You ever watch a K-drama and think, “This HAS to be from a webtoon,” only to find out—plot twist!—it’s not? That’s exactly what happened to me with Motel California.
I went full detective mode, scouring the internet for the original webtoon, convinced I’d find those beautifully illustrated panels. But nope, I had been completely fooled. It’s got all the signs: an angsty yet irresistible romance, a small-town setting bursting with nostalgia, and characters so well-written they could’ve leaped straight from an artist’s sketchpad.
But surprise! This one took a different route.
Plot Twist! It’s A Web Novel, Not A Webtoon
Instead of being birthed from a webtoon, Motel California started as a web novel before making its way to our screens. And because K-drama fans have an eagle eye for these things, many (myself included) just assumed it must’ve had a webtoon origin.
The good news? While it wasn’t originally a webtoon, it does have one now! And honestly, I love that we get to experience the story in multiple formats.
The good news? While it wasn’t originally a webtoon, it does have one now! And honestly, I love that we get to experience the story in multiple formats.
Motel California actually comes from the web novel Home, Bitter Home by Shim Yoon-seo. And let me tell you, this novel is a rollercoaster of emotions. I went in expecting a simple small-town love story and instead got deep themes of homecoming, love, and self-discovery wrapped up in heartbreak and redemption.
If you’ve read any K-drama-adapted novels before, you know they tend to be rich in internal monologues, emotional depth, and slow-burn character arcs—basically, everything that makes us cry at 2 AM and question our life choices.
Hold Up—There Is A Webtoon?! How Does It Compare?
Here’s where it gets interesting. While Motel California wasn’t originally a webtoon, a webtoon titled Home, Bitter Home: Motel California was released as a companion piece.
And let me just say, this was the cherry on top! This webtoon doesn’t just follow the K-drama—it adds depth, explores alternative perspectives, and expands on character backstories.
Think of it as the bonus content you never knew you needed!
But here’s the catch—the webtoon and the drama don’t tell the exact same story.
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While the K-drama focuses more on visual storytelling, deep emotions, and nuanced performances, the webtoon dives into alternative perspectives, character backstories, and even expands on certain events that the drama had to condense.
If you’re the type who always wonders what happened before or after a big moment in a drama, the webtoon fills in those gaps beautifully.
Like when your favorite idol drops a surprise photobook, and suddenly your wallet is in danger.
Why Do So Many K-Dramas Start As Webtoons? Here’s The Tea!
At this point, K-dramas and webtoons are like peanut butter and jelly—they just work. Webtoons have become a goldmine for drama adaptations because they offer visually engaging stories, strong fanbases, and well-structured narratives.
Hits like True Beauty, Sweet Home, and A Business Proposal all started as webtoons before making their way to our screens.
But Motel California? It took the scenic route—starting as a web novel, then a drama, and finally getting a webtoon adaptation. This is actually quite unique, as most K-dramas that dive into multiple formats begin with webtoons first.
But Motel California? It took the scenic route—starting as a web novel, then a drama, and finally getting a webtoon adaptation. This is actually quite unique, as most K-dramas that dive into multiple formats begin with webtoons first.
And honestly, I love how K-dramas do this! Korean entertainment blends different media formats so seamlessly that it creates a full, immersive experience for fans. Webtoons, novels, dramas, and even films are interconnected, allowing us to engage with our favorite stories in multiple ways.
It’s like having a VIP backstage pass to a world we can’t get enough of.
So, Is Motel California A Webtoon Or Not? Let’s Set The Record Straight!
So, is Motel California based on a webtoon? Not originally. But thanks to its companion webtoon, fans can now experience the story in both formats.
And honestly, whether you’re watching the drama, reading the novel, or diving into the webtoon, one thing’s for sure—this story knows how to keep us hooked.
Would you prefer more K-dramas to have both a webtoon and a drama adaptation? Drop a comment and let’s discuss!
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