From Screen to Stage: ‘Stag Town’ and ‘Itaewon Class’ Adaptations

Webtoons have evolved from their digital origins into a cultural phenomenon. Their exciting adaptations are captivating fans and showcasing the medium’s vast potential. A prime example is the horror webtoon ‘Stag Town’. This series is being adapted into a film by Naver Webtoon and Lucky Chap, a Hollywood production company co-founded by actress Margot Robbie. Directed by Benjamin Brewer, known for his visual effects expertise, ‘Stag Town’ has gained immense attention. The gripping story follows Frankie as she encounters supernatural occurrences upon returning to her hometown. Since its serialization began in 2021, it has amassed an impressive 18 million views, highlighting its popularity.

In a different vein, Kakao Entertainment is making waves with the adaptation of the beloved webtoon ‘Itaewon Class’ into a musical. This musical is set to premiere in Japan this June. Co-written by Riko Sakaguchi, it features music from Tony Award nominee Helen Park. It promises to bring the story of Park Sae-ro-yi and his journey of youth and resilience to the stage. With a staggering 430 million views, ‘Itaewon Class’ has already proven its narrative strength. It has been adapted into a successful South Korean drama and inspired a Japanese version. Moreover, the series is in development for an HBO adaptation in Taiwan, showcasing its global appeal.

These adaptations signify a growing recognition of webtoons as valuable intellectual properties (IP). They can seamlessly transition into various formats, including films, dramas, and musicals. Major players in the webtoon industry, such as Naver Webtoon and Kakao Entertainment, are actively pursuing opportunities for IP expansion. Naver is currently working on adaptations like ‘Lore Olympus’, ‘Death of a Popstar’, and ‘Freaking Romance’. Meanwhile, Kakao is developing a live-action drama adaptation of the hit webtoon ‘Solo Leveling’.

The momentum behind webtoons demonstrates their potential to entertain and serve as rich storytelling sources across multiple platforms. As more webtoons gain recognition and adapt into various media, audiences worldwide can look forward to a continued influx of captivating stories. These narratives bridge cultures and genres. The world of webtoons is just beginning to unfold its many layers. The journey from screen to stage is sure to be as thrilling as the stories themselves.

Key Highlights:

• Webtoon ‘Stag Town’: Adapted into a film by Naver Webtoon and Lucky Chap.
• Webtoon ‘Itaewon Class’: Coming to life as a musical in Japan this June.
• Global Recognition: Webtoons are gaining traction in various formats, showcasing their strong narratives.

As webtoons continue to evolve, they influence pop culture and foster vibrant fan communities. The future of webtoon adaptations looks bright, promising more engaging stories for audiences around the world.

This article has been written by Kpopmap AI writer and while we have made efforts to ensure the accuracy of the article, there may be errors or inaccuracies.