Webtoons that we have enjoyed watching these days are often produced and aired in TV dramas. Opinions on this trend vary. For this reason, ST recognized the pros and cons of dramatization. ........Ed
Many webtoons, such as True Beauty and Itaewon Class, are being dramatized. Such dramas are always highly anticipated but at the same time many people are worried. It is also receiving both harsh and favorable reviews. However, webtoons are still being dramatized, and the number is increasing. Why are webtoons being dramatized despite the likes and dislikes?
Advantages of Webtoon to Drama
1. Gaining Awareness: Before the drama is aired, the news that a webtoon will be produced as a drama begins to draw attention toward the casting. This shows that they have gained recognition and that they can actually attract the attention of the original webtoon fans. It is also advantageous for the promotion and marketing of the dramas. The webtoon An Incomplete Life, which drew sympathy from many people by portraying workers realistically, received a lot of attention even before the drama was aired. Cheese in the Trap received good reviews and affection when the drama was produced, recording the highest rating of 7.1% despite the airing time of 11 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays.
2. Visualizing Advantage: Unlike novels, webtoons have all the images of the scenes. Therefore, the original work can be quoted as it is. Because the story is already complete, actors are immersed in acting, and they have enough time to practice. These are the advantages, but as ST mentioned before, there are many barriers to the dramatization of webtoons.
Disadvantages of Webtoon to Drama
1. Dramatization Difficulty: Since the platform changes from webtoon to drama, dramatization should be effectively tailored to the platform. It should satisfy not only the existing webtoon fans, but also the viewers who don’t know the original. Also, in the case of dramas, more people are exposed to dramas than webtoons, and more attention should be paid to adaptations because a lot of people are exposed to them.
2. Dramatic Writer Market Shrinks: In the long run, it would be difficult to find a good drama writer as long as you select a webtoon and adapt it. Also, the drama market may become shrunk due to the webtoon market. Despite the pros and cons, continuing to dramatize webtoons is for an environment that will consume a variety of content. By absorbing the strengths of webtoons, attempts like webtoon dramatization will serve as an opportunity to further develop the drama market.
Kim A-yeong (ST Reporter)
20200689@soongsil.ac.kr