Real-time rankings reveal more than what’s entertaining—they reflect the evolving tastes of readers and highlight the cultural weight that webtoons carry today. Communities like 뉴토끼 track these changes closely, showing how readers quickly rally around stories that balance creativity, relatability, and strong visuals.
Below is a closer look at five currently popular webtoons, with detailed summaries, reasons for their success, and reader reactions.
1. Tower of God (신의 탑)
Storyline: Bam, a boy with no known background, enters the Tower to reunite with his only friend Rachel. Each floor of the Tower operates like a self-contained world, with its own rules, power hierarchies, and unique tests. The journey introduces dozens of characters with conflicting motives, forming alliances and rivalries that shift constantly. The narrative mixes psychological games, brutal battles, and philosophical undertones about ambition and betrayal.
Why It’s Popular: The scope of its universe is massive, appealing to readers who enjoy intricate, almost game-like world systems. Its unpredictable structure means that no character is safe from downfall or surprising growth. The anime adaptation also helped push it to international recognition, making it a gateway webtoon for many non-Korean readers.
Reader Reactions: Fans admire the depth of its lore and the strategic battles, often comparing it to classic shōnen manga with more mature twists. However, some express frustration at slower arcs, while others view that same pacing as essential for the story’s complexity.
2. Solo Leveling (나 혼자만 레벨업)
Storyline: Sung Jin-Woo begins as the weakest hunter, barely surviving dangerous dungeons. After a near-death experience, he awakens with a unique system that allows him to level up without limit. From there, he evolves into a figure feared and revered, battling increasingly powerful monsters, navigating guild politics, and uncovering secrets of his world.
Why It’s Popular: The progression narrative is universally satisfying—readers witness Jin-Woo transform from powerless to unstoppable, echoing gaming mechanics that resonate with RPG fans. The artwork emphasizes dynamic combat scenes, making battles feel cinematic. The recent anime boosted its global fanbase, cementing its reputation as a flagship Korean webtoon.
Reader Reactions: Many readers describe the series as addictive, with cliffhangers that compel binge-reading. International fans in particular celebrate its relatability for underdogs, seeing Jin-Woo’s growth as aspirational. Critics occasionally point to repetitive battle structures, but overall, it’s praised for maintaining intensity throughout.
3. True Beauty (여신강림)
Storyline: Jugyeong, a high school student insecure about her appearance, masters makeup techniques that transform her into a “goddess” in the eyes of others. While she navigates school life, friendships, and love triangles, she also struggles with the fear of being exposed and the psychological toll of living behind a mask.
Why It’s Popular: By mixing lighthearted romance with serious commentary on beauty standards and self-acceptance, it resonates across generations. Its drama adaptation expanded awareness globally, with fans connecting to its universal themes of insecurity and identity.
Reader Reactions: Readers appreciate how it gives voice to modern concerns about appearance and self-worth in the age of social media. Many comment on Jugyeong’s relatable struggles, while debates about which male lead she should end up with fuel fan communities. Critics note that the story sometimes leans too heavily on clichés, but its cultural relevance keeps it popular.
4. Sweet Home (스위트홈)
Storyline: After losing his family, Cha Hyun-Soo moves into a rundown apartment complex, only to face a sudden apocalypse where humans transform into monsters embodying their deepest desires. The residents must band together to survive, confronting not just external horrors but also their inner demons.
Why It’s Popular: Its blend of psychological depth and raw horror sets it apart. Monsters are more than just threats—they symbolize human greed, loneliness, and despair. This duality makes the story emotionally powerful. The Netflix adaptation amplified its reach, combining chilling visuals with high production values.
Reader Reactions: Many readers praise its intensity and unpredictability, often describing it as both terrifying and heartbreaking. Some highlight that the characters’ moral dilemmas—sacrifice, trust, betrayal—are as gripping as the monster battles. International audiences view it as proof that Korean webtoons can rival global horror franchises.
5. The God of High School (갓 오브 하이 스쿨)
Storyline: Jin Mori, a martial artist, enters a national fighting tournament that quickly escalates into a battle involving gods, mythical beings, and global conspiracies. What begins as high-energy combat evolves into a sprawling saga of power, friendship, and destiny.
Why It’s Popular: Its nonstop action and flamboyant combat choreography appeal to adrenaline-seeking readers. The mixture of martial arts with supernatural elements creates a unique hybrid style. The anime adaptation spread its popularity internationally, especially among younger viewers.
Reader Reactions: Fans celebrate the exhilarating pace and memorable fight scenes, comparing it to shōnen manga classics. Some critique that story depth occasionally suffers due to action overload, but many still rank it among the most entertaining webtoons.
Bigger Picture
These works demonstrate why real-time rankings matter—they reveal not only entertainment value but also shifting reader identities and social commentary. Webtoons are no longer simple digital comics; they are a cultural force shaping global narratives. For further context, webtoon industry insights highlight how demand for diverse stories continues to grow internationally.