Kim Woo Bin and Seo Eun Soo Eye Webtoon Drama Comeback

January 30th brought exciting news for K-drama fans. Seo Eun Soo's agency HighZium Studio officially confirmed she's "positively considering" starring in tvN's upcoming drama 'Gifted' (working title). With Kim Woo Bin previously reported to be in talks for the same project, this potential pairing has sparked considerable interest in what could be one of 2026's most anticipated webtoon adaptations.

The Webtoon-to-Drama Pipeline

Webtoon adaptations have become K-drama's secret weapon for global success. 'Itaewon Class', 'Sweet Home', and 'All of Us Are Dead' proved that digital comics translate remarkably well to screen, often outperforming original scripts in international markets.

The numbers tell the story. Korea's webtoon market hit ₩1.5 trillion in 2023, with IP licensing accounting for a growing share of revenue. Unlike traditional drama development, webtoon adaptations come with built-in audiences, visual blueprints, and proven storylines. For streaming platforms and broadcasters, it's a lower-risk path to high-reward content.

But success isn't guaranteed. The challenge lies in translating static panels into dynamic storytelling while satisfying both existing webtoon readers and new drama audiences.

Strategic Casting for Global Appeal

Kim Woo Bin's potential involvement carries significant weight. After his 2017 cancer diagnosis and subsequent hiatus, his return to acting has been carefully managed. 'Our Blues' marked his domestic comeback, while Netflix's 'Black Knight' expanded his global fanbase. A tvN drama would complete his return to mainstream Korean television.

Seo Eun Soo represents the new generation of Korean actors gaining international recognition. Her nuanced performances in 'Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung' and 'My Liberation Notes' showcased her range, while her growing presence at international film festivals signals broader ambitions.

Together, they offer tvN a compelling mix: Kim Woo Bin's established global recognition and Seo Eun Soo's rising star power. It's casting designed not just for domestic success, but for international distribution deals.

The Bigger Webtoon Economy

This potential collaboration reflects broader shifts in Korea's content industry. Webtoon companies like Naver Webtoon and Kakao Entertainment are no longer just digital publishers—they're multimedia conglomerates actively developing IP across platforms.

The global webtoon market is projected to reach $26 billion by 2028, with Korean content leading the charge. Major streaming platforms are taking notice. Netflix has invested heavily in Korean webtoon adaptations, while Disney+ and Amazon Prime are following suit.

For actors, webtoon-based projects offer unique advantages. The source material provides character depth and story arcs that can span multiple seasons, offering long-term career stability in an increasingly competitive industry.

Cultural Export Strategy

Beyond entertainment value, projects like 'Gifted' serve Korea's broader cultural export strategy. The Korean government has identified webtoons as a key component of the Korean Wave, investing in digital infrastructure and international marketing.

Webtoon adaptations also travel better than original dramas. International audiences often discover the source material after watching adaptations, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits both industries. This cross-pollination effect has made webtoon IP increasingly valuable to international distributors.