Netflix’s May 28, 2026, release of a live-action adaptation of the Korean webtoon Viral Hit could be the streaming giant’s next big win in the increasingly popular world of manga, anime, and manhwa adaptations.
The series, based on the Naver Webtoon that garnered 2.2 billion views,follows Kota Shimura (originally Yu Hobin) as he navigates a high school obsessed with online fame.A chance brawl, caught on camera, unexpectedly launches him into internet stardom, offering a potential lifeline for his financially struggling family.
A New Take on the Revenge Manhwa
Viral Hit isn’t just about online clout; it’s about survival
Why This Adaptation Stands Out
Netflix has been steadily increasing its output of live-action adaptations of Asian webcomics, including the Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, Bet, and Last Samurai Standing.Though, Viral Hit feels different. While fans of the 2019 original series might notice slight changes, the core story remains intact. For those unfamiliar, studio Okuruto Noboru’s 2024 anime adaptation of the webtoon is currently available on Crunchyroll.
The cast includes Ouji Suzuka as Kota Shimura (Yu Hobin), Araki Sugô as Toru Kaneko (Woo Jihyeok), and Ai Mikami as Aki Yashio (Lee Gaeul). Mieko Harada, Nana Asakawa, and Takuro Osada will also appear in undisclosed roles.
Compared to other adaptations like Netflix’s yu Yu Hakusho, which struggled with special effects, Viral Hit appears to strike a balance between grounded realism and compelling storytelling.The series benefits from the involvement of Hideki Takeuchi and Yuichi Tokunaga, who recently helmed the live-action adaptation of Cells at Work!
