Hey there, Thai webtoon fans! Get ready to add some excitement to your year because Kakao Webtoon Thailand is launching a series of new local webtoons in 2023. In collaboration with talented local creators, Kakao Webtoon Thailand brings you an incredible line-up inspired by Thai literature and current issues. From queer romance to survival and reincarnation, there’s something for everyone in this diverse range of genres.
“Our lineup this year is particularly exciting because we have a wide spectrum of stories,” said Hyun Yang-won, Managing Director of Kakao Webtoon Thailand. “We hope the amazing stories, created by strong local talent, will spark new discussions and attract more people to the captivating world of webtoons, ultimately establishing it as a significant cultural category in Thailand.”
So, are you ready for the big reveal? Here’s a rundown of the lineup for this year, starting with “You Are My Medicine,” which is set to launch at the end of March this year!
#1 You Are My Medicine
Are you ready to swoon? Here’s the perfect romantic comedy for you. “You Are My Medicine” is a charming webtoon featuring a heartwarming love story between two partners that’s sure to steal your heart. One of the male protagonists has been dealt a rough hand in life, but when he meets a handsome pharmacist at the local drugstore, things start looking up. Join them on a journey of self-discovery, as they learn to love themselves and each other, and find true happiness along the way.
We guarantee “My Medicine” will leave you smiling, and with plenty of warm fuzzies. With its unique themes of self-love and self-acceptance, this queer romance story will capture your heart as you rollick through the characters’ journey of growth and discovery.
#2 Reborn to be Prime Minister
Prepare yourself for an exciting and humorous ride with “Reborn to be Prime Minister”! “Reborn” is Thailand’s very first webtoon to intersect politics and reincarnation. It follows the story of a young girl who wakes up after an accident to find herself reincarnated as her country’s first female prime minister. With sharp wit and a lot of heart, she navigates through the complex world of politics, learning valuable lessons about leadership and governance along the way.
Launching in April, “Reborn” promises a unique twist on character development, as our protagonist learns and grows in unique ways as she experiences the world of politics up close.
#3 Love Shadow
You’ll have to wait a bit longer for “Love Shadow,” but it promises to be well worth it. Due out in August, this romantic suspense drama is a webtoon adaptation of a famous TV program following the love and conflict between twins, Kwan Aei and Kwan Ma.
Born male and female, respectively, they both fall in love with the same man who ends up falling for Kwan Aei. But then a twist: Kwan Aei turns out to be a transgender woman, and she asks her twin sister to pose as her when the man expresses a desire to marry and have children. As this unique drama unfolds, the love triangle becomes more and more complicated, and well worthy of its title.
Do you love those gripping, complicated love stories? “Love Shadow” is a can’t-miss.
#4 I Feel You Linger in the Air
“I Feel You Linger in the Air” launches in October, and has all the elements a queer romance and fantasy webtoon needs. The story follows an architect who’s hit rock bottom after a devastating heartbreak. But fate has other plans. Just when he thinks he’s down and out, sparks fly once again as our character travels through time to meet the love of his life.
What’s even cooler is that this webtoon is based on a famous Thai queer romance novel and is currently being adapted for TV as well, meaning fans will get to see their favorite characters come to life onscreen. So, mark your calendars and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions. Whether you’re a fan of romance or just love a good time-travel story, “Linger” is the webtoon for you.
#5 A Cup of Tear
Here is another fantasy romance – “A Cup of Tear” puts a magical spin on the queer romance genre and follows the story of Wha, a teenage boy who’s desperate to win the heart of his high school senior, Home, who’s leaving to study abroad after graduation. In a last-ditch effort, Wha offers his tears to the God of Tears to make his wish come true, but he wakes up as a woman instead!
As Wha grapples with his transformed identity, his secret is discovered by the male protagonist, Tao, adding another layer of complexity to the story. Brace yourself for a heartwarming and emotional journey as Wha sets out to discover who he truly is and learns to navigate the ups and downs of love. Don’t miss out on this enchanting webtoon that promises to captivate your heart and imagination!
#6 Stuck in Supermarket
And finally, we have “Stuck in Supermarket” to round out the list! Not your average shopping trip, this drama-fantasy webtoon transports you through a unique concept of survival. Follow the journey of a jobless youth who stumbles upon a mysterious supermarket in the middle of a forest, only to find out that it’s impossible to escape. To survive, he must take on a series of quests, each one more challenging than the last.
But that’s not all. What sets “Supermarket” apart is its deep exploration of survival fantasy in a Thai context. The diverse cast of characters, who arrived – and got stuck – in the supermarket before the protagonist, adds several layers of depth and complexity to the story. This promises to be a thrilling adventure filled with drama, fantasy, and a touch of mystery.
For the previous year’s titles from Thailand – click here.