Webtoon, or Manhwa, has become one of the cornerstones of Korean Hallyu. Its live-action adaptations into dramas and films are eagerly awaited by fans worldwide. South Korean actor Ju Ji Hoon, known for his chameleon-like acting skills, has proven his versatility to embody diverse and complex characters in dramas and films. Among his impressive repertoire, the actor has brought iconic characters from Webtoon to life. Check out the Webtoons-based Korean dramas and films starring Ju Ji Hoon below.
Webtoon-Based Korean Dramas and Films Starring Ju Ji Hoon
Webtoon-Based K-Dramas
1. “Princess Hours” (2006)
The 2006 Korean drama “Princess Hours” (“궁”) is a live adaptation of Park Soo Hee’s webtoon “Gung – Palace Love Story.” Starring Yoon Eun Hye, Ju Ji Hoon, Song Ji Hyo, and Kim Jeong Hoon, the 24-episode drama achieved a high rating of 28.3%. Its popularity in the country and abroad led to a spin-off series and a Thai remake.
Synopsis:
High school student Chae Gyeong reluctantly marries Crown Prince Yi Sin to fulfill her grandfather’s will and help her family, who is in debt. Her life drastically changes as she adjusts to royal life.
Yi Yul, the Crown Prince’s cousin, helps her to face the complexities of palace life. However, the emotional gap between Chae Gyeong and Crown Prince Yi Sin prompts senior royal family members to intervene to unite them.
2. “Kingdom” (2019 & 2020)
Following his appearance in “Princess Hours” in 2006, Ju Ji Hoon starred in the historical drama “Kingdom” (“킹덤”). The series is a live adaptation of a popular webtoon, “The Kingdom of the Gods,” by In-wan Youn (author), Kyung-il Yang (illustrator), and Eun Hee Kim (draft Writer).
The series gained recognition from critics and audiences for its intriguing storyline, interesting characterizations, and well-blended zombie and historical genres into one.
Ju Ji Hoon pulls off his portrayal as Prince Lee Chang with a strong charisma as a prince and warrior.
Synopsis:
The pregnant Queen, her father, and the Chief State Councilor, Cho Hak Joo, frame the Crown Prince as a traitor when the Joseon King dies during a smallpox epidemic. The Crown Prince and his bodyguard, Moo Young, then set out to find the last doctor who treated his father, Lee Seung Hui, to determine the cause of his death. Then, they find themselves trapped in a village hit by a terrible plague. There, they meet Seo Bi, a Doctor’s Assistant, and a mysterious man named Young Shin.
A spreading plague could result in a wave of zombies threatening the capital. To prevent this, Crown Prince Lee Chang must find the Chief State Councilor, Jo Hak Joo, to regain his throne and save the people from the ongoing plague. On the other hand, the Queen is racing against time to produce an heir to the throne.
3. “Item” (2019)
Ju Ju Hoon’s next webtoon drama adaptation is “Item” (“아이템”). The series is an adaptation of a webtoon by Min Hyung and Kim Joon Suk of the same name. In this series, the actor played the role of prosecutor Kim Gang Woo. His portrayal of a charismatic and strong-willed prosecutor who cares for his niece left a deep impression on viewers.
Synopsis:
To save his niece from a conspiracy of supernatural objects, prosecutor Kim Gang Woo tries to uncover hidden secrets surrounding unique objects with supernatural powers with the help of a criminal profiler, Shin So Yeong (Jin Se Yeon).
4. “Light Shop” (2024)
The drama “Light Shop” (“조명가게”) is the second famous webtoon-based K-drama series by Kang Full after “Moving.” The star-studded series features u Ji Hoon, Park Bo Young, and other talented actors. It gained global popularity for its intriguing plot and characters.
In this series, Ju Ji Hoon brought to life the iconic, mysterious, and enigmatic character of Won Young, the mysterious man in the 24/7 lamp shop. His portrayal adds depth and a sense of mystery and horror to the series.
Synopsis:
Some people try to live an everyday life but have difficulty accepting the traumatic experiences in their past. For some reason, they feel attracted to an antique lamp shop at the end of an alley. In the shop that is open 24 hours a day, a man always wears sunglasses and doesn’t talk much. Although he seems quiet, the shopkeeper exudes a cautious and mysterious charisma. He may know things that people don’t, adding to the eerie atmosphere in the lamp shop.
5. “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” (2025)
Ju Ji Hoon’s latest drama based on Webtoon is “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call.” The series is based on the webtoon “Severe Trauma Center – Golden Hour” by Dr. Lee Nak Joon (Hansan Lee Ga) for the story and Hong Bichira for the illustration. The story itself was inspired by Professor Lee Kuk Jong’s autobiographical essay titled “Golden Hour.” Ju Ji Hoon plays the main character, Baek Gang Hyeok, in this Netflix hit series.
“The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” hit the #1 spot on Global Top 10 Non-English Shows on January 5 – February 2025.
Synopsis:
Baek Gang Hyeok is a genius trauma surgeon with experience in conflict zones. He is asked to join a university hospital to lead a major trauma team. He selects his team: Yang Jae Won, a former proctology surgeon; nurse Cheon Jang Mi; and anesthesiology resident Park Gyeong Won. Under Baek Gang Hyeok’s leadership, the team transformed from a symbolic unit to one that actively saves lives.
However, the hospital’s financial difficulties clash with his unit’s goal of saving more patients.
6. “The Witch” (2025)
“The Witch” is the third series adapted from Kang Full’s webtoon series. In this series, Ju Ji Hoon only appears briefly in the first episode. Although his appearance is brief, many fans are entertained by his hilarious scene.
Webtoon-Based Films
7. “Along with the Gods” (2017 & 2018)
The hit movies “Along with the Gods 1” and “Along with the Gods 2” are adaptations of the Webtoon by Joo Ho Min.
Released in 2017, “Along with the Gods 1: The Two Worlds” became the third highest-grossing film in Korea with 14,414,658 admissions. Meanwhile, “Along with the Gods 2: The Last 49 Days” in 2018 became the fourteenth highest-grossing film in Korea with 12,278,010 admissions.
The films are blockbusters with exciting plots and strong cast lineups, including Ju Ji Hoon, Hang Jung Woo, Cha Tae Hyun, Kim Hyang Gi, Ma Deong Seok, Kim Dong Wook, and Lee Jung Jae.
The fantasy film revolves around reincarnation with humorous and melodramatic moments. In these films, Ju Ji Hoon plays Haewonmak, a young and energetic grim reaper with a sarcastic personality and exceptional sword-fighting skills.
Ju Ji Hoon’s Upcoming Drama Based on Webtoon
“The Remarried Empress”
The upcoming drama “The Remarried Empress,” starring Ju Ji Hoon, Shin Min Ah, Lee Jong Suk, and Lee Se Yang, is based on the Webtoon by Alpha Tart. In the series, Ju Ji Hoon will be playing the role of Emperor Sovieshu.
Synopsis:
“The Remarried Empress” follows Navier Ellie Trovi, empress of the Eastern Empire. Her husband, the Eastern Emperor Sovieshu, divorces Navier to marry his concubine, Rashta Isqua. She accepts the divorce with one condition. To remain as an empress, she asks for permission to remarry Prince Heinrey Alles Lazlo of the Western Empire.
Out of seven Webtoon-based Korean dramas or films starring Ju Ji Hoon, which one stands out as your favorite? Please share your thoughts about the drama or movie in the comments below.
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