Is “The Witch” K-Drama Based On A Webtoon?

Okay, let’s get something straight—K-dramas based on webtoons have an energy to them. You know what I mean. Dark pasts? Check. A brooding male lead with questionable decision-making skills? Check. A slow-burn romance so agonizingly good that you find yourself yelling at the screen? Check, check, and oh-my-god-just-kiss-already check.

And The Witch? Oh, it delivers.

But let’s settle the debate: Was this drama originally a webtoon?

Drumroll, please… Yes! The Witch is based on Manyeo, a webtoon by the storytelling wizard himself, Kang Full. And like most adaptations, the drama takes a few creative detours.

So, if you’re wondering whether the original is just as gripping as the drama—or maybe even better—let’s break it down.

Meet The Witch: A Webtoon That Messes With Your Mind

Before we unravel the mystery of The Witch, let’s take a moment to talk about Kang Full, the mastermind behind it.

This man has range. He’s dabbled in romance, mystery, action, horror—basically, if a genre exists, he’s probably written a webtoon for it.

His works like Moving and Light Shop prove that he doesn’t just write stories—he crafts experiences that hijack your emotions and refuse to let go. The guy is basically the Shakespeare of psychological webtoons—if Shakespeare made you sleep with the lights on.

Now, let’s talk plot.

Manyeo (which literally means The Witch) follows Park Mi-jeong, a woman who’s been labeled as cursed. And why? Because everyone around her mysteriously meets a tragic fate.

Manyeo (which literally means The Witch) follows Park Mi-jeong, a woman who’s been labeled as cursed. And why? Because everyone around her mysteriously meets a tragic fate.

First her father, then her male classmates—it’s like a real-life Final Destination, and she’s the unlucky common denominator.

Naturally, society does what society does best: ostracize her completely.

Then there’s Lee Dong-jin, our determined male lead and professional danger magnet. This guy had a crush on Mi-jeong in high school, and instead of moving on like a regular person, he comes back ten years later to prove that she’s not cursed.

I mean, hobbies exist, my guy, but sure—throw yourself into a potentially life-threatening mystery instead.

What follows is a psychological thriller, a tragic romance, and a social commentary all wrapped into one beautifully haunting package.

Webtoon vs. Drama: What Changed And What Stayed the Same?

Like most adaptations, The Witch K-drama isn’t a frame-by-frame recreation of the webtoon. Here’s what changed:

1. Slow Burn or Fast Thrills? The Pacing Dilemma

The webtoon takes its sweet time unraveling the mystery, letting you marinate in the eerie atmosphere.

The drama, on the other hand, ramps up the suspense with dramatic cinematography and cliffhangers designed to make you lose sleep.

2. From Panels to Screens: The Visual Glow-Up

Webtoons create tension through moody illustrations and slow-reveal panels.

The drama? It cranks it up with eerie lighting, haunting music, and Park Jin-young giving the performance of his life.

3. Deeper Characters, Bigger Feels

Some side characters get more screen time and deeper backstories in the drama.

Also, Mi-jeong and Dong-jin’s relationship has more emotional weight, making their bond even more devastatingly beautiful on-screen.

Why The Witch Feels So Real: Korean Culture & Superstition

Let’s talk about why this story hits different in Korea.

Korea has a deep history of shamanism, folklore, and superstition. Being labeled “cursed” isn’t just an insult—it’s a social death sentence.

Historically, women accused of witchcraft or spiritual misfortune often faced severe consequences, including ostracization or exile. The Witch taps into this fear and modernizes it, making Mi-jeong’s isolation feel eerily realistic.

And Koreans take bad luck very seriously. Writing someone’s name in red ink? That’s like signing their death certificate. The number four? Avoid at all costs—it sounds like “death” in Korean.

And Koreans take bad luck very seriously. Writing someone’s name in red ink? That’s like signing their death certificate. The number four? Avoid at all costs—it sounds like “death” in Korean.

So when Mi-jeong is labeled as cursed, it’s not just a spooky plot point—it’s a reflection of real societal fears.

This isn’t just a supernatural mystery—it’s a chilling commentary on how fear creates outcasts.

K-Dramas And Webtoons: A Match Made in Storytelling Heaven

Webtoons and K-dramas are basically soulmates. Here’s why:

• Webtoons already have a built-in fanbase. Networks love adapting stories with a guaranteed audience.
• Serialized storytelling = perfect for episodes. Webtoons are written in cliffhangers, just like K-dramas.
• Korean audiences LOVE them. Webtoons are a cultural phenomenon, and seeing them come to life? Always a thrill.

Webtoon First or Drama First? The Ultimate Dilemma

It depends. If you love a deep psychological dive and don’t mind a slow build-up, then YES—read the webtoon first.

If you prefer a more cinematic, fast-paced experience, then dive straight into the drama.

Either way, the story will leave you questioning fate, superstition, and your own emotional stability.

The Final Showdown: Webtoon vs. Drama—Who Wins?

Honestly? Both of them rule.

If you love slow, eerie mysteries, read the webtoon. If you want dramatic tension and chef’s kiss visuals, watch the drama.

But honestly—if you’re a true K-drama/webtoon fan, you’re probably going to devour both. And I fully support this decision.

If you loved Strangers from Hell, Save Me, or All of Us Are Dead, then The Witch will be right up your alley. These dramas share the same eerie, slow-burn tension and psychological depth that will keep you glued to the screen.

So, what’s your pick—webtoon, drama, or both? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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