Webtoon-Based Dramas Have Higher Viewership in Crime, Thriller and Mystery Genres

A recent study showed that webtoon-based dramas have significantly higher viewership in specific genres. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)

SEOUL, Oct. 4 (Korea Bizwire) – Among the recent popular dramas, from ‘Moving’ to ‘Mask Girl,’ it’s difficult to find ones that are not based on webtoons. 

The term ‘webtoon original’ has become so common that jokes are being made, suggesting the need for a specific term like ‘drama original.’

Against this backdrop, a recent study showed that webtoon-based dramas have significantly higher viewership in specific genres.

According to an analysis conducted by Kim Jung-hwan, a professor in the Media Communication Department at Pukyong National University, the average viewership of webtoon-based dramas in the crime, thriller and mystery genres was 7.88 percent from 2021 to 2022, with the highest viewership estimated at 10.42 percent.

In contrast, the average viewership of dramas not based on webtoons in the same genres was 5.88 percent, with the highest viewership estimated at 7.48 percent. 

This average is based on an analysis of 50 dramas in the crime, thriller and mystery genres that aired in 2021 and 2022.

“The secondary works based on webtoons are mainly in the romance, crime, thriller and mystery genres. We analyzed the crime, thriller and mystery genres, judging that they have a wider viewer spectrum than romance. We also reviewed the data for the past three years, during which webtoons have been actively recreated as dramas,” explained Kim.

Webtoon intellectual property (IP) is gaining attention as a seed that can be easily expanded to other areas such as dramas, movies, animation and games.

During the publication process, webtoons have already somewhat proven the attractiveness of their stories and established original fans. Accordingly, there are expectations that when they are adapted into different versions, their user base will remain strong.

M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)