K-Pop stands as one of South Korea’s most popular cultural exports, so it’s no surprise that webtoon authors frequently explore it in their stories. Some delve into the darker side of fictional idols, while others base their narratives on real-life groups!
If you’re eager to experience K-pop through the lens of South Korean webtoon creators, look no further. These standout webtoons capture the highs, lows, and drama of idol life!
Lost in Translation
Lost in Translation is a webtoon by Jjolee that began in February 2020 and is still ongoing. The story follows a rookie boy group called Mayhem as they fight to rise to the top of the K-Pop industry.
The narrative centers on 25-year-old Ahn Jaewon, who performs under the stage name Wyld. To boost Mayhem’s popularity, the group’s CEO forces Wyld to adopt a fake, controversial “bad boy” persona. While the group gains traction, Wyld bears the brunt of the public backlash sparked by his manufactured scandals.
Debut or Die
Debut or Die is a webtoon written by jangjin and D.S.Back and is currently ongoing. First published in 2022, the story follows aspiring civil servant Ryu Gunwoo. After a night of heavy drinking, he blacks out and wakes up three years in the past—in someone else’s body. He finds himself as a young man named Park Moondae.
Before long, he learns he must complete a mission: debut as a K-Pop idol or die. With only one year to succeed, Moondae joins a survival program called Idol Inc. But with so many talented competitors, his chances look grim. Can he beat the odds and achieve stardom?
Save Me
If you love BTS, you need to check out Save Me. Big Hit Entertainment created the webtoon in collaboration with Naver Webtoon‘s subsidiary, Studio LICO. The title takes inspiration from BTS’s 2016 smash hit, “Save Me.”
The story doesn’t portray BTS as idols. Instead, it follows their alter egos, who share the members’ real names. Kim Seok Jin (Jin) becomes trapped in a time loop, forced to relive April 11 over and over—unless he can break the cycle. To escape, Jin must save his six best friends (the other BTS members) from their tragic fates.
Top Star’s Talent Library
Top Star’s Talent Library, released in 2022 and still ongoing, was penned by Kang Seoul and Pateu. The webtoon puts a unique fantasy spin on the idol genre.
Sang Jun is a notoriously talentless idol. Though he dreams of debuting and performing on stage, his mother’s illness and rising medical bills push that dream even further out of reach. One day, he stumbles across a mysterious talent library. Suddenly, Sang Jun is no longer the fumbling trainee he once was. With the help of talent books, he gains skills and begins his transformation into an all-rounder idol. But will it be enough for him to finally debut?
The Heavenly Idol
Did you know this K-Drama was originally a webtoon? The Heavenly Idol, written by Mythology Jin, ran from 2020 to 2022 before being adapted into a 2023 drama starring Kim Min Kyu, Go Bo Gyeol, and Lee Jang Woo.
In the Other World, Pontifex High Priest Rembrary leads his forces in a battle against the Evil One to protect the kingdom. Just as he’s about to claim victory, he suddenly finds himself transported to another world. When he wakes up, he discovers he’s now in the body of Woo Yeon Woo, a member of the struggling K-Pop boy group Wild Animal. Now, Rembrary must navigate the chaotic world of K-Pop while searching for a way to return to his own body.
Crimson Heart
Crimson Heart is a webtoon produced by HYBE that features characters portrayed by the members of the girl group LE SSERAFIM. Inspired by their song “Blue Flame,” the story is a fantastical coming-of-age tale rooted in real-world idols.
Set in Refugia, a place completely cut off from the magical realm known as the Unknown—overseen by the Blue Fireflies—the girls have spent their lives being taught to be perfect ladies by the Refugian system. Everything changes when they discover a mysterious old book and necklace in the library. Now, they rebel and journey into the Unknown, seeking the legendary Island of the Blue Fireflies. Will they find what they desire?
Second Try Idol
While most webtoons about K-pop idols follow the journey from trainee to star, Second Try Idol stands out by telling the story of a failed idol getting a second chance. Written by Tinta, the series ran from 2021 to 2024.
Suh Hyunwoo once tasted success as an idol, but after an injury left him with facial burns, his group pushed him out. Forced to give up his dreams, he became an idol trainer instead. When a plane crash gives him the chance to rewind time, Hyunwoo wakes up nineteen again—this time without any facial burns. Armed with his experience as both idol and trainer, he’s determined to lead his new group to fame.
My Uncle Is a Superstar
My Uncle Is a Superstar is a webtoon by Hun Wonjin that debuted in 2019 and is still ongoing. It’s a heartwarming story about a man who gave up his dreams but finds the courage to pursue them again.
After an accident, Woojin sacrifices his ambitions to care for his mother and niece. As he hits rock bottom, an AI robot appears, promising to help him achieve his dreams. Once a struggling carpenter, Woojin now aims to become a worldwide-famous idol.
The Star Seekers
The Star Seekers is an original story by HYBE inspired by their boy group, TXT. Unlike other HYBE webtoons, this one features the group as a fantasy K-Pop idol group, blending magical growth with captivating performances.
The story follows five members of an idol group living in a world where magic and reality coexist. One day, they awaken to discover supernatural powers. Now, they must uncover the secrets behind their abilities while navigating their idol careers and the entertainment industry.
Dark Moon: The Blood Altar
Dark Moon: The Blood Altar is another HYBE webtoon inspired by their boy group ENHYPEN. Based on their song “Drunk-Dazed,” the story features vampires and werewolves.
ENHYPEN members play vampires who secretly befriend a girl, sparking a unique friendship. As the boys fall in love, they struggle to balance their feelings with a tense rivalry against werewolves from the opposite academy. This teen romance blends supernatural elements with themes of youth and love.
