Is “Newtopia” Based On A Webtoon?

Alright, let’s talk about Newtopia. The second I saw the trailer, my brain went, “Oh, this is 100% a webtoon adaptation.” It’s got all the classic signs—quirky humor, stylish action sequences, and characters who look like they were designed by an artist who has a personal vendetta against weak jawlines. But guess what? I was so wrong.

Wait … Newtopia Isn’t A Webtoon?

Unlike its K-drama cousins (Sweet Home, All of Us Are Dead, Happiness—you know the ones), Newtopia is not based on a webtoon.

Mind-blowing, right?

Instead, it comes from a novel called Influenza by Han Sang-woon.

Yes, you read that right. This whole zombie-infested, emotionally chaotic masterpiece started as a book.

Yes, you read that right. This whole zombie-infested, emotionally chaotic masterpiece started as a book.

And while webtoons have been running the adaptation game lately, let’s not forget—South Korea has been flipping novels into K-dramas long before webtoons became the blueprint. Newtopia is simply carrying on that legacy, just with extra zombies.

Meet Influenza: The Book That Started It All

So, what’s the deal with Influenza? Well, much like Newtopia, it follows a young couple—Lee Jae-yoon and Kang Young-joo—who were just living their lives until, you know, the world ended.

But here’s the twist: While Newtopia plays up the humor and romance, the original novel leans way harder into psychological horror and survival. I’m talking gritty, nerve-wracking, keep-you-up-at-night intensity.

The book doesn’t just throw zombies at you—it throws human desperation, fear, and some truly unhinged survival choices.

Meanwhile, the drama takes those high-stakes moments and sprinkles in just the right amount of K-drama flair—meaning romantic tension, dramatic stares, and some absolutely ridiculous humor that somehow works.

So, if you’re looking for pure terror and existential dread, the novel might be for you. But if you, like me, prefer your horror with a side of romantic tension and well-timed comedic chaos, Newtopia is where it’s at.

Why Webtoons Are Taking Over K-Dramas (But Not Newtopia)

Webtoons have completely taken over the K-drama scene in recent years, and honestly? I’m not mad about it. They’re colorful, bold, and filled with storytelling that goes way beyond the usual tropes.

Take Sweet Home or All of Us Are Dead—both started as webtoons before becoming full-fledged, high-budget dramas. And it makes sense.

Webtoons are already highly visual, which means they translate seamlessly onto the screen.

Webtoons are already highly visual, which means they translate seamlessly onto the screen. Plus, they come with a built-in fanbase, making them an easy win for production companies looking for their next hit.

Because of this, it’s no surprise that when people saw Newtopia’s high-energy storytelling, exaggerated humor, and stylized action, they immediately assumed it was born from a webtoon.

But nope—this time, it came straight from a book.

Why Everyone (Including Me) Assumed Newtopia Was A Webtoon

Honestly? Newtopia feels like a webtoon adaptation.

• The bold characters and exaggerated humor? Classic webtoon vibes.
• The mix of horror, romance, and comedy? Screams Webtoon or KakaoPage.
• The dynamic action sequences and stylized visuals? You’d swear it was animated first.

With webtoon-based dramas everywhere, I don’t blame anyone for assuming Newtopia was another one. But, fun fact: it’s not! This one’s got literary roots.

Should You Read Influenza Or Just Dive Into Newtopia?

If you love a hardcore, psychological deep dive into what makes people tick when society crumbles, go for it. The novel is brutal, thought-provoking, and far more horror-heavy than the drama.

But if you’re here for dramatic slow-motion stares, comedic bickering in the middle of absolute chaos, and a love story unfolding between zombie chases, then the drama is the better bet.

Newtopia takes the essence of Influenza and repackages it into something more K-drama friendly.

Newtopia takes the essence of Influenza and repackages it into something more K-drama friendly.

The Verdict: Book vs. Drama – Which One Wins?

So, now that we’ve cleared it up—Newtopia isn’t a webtoon adaptation, it’s based on a novel. And honestly? That just makes it even cooler. It’s blending the literary depth of a novel with the unhinged energy of a K-drama, and I am so here for it.

Now you can confidently flex your knowledge and say, “Actually, Newtopia started as a book.” And if your friends stare at you in shock, well—welcome to the club.

So, what are you watching for? The romance? The zombies? The over-the-top drama? Whatever it is, Newtopia delivers. And now, you know the full story behind its origins.