From webtoons to anime hits: Solo Leveling leads Korean comic adaptation trend
In recent years, a new wave has emerged in anime: hit Korean
webtoons
are being turned into animated series. These digital comics, which have exploded in popularity globally, are finding fresh life on screen.
As one report notes, webtoons have become 'a global cultural and economic phenomenon, similar to K-dramas and K-pop', capturing young audiences with unique storytelling and art styles.
Leading the charge is Solo Leveling, a fan-favorite webtoon whose anime adaptation was produced by A-1 Pictures. Premiering in January 2024, Solo Leveling's first season was a worldwide simulcast, and a second season followed in early 2025. Other major titles quickly followed:
Tower of God
,
Noblesse
, and
The God of High School
were all adapted into anime by top Japanese studios (Telecom Animation Film, Production I.G.,
MAPPA, etc.) in partnership with Crunchyroll and Naver's Webtoon platform. This marks a significant shift in anime sources – Korean creators and studios are now sharing the stage with traditional Japanese manga.
Solo Leveling: The trailblazer
Credits: Crunchyroll
Solo Leveling's anime set the tone. Based on Chugong's webtoon, it aired in Japan January–March 2024 (with Season 2 in Jan–March 2025). Crunchyroll secured global streaming rights, bringing the show to its 15+ million international subscribers. Fan response was immediate: by March 2025 Solo Leveling had 614,300 user reviews on Crunchyroll – surpassing even
One Piece
, which had 600,500 reviews accumulated over 12 years.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
40대 이상이고 PC가 있으세요? 그럼 이 게임을 정말 좋아하실 거예요!
Sea of Conquest
플레이하기
Undo
In other words, a one-year-old series overtook a long-running classic in fan ratings, demonstrating the intense enthusiasm for this adaptation. Its high production values (music by Hiroyuki Sawano, dynamic animation by A-1 Pictures) and a story about an underdog 'hunter' getting superpowers resonated worldwide. This success has proved that Korean webtoon IP can launch blockbuster anime – and it has drawn even more eyes to the genre.
Other webtoon anime hits
Credits: Crunchyroll
Following Solo Leveling, several other Korean comics made the jump to anime.
Tower of God
(by SIU) debuted in April 2020 as a co-production between Webtoon and Telecom Animation Film. The anime streamed simultaneously in Korea, Japan, and worldwide (Crunchyroll carried it under its 'Originals' label). The source material was already a juggernaut – the
Tower of God
webtoon has over 4.5 billion views globally – and the anime earned praise for its faithful storytelling and rich world-building.
A second season ran in 2024 due to popular demand.
Noblesse
was next: adapted by Production I.G., its 12-episode anime aired Oct–Dec 2020 on Crunchyroll. And
The God of High School
, animated by MAPPA, ran July–Sept 2020. Each show brought its own fanbase (often mobilized on Crunchyroll and social media) and helped introduce anime viewers to these Korean comics. In fact, Crunchyroll's own announcements highlighted these partnerships: all three series were explicitly listed as Webtoon co-productions.
Together, these adaptations showed that Korean stories – from fantasy to modern-day action – can shine on screen just as much as manga originals.
Studios and streaming power players
These anime are backed by industry heavyweights. Solo Leveling came from A-1 Pictures (known for Sword Art Online, etc.); Tower of God Season 1 by Telecom Animation Film; Season 2 by The Answer Studio; Noblesse by Production I.G.; and The God of High School by MAPPA. All were partnered with Line Webtoon/Naver and often branded as 'Crunchyroll Originals'.
On the distribution side, Crunchyroll has been especially pivotal.
As of 2024 it had over 15 million paying subscribers worldwide and carried roughly 1,800 anime titles – vastly more than Netflix's anime catalog. This massive platform puts new series like Solo Leveling front-and-center to global fans. (Netflix has been expanding its anime too, but its focus has often been on exclusive series; Crunchyroll remains the primary home for many of the webtoon adaptations.)
In short, high-profile studios are bringing in the stories, and streaming giants are broadcasting them to viewers in India and around the globe.
Driving factors behind the webtoon wave
Several cultural and technological trends explain why webtoon adaptations are booming:
Mobile, digital format:
Webtoons are designed for smartphones, using vertical scrolling panels in full color. A market report notes the industry's
'explosive growth'
thanks to this convenient format. With smartphones and social media, digital comics have become mainstream entertainment.
Korean pop-culture boom:
Webtoons ride the crest of the Korean Wave. Just as K-pop and K-dramas enthrall global youth, webtoons have 'rapidly gained international popularity' and are seen as a Korean soft-power export. This cultural cachet makes anime producers eager to adapt stories that might already have buzz among young audiences worldwide.
Streaming demand:
Services like Crunchyroll and Netflix are hungry for fresh anime content, and webtoon IP provides proven hits. Crunchyroll's subscriber growth (from 5M in 2021 to 15M in 2024) and its vast anime library make it an ideal launchpad. (Crunchyroll's 1,800 titles vs Netflix's ~240 highlights its dominance in anime distribution.)
Built-in fanbases:
Many webtoons already have huge followings. For example,
Tower of God
had billions of reads before it became an anime. Solo Leveling's fan enthusiasm was evident from the start – its anime earned 614,300 Crunchyroll reviews in one year, showing a ready audience. These built-in fan communities generate buzz and viewership immediately upon release.
Together, these factors create a feedback loop: webtoons gain popularity online, studios spot their potential, and global streams deliver the anime to even wider audiences, who then dive back into the comics.
READ MORE: Manhwa vs Manga: Why South Korea's Manhwa are winning digital race
Implications for anime and comics
Credits: Crunchyroll
The webtoon-to-anime trend signals a new phase for both industries. Anime studios and streamers now tap a larger pool of international stories, while Korean comics gain richer production and monetization opportunities. This cross-border synergy blurs old lines: Japanese and Korean creators increasingly collaborate, and fans worldwide benefit from a more diverse anime lineup. As Crunchyroll and others invest in co-productions, more webtoon titles (and even non-Korean digital comics) may find their way to screen.
Observers believe this will help anime reach new audiences and give the global comics market a boost.
In conclusion, the success of Solo Leveling and its peers shows that anime is not just for manga anymore. Fueled by smartphones, streaming platforms, and the Korean cultural wave, webtoon adaptations are reshaping entertainment. For Indian and international fans alike, the result is exciting: a steady stream of fresh shows that combine the best of digital comics with animated spectacle. Industry analysts say the trend will likely continue, further entwining the futures of anime and webtoons in the expanding world of digital storytelling.
Check out our list of the
latest Hindi
,
English
,
Tamil
,
Telugu
,
Malayalam
, and
Kannada movies
. Don't miss our picks for the
best Hindi movies
,
best Tamil movies,
and
best Telugu films
.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
From Seoul with love: Korean man speaks in fluent Bhojpuri to Korean people, internet is impressed!
Credit: Instagram A South Korean content creator has won hearts online after posting a wholesome video of himself teaching Bhojpuri to a group of Korean learners. The creator, Yechan C. Lee, is seen leading a cheerful classroom session that even includes children, guiding them through basic Bhojpuri greetings with energy and warmth. This video was shared by the Korean content creator @40kahani on Instagram and it begins with Lee introducing the lesson: "How to have four basic conversations in India. When we meet someone for the first time, we say hello. In India, we say, 'ka ho?' Very nice, very nice." His enthusiasm sets the tone as the group excitedly repeats each phrase, doing their best to follow his pronunciation. As the lesson continues, Lee adds, "When we meet that same person again, then we say, how have you been? In India, we say, 'ka hal ba?' Amazing. Okay, now we have to reply. We say, 'theek ba?' Fantastic. So sad, but we have to say goodbye to our friend. How do we say goodbye in India? 'Khush Raho.'" The group repeats each line in sync, turning the classroom into a joyful celebration of language and connection. Shared with the caption, "Teaching Bhojpuri to Korean kids #korean #kdrama #bhojpuri #bihar. Had a lovely opportunity to share my journey as a YouTube creator with Korean kids and also make a short video teaching them Bhojpuri," the clip has already crossed 3 lakh views across social media. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The bestselling summer sandal of 2025 is finally back HikeCare Undo Reactions poured in from all over, with viewers celebrating the beautiful cultural exchange. One user wrote, "This is so wholesome. Bhojpuri being taught in Korea feels surreal." Another said, "Love how these kids are picking up the words so naturally. Beautiful to watch." A third commented, "India's linguistic richness reaching Korea. Amazing effort." Others shared more emotional responses. "Yechan is doing what many of us dream of—spreading our culture in such a lovely way," said one viewer. Another added, "As a Bhojpuri speaker, this brought tears to my eyes. Thank you." Someone else noted, "This is the kind of global connection we need. So refreshing and heartening." In a world that often feels divided by caste, region, language, this simple video is a reminder of how small gestures can build bridges. Who would have thought about a Korean man speaking Bhojpuri? That is the beauty of languages and cultures.
Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Did Dandadan Season 2 Episode 5 just outshine Solo Leveling with pure emotion?
Dandadan Season 2 just did something most shonen anime would not dare - it hit pause on the fights and still came out swinging. Episode 5, titled We Can All Stay There Together!, slows the tempo after a wild run of back-to-back battles. Instead, the episode leans into awkward teen chemistry, offbeat humor, and emotional payoff - and somehow, it is even better for it, Comic Book Resources reported. Dandadan Season 2, Episode 5 dials down and leans more into the emotional side.(X/@Chinatsu_BB) After Evil Eye Jiji ends up trapped inside Taro's body, the crew regroups at Momo's place. They find a short-term fix, but peace is temporary in this world. With the big threats momentarily on ice, the show takes a step back to breathe - and that is where it shines. What changed in Dandadan Season 2 Episode 5? Momo and Okarun's dynamic carries this quieter episode, especially during a van ride that is part hilariously awkward, part surprisingly sweet. The moment Momo rests her hand on Okarun, timed perfectly with their drive through a red-lit tunnel, is pure anime magic. The manga handled the scene well, but the anime elevates it. The use of lighting, timing, and voice acting brings out the unspoken tension between them. Also read: From Solo Leveling to Jujutsu Kaisen: Top 5 popular anime everyone's watching in 2025 Solo Leveling comparison is not even close Here is where things get unexpectedly meta. In the English dub, both Jiji and Solo Leveling's Sung Jinwoo are voiced by Aleks Le. Both characters cry in hospital reunion scenes. But the difference in execution could not be clearer. While Solo Leveling's moment with Jinwoo's mom felt abrupt and tonally off, Dandadan's version feels grounded. The emotion lands without the melodrama. 'Momo Ayase said it best: 'Don't act all tough, it's okay if you were worried about 'em.'' That kind of emotional intelligence separates Dandadan from its slicker but less nuanced competition, CBR reported. Dandadan Season 2 Episode 5 ending Just when the episode feels like it is coasting to a cozy end, Dandadan does what it does best - chaos. Evil Eye explodes through the side of Ayase's house after a minor slip-up from Okarun, flipping the tone once again. It is jarring, but perfectly in line with the series' off-kilter rhythm. Even the reveal about the Kito family being subterranean mutants adds more texture without overplaying the moment. Naki Kito's transformation looks good - not quite as shocking as the manga, but the glowing eyes in the anime hit hard. This might have been a slower installment, but Episode 5 proves Dandadan does not need nonstop action to stay on top. It just needs space to let its world - and its weird, lovable characters - breathe. FAQs Where can I watch Dandadan Season 2? It's available on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu. Which manga chapters does Episode 5 cover? It covers chapters 49 through 51. Why are people comparing it to Solo Leveling? Because both shows feature similar hospital scenes voiced by the same actor, Aleks Le. Who are the Subterraneans in Dandadan? They are humanoid mutants living deep beneath the Earth's surface. Is there any action in Episode 5? The focus shifts to character development and humor instead.
Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Kaiju No.8 Episode 16: Release date, time, where to watch and more
Kaiju No.8 is set to release its next episode soon. Fans of the anime have been on tenterhooks since the second season started airing. Following Kafka's transformation into Kaiju No.8 in the season 1 finale, he has been giving in to his fears about shifting again. This proves tough when he and Kikoru have to fight Kaiju No.9. Kaiju No.8 Episode 16 is set to bring a dash of action and drama to the anime. Here is all you need to know. Everything about Kaiju No.8 Episode 16 release date and time.(Production I.G) Kaiju No.8 Episode 16 release date and time The episode will be released on August 9. The episode can be live-streamed at 7 AM PST, as per Crunchyroll. The dubbed version will be out at 7:30 AM PST. The time will vary according to geographical region. The time will vary according to geographical region. As per ScreenRant, the episode will be out at 7 AM PST/ 3 PM BST/10 AM ET/11 PM JST. Where to watch Kaiju No.8 Episode 16? Kaiju No.8 Episode 16 will be released on Crunchyroll exclusively. The episode will first be live-streamed and then be available on the website. Also read: Kaiju No. 8 Chapter 115: Release date, time and more What to expect from Kaiju No.8 Episode 16? The plot will take off from the previous episode, The Strongest Division, with Kikoru and Kafka collaborating to defeat Kaiju No. 9. Kafka once again failed to transform at a pivotal time, and he realized it was due to his fear of losing his powers and killing his friends. Kikoru and Kafka fight, and she finally makes him understand how his fears were holding him back. Kafka transforms into Kaiju No. 8 and easily beats Kaiju No. 9. The episode ended with Kaiju No. 9's apparent end, as per ScreenRant. The upcoming episode will likely follow the aftermath of the fight. Kafka and Kikoru's relationship will develop further following the return of his ability to transform. The plot will also reveal if Kaiju No. 9 is truly dead or not. FAQs When will Kaiju No.8 Episode 16 be out? It will air on August 9. Where can I watch Kaiju No.8 Episode 16? Crunchyroll will air the anime. What happened to Kaiju No.9? He was apparently defeated by Kaiju No.8 at the end of the last episode.
