in dramas such as "Undercover" (2021) and "Backstreet Rookie" (2020).

Apink's Jeong EunJi will play the role of Kang JiGu, an origami YouTuber. Other than her idol persona, you might recognize Jeong EunJi from "Blind" (2022), "Sassy Go Go" (2015), and more.

Super Junior's Choi SiWon will play the role of Kang BukGu, an entertainment show producer. He is another idol actor who you might be familiar with on stage but also know from K-Dramas like "Revolutionary Love" (2017), "She Was Pretty" (2015), and more.

Why you should look forward to it: After the success of the first season, fans are highly anticipating the return of these characters to their screens. Not to mention that fans will finally be able to get their answers to the cliffhanger at the end of season one.

This drama promises to have you grabbing your sides with laughter in some moments but also nodding your head in relatable agreement in other moments.

 

5. "The King of Desert"

Release date: From December 16

Platform/Where to watch: Watcha

Number of episodes: 6

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Summary: Tells the story of five regular people whose lives get turned upside down. Some of them believe that money is everything and others don't.

Screenwriter: Kim BoTong

Kim BoTong is the same writer behind the hit webtoon-based drama "D.P.". This drama is a special collaboration with Watcha.

Cast: Jin Goo, Yang DongGeun, Jang DongYoon, Jung YiSeo

Jin Goo will play the role of a president. Jin Goo is well-known for his roles in dramas such as "Descendants of the Sun" (2016), "A Superior Day" (2022), and more.

Yang DongGeun will play the role of Dong Hyun. You might recognize this actor from his roles in the dramas "Cheer Up" (2022), "Lost" (2021), and more.

Jang DongYoon will play the role of Cheon Woong. Jang DongYoon is another well-known actor, especially for his roles in dramas like "The Tale of Nokdu" (2019), "Search" (2020), and more.

Jung YiSeo will play the role of Ki Joo. Jung YiSeo is a rising actress who has had roles in the popular K-Dramas "All of Us Are Dead" (2022) and "Snowdrop" (2021).

Why you should look forward to it: Not only is this drama highly-anticipated because of the talented screenwriter behind the script, but many fans are especially looking forward to this actor combination.

Fans are especially awaiting to see Jang DongYoon's appearance because he is sporting short hair, different from his usual look.

Another of this drama's drawing points is the intriguing tangled relationship between the characters in unpredictable situations. The choices the characters make will provide an immersive viewing experience for the audience.

 

6. "Fantasy Spot"

Release date: From December 16

Platform/Where to watch: Coupang Play

Number of episodes: 10

Genre: Romance, Drama

Summary: The story of women in their 20s who want to discover their sexuality and love.

Cast: Ahn HeeYeon (EXID's HaNi), Dal Shabet's WooHee, Park SunHo, Choi KwangRok, Hong SeokCheon

Ahn HeeYeon will play the role of HeeJae. HeeJae wants to get to know herself properly. She is a friendly office worker with a bustling social life. She undergoes a huge mindset change thanks to a podcast that she takes on. Other than her idol activities, Ahn HeeYeon has acted in multiple dramas including titles such as "IDOL: The Coup" (2021) and "You Raise Me Up" (2021).

Dal Shabet's Bae WooHee will play the role of MiNa. Bae WooHee has acted in numerous drama titles including "Two Universes" (2022), "Business Proposal" (2022), and more.

Park SunHo will play the role of InChan. You might recognize Park SunHo from his time on the survival show "Produce X 101" and from his roles in dramas like "Rugal" (2020). This will be his comeback drama after being discharged from the military earlier this year.

Choi KwangRok will play the role of WooJae. Choi KwangRok is a model-turned-actor who you might know from the drama "Green Mother's Club" (2022).

Hong SeokCheon will play the role of  Mr Shim. Hong SeokCheon is a famous entertainment personality who you might have spotted in numerous support and guest roles of popular K-Dramas such as "Jinxed At First" (2022) and "Dali and the Cocky Prince" (2021).

Why you should look forward to it: This drama will take on mature subject matter that open's a new perspective for K-Drama fans. If you enjoyed the Netflix film "Love and Leashes" (2022), you will definitely enjoy this drama.

Fans are also especially excited for idol actress Ahn HeeYeon to show a transformed side of herself through this drama as an actress.

 

7. "The New Employee"

Release date: From December 21

Platform/Where to watch: Watcha, Viki (select regions)

Number of episodes: 8

Genre: BL, Romance

Summary: This drama depicts the office romance between the boss (JongChan) and the new recruit (SeungHyun) at an advertising company.

Director: Kim Jo KwangSoo

Kim Jo KwangSoo has directed short films such as "Just Friends?" (2009) starring Lee JeHoon and is also known as an openly queer director. Many fans are excited to see how well he tells this story in a genre that he fully understands.

Cast: Moon JiYong, Kwon Hyuk, Choi SiHun

Moon JiYong will be playing the role of Woo SeungHyun. He is a late bloomer and this internship means the world to him as he has dreamed of being in this position for a long time. Moon JiYong acted in the BL drama "Once Again" (2022) and the drama "Miracle" (2022), to name a couple of his works.

Kwon Hyuk will be playing the role of Kim JongChan. JongChan is a workaholic who is handsome yet cold. Kwon Hyuk is also a rookie actor who has acted in "A Good Supper" (2021) and in "Graceful Friends" (2020), to name a couple of dramas.

Choi SiHun will be playing the role of Na YooSeong. He will be acting as SeungHyun's first love. Choi SiHun is a rookie actor who has starred in the dramas "Romanced" (2021) and "Cafe Kilimanjaro" (2020), to name a couple. You might even recognize him from his appearance on one of the hottest dating shows in Korea, "Single's Inferno" (2021). He is also a member of the boy group TRIPLEME.

Why you should look forward to it: This Watcha Exclusive is based on the 2016 web novel-turned-webtoon "The New Employee" (신입사원 in Korean) written by Moscareto. It is one of the most popular webtoons on Ridi, which has many fans anticipating the web drama. The drama is said to be focused on even the littlest details from the webtoon.

Other than its guarantee to provide an entertaining story, everybody loves a good office romance, especially when the cast is as handsome as this one. The actors are said to boast perfect synchronization and chemistry that will make your heart flutter. The drama promises to be filled with fresh fun.

Read more about the drama here:

Which web drama will you be adding to your watchlist this December? Let us know and share your web drama recommendations with other readers in the comments!

 

At Kpopmap, we list up all the dramas and web dramas based on webtoon. After 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 dramas based on webtoon, it is time to have a look at 2022!

Here are the dramas based on webtoon that aired in 2022.

Stay updated for 2023 and the following years here:

 

1. "Business Proposal" / Schedule status: From February 21

The web novel and webtoon "Business Proposal" also called "The Office Blind Date" (in Korean "사내 맞선") by HaeHwa, Perilla, and Narak is adapted into a drama. It tells the story of an ordinary office worker who disguises herself and goes on a blind date with her attractive boss in the place of her friend with the goal to end this unwanted marriage blind date after her request.

Ahn HyoSeop and Kim SeJeong are the leads. The drama airs on SBS from February 21.

To find out more about the drama and webtoon, check the cast and summary here.

Read 5 differences between the webtoon and K-Drama here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

2. "Tomorrow"/ Schedule status: From April 1st

The fantasy webtoon "Tomorrow" (in Korean "내일") by RaMa is adapted into a drama. It tells the story of the job seeker Choi JunWoong who fell into a coma due to an accident and entered the Special Crises Management Team of the underworld. The Special Crises Management Team was created because there have been too many suicides leading to an unexpected situation in the underworld. Their duty is to take care of humans with a high risk of suicide and to make them want to live.

The drama was produced by SuperMoon Pictures, who previously worked on "My Strange Hero" and "Goodbye to Goodbye", and StudioN. SF9’s RoWoon, Kim HeeSun, Lee SooHyuk, and Yoon JiOn are cast. The drama aired from April 1st on MBC.

For more information about the drama and webtoon, you can check here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

3. "All of Us Are Dead" / Schedule status: From January 28

The webtoon named "Now at our School" (in Korean "지금 우리 학교는") by Joo DongKeun is adapted into a drama. It is a zombie related webtoon restricted to readers under 18 years old, written in 2009. It tells the story of those isolated in a high school where a zombie virus has been spread, and those who are trying to save them.

The drama is a Netflix Original Korean drama under the title "All of Us Are Dead". The PD of the drama is Lee JaeKyu who worked on dramas such as "The King 2 Hearts" and movies "Intimate Strangers", "The Fatal Encounter", and "The Influence". Yoon ChanYoung, Park JiHu, Cho YiHyun, Lomon, and Yoo InSoo are the leads.

For more information about the drama and webtoon, you can check our cast and summary here.

Read 6 differences between the "All of Us Are Dead" webtoon and K-Drama here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

4. "Island"/ Schedule status: From December 30

The manhwa (manga) and webtoon "Island" (in Korean "아일랜드") by Yoon InWan and Yang KyungIl is adapted. It is about the monsters of Jeju Island who have been looking for opportunities to get rid of the human world for a long time, and their story when they started to target a chaebol heiress who arrived in Jeju Island.

Kim NamGil, Lee DaHee, ASTRO's Cha EunWoo, and Sung Joon are the leads.

Find out more about the drama and webtoon in the cast and summary here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

5. "Cherry Blossoms After Winter"/ Schedule status: From February 24

The BL webtoon "Cherry Blossoms After Winter" (in Korean "겨울지나벚꽃") by BamWoo is adapted into a drama. It is a romance drama about the friendship of two youths and their search for true love.

Super Five’s Ok JinWook and Kang Hui (Kang Hee) are the leads. The drama was released on February 24.

For more information about the drama and webtoon, you can check our cast and summary here. For a complete introduction to the characters, check here.

Read 6 differences between the webtoon and drama here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

6. "Again My Life"/ Schedule status: From April 8

The revenge webtoon "Again My Life" (in Korean "어게인 마이 라이프") by Lee HaeNal is adapted into a drama. It tells the story of  Kim HeeWu, a hot-blooded prosecutor who is murdered and gets to travel back in time after meeting with the Grim Reaper. He is ready to take revenge on a corrupt politician named Jo TaeSup.

Lee JoonGi, Kim JiEun, and Lee KyungYoung are the lead actors. The drama aired from April 8 on SBS.

If you want to know more about the webtoon you can have a look here.

You can check our cast and summary here for the full details about the drama.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

7. "Kiss Sixth Sense" / Schedule status: From May 19

The romance webtoon "Kiss Sixth Sense" (in Korean "키스 식스 센스") by Got W and Jocobong is adapted into a drama. It is about the story of a woman who sees the future of someone she kisses, and their love triangle.

Yoon KyeSang, Seo JiHye, Kim JiSuk, and Lee JuYeon are cast in this Disney+ drama.

To know more about the webtoon, its plot, and its characters, click here.

For more information about the drama and webtoon, you can check our cast and summary here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

8. "The Sound of Magic"/ Schedule status: From May 6

The webtoon "Annarasumanara" (in Korean "안나라수마나라") by Ha IlKwon was adapted into the Netflix drama "The Sound of Magic". It tells the story of Yun Ai who lost her dream of becoming a magician and is living in difficult circumstances. She meets a magician and gradually starts to want to realize her dream.

The director Kim SungYoon who worked on "Love in the Moonlight" and "Itaewon Class" was in charge of the Netflix adaptation. Ji ChangWook, Hwang InYoup, and Choi SungEun are the lead actors.

Have a look at the webtoon and the main characters here.

For more information about the drama and webtoon, you can check our cast and summary here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

9. "Semantic Error" / Schedule status: From February 16

The BL web drama "Semantic Error" is the adaptation of the web novel "Semantic Error" (in Korean "시맨틱 에러") written by Jeosuri in 2018. The web novel was adapted into a webtoon in July 2020 (still ongoing with the illustrations from Enji). The campus BL "Semantic Error" tells the campus romance about the inflexible SangWoo and his encounter with the campus’ most popular student, JaeYoung.

Former KNK member Park SeoHam and DKZ’s JaeChan are the lead cast. The drama was released on February 16 on WATCHA.

For more information about the webtoon, check here.

You can check the cast and summary here for more information about the drama.

Read about 6 differences between the webtoon and the drama here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

10. "Jinxed At First" / Schedule status: From June 15

The fantasy romance webtoon "The Jinx’s Lover" (in Korean "징크스의 연인") by Han JiHye and KooSeul is adapted into the drama "Jinxed At First". It is a story about a man who adapts himself to his life full of misfortune, and the goddess, who jumps into the unknown world to lift the curse.

For the drama, the director Yoon SangHo is in charge. Na InWoo, SeoHyun, and Ki DoHun are the least cast. The drama started on June 15 on KBS.

Check out more about the webtoon here.

You can check the cast and summary here for more information about the drama.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

11. "Internal Medicine Director Park" / Schedule status: From January 14

The comedy webtoon "Internal Medicine Director Park" (in Korean "내과 박원장") by Jang BongSoo is adapted into a drama. It tells the life of a doctor who dreamed being acknowledged but his life turns out different.

Lee SeoJin and Ra MiRan are cast in this TVing drama which started on January 14th.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

12. "The Golden Spoon" / Schedule status: From September 23

The webtoon named "The Golden Spoon" (in Korean "금수저") is adapted into a drama. It tells the adventures of a kid that became a golden spoon (meaning from a rich family in Korean or a silver spoon for English speakers).

The drama was announced to be produced back in 2019 and was finally aired in 2022. BTOB's SungJae, DIA's Jung ChaeYeon, Lee JongWon, YeonWoo, and more was casted.

To find out more about the drama and webtoon, check the cast and summary here.

Read more about the characters and the plot in this introduction.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

13. "Superior Day" / Schedule status: From March 13

The webtoon "Superior Day" (in Korean "우월한하루") by Team GetNam is adapted into a drama. It is a thriller about an ordinary father facing a situation where he has to kill a serial killer living next door to save his kidnapped daughter.

The OCN drama stars Jin Goo, Ha DoKwon, and Lee WonKeun.

You can check the cast and summary for more information about the drama here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

14. "The Forbidden Mariage" / Schedule status: From December 9

The historical romance webtoon named "Joseon’s Ban on Marriage" (in Korean "금혼령-조선혼인금지령") by Cheon JiHye and SanChaek is adapted into the drama "The Forbidden Mariage". It tells the story of King Lee Heon, who lost the crown princess 7 years ago and issued a marriage ban, and Ye SoRang, a marriage scammer who appears and says she can be possessed by the spirit of the deceased crown princess.

Kim YoungDae, Park JuHyun, and Kim WooSeok are cast for this MBC historical drama.

You can check the cast and summary for more information about the drama here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

15. "Spring of Crush" / Schedule status: From May 18

The BL historical webtoon "Spring of Crush" (in Korean "‘춘정지란") by Noh MyoungHyi is adapted into a web drama. It is the BL historical romance drama of three men that takes place when the lead character pretends to be a woman and marries to take off his status of slave.

Yoo YoungJae and Kim Sung are the lead roles.

You can check the cast and summary here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

16. "Gaus Electronics" / Schedule status: From September 30

The webtoon "Gaus Electronics" (in Korean "가우스전자") by Kwak BaekSoo is adapted into a drama. It tells the joys and sorrows of office workers at the multinational Gaus Electronics.

Director Park JoonSoo was in charge of the adaptation. Kwak DongYeon, Ko SungHee, Bae HyeonSeong, and Kang MinAh are casted for the drama.

To find out more about the drama and webtoon, check the cast and summary here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

17. "Summer Strike" / Schedule status: From November 21

The webtoon "I Don't Want To Do Anything" (in Korean "아무것도 하고 싶지 않아") by Joo YoungHyun is adapted into the drama called "Summer Strike". The webtoon tells the growing pains experienced by a 26-year-old girl named YeoReum. The drama will tell the story of YeoReum who declares she will lead a strict life at the age of 28.

GT:st (a subsidiary of Studio Dragon) and director Lee YoonJung ("Coffee Prince", "Cheese in The Trap") are in charge of the adaptation. Yim SiWan and SeolHyun are the leads of the drama.

To find out more about the drama and webtoon, check the cast and summary here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

18. "Unlock The Boss" / Schedule status: From December 7

The comic webtoon "Unlock The Boss" (in Korean "사장님을 잠금해제") by Park SungHyun is adapted into a drama. It tells the story of a boss trapped into a smartphone, and his new employee who found the phone. The story revolves as they dig to find the truth.

It is a KT Studio Genie original series. Chae JongHyeop and Seo EunSoo are cast into drama.

To find out more about the drama and webtoon, check the cast and summary here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

19. "Weak Hero Class 1"  / Schedule status: From November 18

The webtoon "Weak Hero" (in Korean "약한영웅") by Seopass and Razen was announced to be adapted into a drama. It tells the story of an ordinary-looking high school boy who becomes the best fighter in a high school full of bullies.

Jaedam Media signed a co-production contract with PLAYLIST. It is a Wavve Original drama. Park JiHoon and Choi HyunWook are cast among others.

Find out the cast and summary here.

Check out more about the characters and vote for your dream cast here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

20. "Oh! Boarding House” / Schedule status: From February 22

The BL webtoon named “The Fifth Boarding House”  (in Korean “하숙집 오!번지” ) written by Penguin is adapted into a web drama. It tells the romantic relationships of the tenants who are living in a boarding house together.

Im SungKyun and Shin YongSeok are the lead actors of this drama.

Find out more about the drama and webtoon check the cast and summary here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

21. "Blue of Winter” / Schedule status: From March 15

"Blue of Winter" (also known as "Judo Boys") is not based on a webtoon but a webtoon is released along with the web drama. It tells the story of three protagonists who meet at a judo competition in high school and become intertwined in an interesting fate as they build their respective futures.

Jeon YuBin, Min InGi, Lee JeongMin, and Yoo YoungMo are the leads of this BL web drama.

For more about the web drama, check our cast and summary here. For more about the webtoon "Blue of Winter", have a look here at its introduction.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

22. "Blueming” / Schedule status: From March 31

The BL webtoon "Who Can Define Popularity?" (in Korean "인기는 무언가 잘못되었다?") by Tak Bon is adapted into the web drama "Blueming". It is a campus romance between two film department students, which started when SiWon, the student who tries hard to gain popularity, meets DaWoon, who is naturally popular around everyone.

Kang EunBin and Cho HyukJun are the leads.

Check out the cast and summary here, for more about the drama and teaser.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

23. "The Director Who Buys Me Dinner" / Schedule status: From December 15

The webtoon "The Director Who Buys Me Dinner" (in Korean "밥만잘사주는이상한이사님") by Toesa and Yang EunJi will be adapted in a drama. It tells the story of a new employee of a company thinks his director is crazy because he said he has lived 3 lives and that they must date or they will die.

Park YoungWoon, Park JeongWoo, and W.O.W's YooSung are cast in this web drama to be released in 2022.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

24. "The Law Cafe" / Schedule status: From September 5

The webtoon "Love According To Law" (in Korean "법대로 사랑하라") by IlLi and No SeunGa is adapted into a drama. It tells the story of former Miss Korea and lawyer Kim YuRi quit the big law firm she was working at and set up her own "Law cafe". She thought her dreams were brilliant until she met the owner of her cafe's building for her rent contract - her old friend from high school JungHo. What could be the true feelings of this person who sways her heart?

Lee SeungGi and Lee SeYoung are cast in this KBS drama.

Check out the cast and summary here, for more about the drama and teaser.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

25. "Connect" / Schedule Status: From December 7

The thriller webtoon "Connect" by Sin DaeSung is produced as a drama by Disney+. It tells the story of a man  who lost his eyes to a organ hunters. He gets connected to the person who received a transplant.

Jung HaeIn, Go KyungPyo, and Kim HyeJun are casted into the drama.

For more information about the drama and webtoon, you can check here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

26. "Seasons of Blossom" / Schedule status: From September 21

The high school romance webtoon "Seasons of Blossom" (in Korean: "청춘 블라썸") by HongDuck and Nemone is adapted into a drama. It tells the love and friendship of 18-year-old high school students who are just starting their youth.

So JuYeon and Seo JiHoon are casted into the drama. The production company Playlist is in charge of the adaptation. The webtoon is popular in and out of Korea with more than eight languages available.

For more information about the drama and webtoon, you can check here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

27. "The New Employee" / Schedule status: From December 21

The BL webtoon "The New Employee" or "The New Recruit" (in Korean "신입사원") by Jake (first published as a web novel by Moskareto) is adapted into a web drama. It tells the love story of a company team leader and an intern at an advertising company.

Kwon Hyuk, Moon JiYong, and Choi SiHun are the lead actors. The drama is a Watcha original.

For more information about the drama and webtoon, you can check here.

Webtoon links: Korean (need to over 19 years old) / English.

 

 Season 2

28. "Work Later, Drink Now 2" / Schedule status: From December 9

The season 2 of the drama "Work Later, Drink Now" based on the webtoon "Drinker City Girls" (in Korean "술꾼도시 처녀들") by MiKkang is confirmed. It tells the stories of 3 women of 30-year-old who drink alcohol as their life religion.

Apink’s EunJi, Han SunHwa, Lee SunBin, and Super Junior’s Siwon who were cast for the first season, are also cast for the 2nd season.

Check our cast and summary here for more about the drama and the characters.

Check out the 4 differences between the webtoon and the drama here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

29. "No, Thank You 2" /  Schedule status: From January 8

The webtoon "Daughter-in-Law" (in Korean "며느라기") by Soo ShinJi was adapted in 2020 into the web drama "No, Thank You". A season 2 is released in 2022. It tells the episodes that happen to the ordinary daughter-in-law Min SaRin after she got to meet her in-laws.

Park HaSun, Kwon Yul, Moon HeeKyung, and Kim JongGoo are the lead actors of this Kakao TV web drama.

For more information, pictures, and teaser of the drama and webtoon, you can check our cast and summary here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English Instagram

 

Stay updated for 2023 and the following years here:

 

While we do like rom-coms and light stories, a good sad story once in a while is also enjoyable. Plus the more tragic it is, the more we tend to enjoy and get attached to the characters as well. And K-Dramas are good at tricking us into falling for characters with a tragic destiny. But luckily, most of the time, it is still a happy ending and we can ease our pain by enjoying some lovely romance.

And not only regular K-Dramas, but BL K-Dramas also make us go through a roller coaster of emotion. Some make us feel rather sad while still enjoying a passionate romance. And it's not all bad, because after crying a river, we can always enjoy the sweet romantic relationship of the characters. So hang on to your snacks and blanket, and get ready to cry over and over again with those 10 lovely yet sad BL dramas on your watchlist.

Note: this is not a ranking.

 

1. "Where Your Eyes Linger" (2020)

Cast: Han GiChan, Jang EuiSoo, Choi KyuRi, Jeon JaeYeong.

Summary: Han TaeJu is the rightful successor to his father's company, and he's got it all: looks, wealth, and popularity. Kang Gook, his childhood friend and bodyguard is also his only friend. TaeJu trusts Gook and is most comfortable around him. But everything changes when a new female student, Hye Mi, shows interest in Kang Gook, who also shows interest. As they go on a date, TaeJu becomes jealous and realizes his true feelings towards Gook. Will their friendship take a step further?

Reasons to watch: Based on the synopsis, "Where Your Eyes Linger" feels like your typical slice-of-life romance, but there are more plot twists than you could imagine. Without giving too many spoilers, TaeJu and Gook's relationship isn't going smoothly all along. Between love, hatred, and separation, you could get your heart broken more than once with this drama. When their love is so strong they get hurt for one another, we can only end up crying while waiting for their love to bloom.

 

2. "Color Rush" (2020) & "Color Rush 2" (2022)

Cast: Yoo Jun, Hur HyunJun, Baek SeoHoo, Min HyoGi (season 1) / Yoo Jun, VIXX's Hyuk, Oh YuJin, Baek SeoHoo, Min HyoGi (season 2).

Summary: In this world, there are two kinds of people, 'monos' and the others. A 'mono' is someone who cannot see colors. But all monos have a 'probe', a person who, while they're together, will allow them to see colors. Choi YeonWoo is mono, and he found his probe, a fellow student named YooHan. The two grew closer and developed a deep relationship due to their special link. But YeonWoo hides some secrets regarding his mother, and soon enough his past is coming back to haunt him.

Reasons to watch: First of all, the scenario of this drama is quite unique and worth the watch, plus, there are two seasons of this BL drama, meaning there is even more content to watch. Now the reasons this drama could be considered sad are various, and YeonWoo's past story is part of it. Once again, it would be hard to go into details without spoiling too much, but someone goes missing in the second part of the drama, and the story behind his disappearance is quite sad. Don't miss the chance to see this masterpiece, and discover the beautiful yet painful world of monos and probes.

 

3. "Peach Of Time" (2021)

Cast: Choi JaeHyun, Jimmy Karn Kritsanaphan, Tommy Sittichok Pueakpoolpol, Jun AeYun.

Summary: Peach decides to fly from Thailand to Korea only to meet his beloved Korean friend YoonOh. But while their encounter is so heartwarming, there is a darker reality that Peach was not prepared to face when he came to meet YoonOh. concerned by YoonOh's situation and his own feelings towards his friend, will Peach manage to help YoonOh fulfill his dream?

Reasons to watch: This BL drama is the very first Korean-Thai collaboration, and it's worth watching. The scenario is also quite unusual, and each episode will surely thrill you to watch the next one. But the secret that YoonOh has been keeping from his best friend Peach is what causes this drama to be among the saddest BL dramas. And while the story grows into a happy one, we can never forget YoonOh's real identity, and we can only cry until the very end, whatsoever.

 

4. "Kissable Lips" (2022)

Cast: Yoon SeoBin, ZEROBASEONE's Kim JiWoong.

Summary: JunHo is a vampire who wants to become a human and die normally. In order to do that, he has to drink the blood of a pure-blooded human. As he searches for one, he meets MinHyun, a pure-blooded human, who also happens to have feelings for JunHo. When love comes in the way of JunHo's plan, nothing happens as it was supposed to.

Reasons to watch: If you are already a fan of these actors, that is a first good reason to watch. But we're here for the heartbreaking part of this drama. JunHo's first objective was to finally be able to die normally. And even if his plans get disturbed, his objective is still the same, considering that, we cannot avoid getting our hearts broken by this drama and one specific scene. It's so hard to hold back our tears while seeing MinHyun cry his heart out for JunHo.

 

5. "Once Again" (2022)

Cast: Moon JiYong, Lee HyunJun, Kang WooJung.

Summary: Shin JaeWoo was saved from a murderer when he was a child, and he always felt guilty yet admirative towards his savior. 15 years after the incident, JaeWoo manages to meet with the man who saved him so long ago, and he wants to try to save him this time around, but can he really defy destiny?

Reasons to watch: This story includes time travel and fated love, who wouldn't like such a trope? But honestly, fate is also the reason why you will cry a river at the end of this drama. No matter how lovely the romantic relationship is, shedding some tears is unavoidable while watching "Once Again". So prepare your tissues and heart because this drama must be the saddest on this list.

 

6. "First Love Again" (2022)

Cast: Jeon ChangHa, Jin Geon, Song HanHee, Kim JeongSeok, Jung HyunJi (Christine Jung).

Summary: The popular web novelist YeonSeok has one big secret. He has been living for 300 years in order to achieve his first love. He is searching for his first love, HaYeon, who suddenly appears in front of him as a 25-year-old man. YeonSeok, who never thought his first love would be reborn as a man, pushes HaYeon away at first. However, because HaYeon is YeonSeok's editor at SinBi Books, YeonSeok can’t escape HaYeon and they naturally grow closer over time.

Reasons to watch: If you've watched the K-Drama "Goblin", you already know what you're in for, and why it's worth watching. Not that the stories are identical, but here again, we have some sort of goblin, YeonSeok lived for 300 years, and only finding his first love can break his curse. But here, the sad part is mostly YeonSeok's past, when we see his memories of his past loves with whom he could never be, it is truly heartbreaking. But luckily, YeonSeok's last relationship with HaYeon is successful and full of love for you to recover.

 

7. "Choco Milk Shake" (2022)

Cast: Ko HoJung, Kim SeongHyeok, Lee JaeBin, Park SeungBin.

Summary: JungWoo used to have two pets, a dog named Choco and a cat named Milk. Both passed away when he was still quite young, but somehow the three of them got reunited later, under different circumstances. Milk and Choco are now two handsome men but still insist on staying with JungWoo as they used to. This time, a different kind of love is going to fill the house.

Reasons to watch: The actors are playing so well with cat-like and dog-like personalities, and their relationships are just so lovely, you wouldn't want to miss on that. But if it seems all happy and nice, there is a sad twist plot at a point in the story, we let you discover it by yourself. And if Season 1 felt too short, or too sad for you, don't worry because Season 2 has been confirmed by the actors! While we have no official release date yet, we know that what we last saw in the drama isn't the end Of JungWoo, Choco, and Milk's story.

 

8. "The Director Who Buys Me Dinner" (2022)

Cast: Park YoungWoon, Park JeongWoo, Jang YouSung.

Summary: DongBaek is the new employee of Min Entertainment, but on his first day, he realizes he has been employed to work as the director's secretary. In a dead-end, DongBaek has no choice but to work for his director, YuDam, who strangely tries to get close to him. But if things couldn't get weirder, YuDam tells him that if he wants to live, he has to date him. When one remembers all three lives they spent together and the other has no clue, it's harder to win over one's heart.

Reasons to watch: Another fantastic story about destined love, how could we miss it? But once again, who says fate and curse also mean tragic accidents and heartbreaking scenes.  And we don't know what's more painful. The past that only YuDam can remember? DongBaek's ignorance of his past with YuDam? Or when the past repeats itself, yet once again? This drama surely has a lot of emotional scenes stored for you!

 

9. "A Shoulder To Cry On" (2023)

Cast: OMEGA X's JaeHan, OMEGA X's YeChan.

Summary: Lee DaYeol dreams of becoming an archery master, he encounters Jo TaeHyun, who picks on him shamelessly. But hate slowly turns into friendship and DaYeol gets to see that TaeHyun hides his feelings because of past wounds. Follow their blooming romance that walks the line between love and hate.

Reasons To Watch: if you're a FOR X, then you shouldn't miss on YeChan and JaeHan's amazing acting in this drama to begin with. But of course, the story of the drama is the most interesting part, as it explores the thin line between love and hate, and how easy it is to go from one to another. And of course, hate, unhealed past wounds, and repressed love are the cause of very heartbreaking and sad scenes. So for a good cry, make sure to watch "A Shoulder To Cry On".

 

10. "The Eighth Sense" (2023)

Cast: Lim JiSub, Oh JunTaek.

Summary: JiHyun comes from a rural town to study in the capital, but he has a hard time getting used to this new life. At university, he meets with JaeWon, a senior from the surfing club. As JiHyun joins the club, he grows closer to JaeWon, but their closeness is not welcomed by many of JaeWon's friends. As the son of a CEO, the expectations that weigh on him become an obstacle in his relationship with JiHyun. Between past trauma and present student struggles, will JiHyun and JaeWon's relationship be successful?

Reasons to watch: This drama touches upon a lot of serious issues, which already sets a specific tone for the story. And while the evolution of JiHyun and JaeWon's relationship is heartwarming and lovely at points, there are also a lot of obstacles they must face and overcome before being officially together. The past of JaeWon also comes back to haunt him, and this is enough to make you cry while watching this drama.

 

With all those sad dramas, you may cry not just a river but an entire ocean! But don't worry as much as there is sadness there is also love and happiness in those dramas, so make sure to fill your heart with love as well.

 

Make sure to let us know which of those dramas made you cry the most!