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Webtoon Entertainment is embracing the vertical media boom with its initiative to craft microdramas out of some of its most popular properties including romantic dramas “Love Bites” and “Maybe Meant to Be.”
The move
demonstrates the fast-growing appeal of short-form vertical video, even for a company that is also on the cutting edge of the scrolling graphic novel format.
Webtoon has dubbed the genre “Short Dramas” that will run 40 to 50 episodes, with each installment running one to two minutes. A handful of episodes will be available for free before a pay-per-episode format kicks in with coin tokens required to “unlock” future episodes. The titles are available as of today and are available in English and French.
Here are descriptions of Webtoon’s initial Short Drama slate, as described by Webtoon:
“Love Bites”: When a shy 17-year-old vampire falls for the charming new boy in class, he discovers his crush is a werewolf – his species’ sworn enemy – forcing him to choose between love and loyalty. Based on the “Love Bites” webcomic adaptation of the romance Wattpad webnovel “Bite Me,” which has reached over 146 million global views.
“Maybe Meant to Be:” After years of pressure to settle down, a struggling freelancer impulsively proposes a marriage of convenience to her childhood friend – only to discover that their fake marriage may lead to true love. Based on the romance webcomic, “Maybe Meant to Be,” which has reached over 650 million global views.
“Swolemates“: When a cocky influencer and nerdy gamer girl start training together, an unlikely friendship pushes them beyond their comfort zones – and into an unexpected romance. Based on the comedy webcomic, “Swolemates,” which has reached over 60 million global views.
“Rules for Dating Trash“: After a toxic ex shatters her trust, a college student returns to campus determined to swear off dating – until an irresistible bad boy challenges every rule she’s made for herself. Based on the romance webcomic, “Rules for Dating Trash,” which has reached over 140 million global views.
“Dirty Deeds“: A young maid’s quiet life at a mystical retreat for the wealthy is upended when the brash heir to a powerful conglomerate arrives, forcing her to confront a traumatic past and sparking an improbable romance that threatens to destroy them both. Based on the romance webcomic, Dirty Deeds, which has reached over 187 million global views.
“I’ll Marry Your Brother”: After her cheating husband betrays her and steals her family’s company, a wealthy heiress wakes up five years in the past on her wedding day, vowing to take revenge by destroying him at any cost – even if it means marrying his older brother. Based on the romance webcomic, “I’ll Marry Your Brother,” which has reached over 73 million global views.
Webtoon boasts 155 million monthly active users across an array of titles that have been adapted for traditional TV and movies. The company was founded in South Korea in 2005. Webtoon had a U.S. IPO in 2024.
(Pictured: “Maybe Meant to Be”)
