High Stakes & Heartbeats: 'The Loser is the First Lady' Webtoon Greenlit for Live-Action Drama

Anticipation is soaring as the acclaimed Korean webtoon, The Loser is the First Lady, is officially confirmed for a thrilling live-action drama adaptation. This monumental announcement, made on August 19, 2025, heralds a captivating new entry into the entertainment landscape, expertly fusing the beloved genres of romantic comedy and high-stakes political drama. The ambitious project is a collaborative effort between webtoon intellectual property powerhouse Jaedam Media and the renowned production studio Cross Pictures, known for its successful track record in bringing popular webtoons to life on screen.
At the heart of The Loser is the First Lady lies the uniquely compelling story of Kwak Hyun-woo and Jo Jae-ryeong, a married couple whose lives are intertwined not just by love, but by their prominent, yet ideologically opposed, careers as lawmakers. Hyun-woo champions conservative principles, while Jae-ryeong stands firmly on the progressive side. Their already dynamic and often tempestuous relationship is plunged into unprecedented chaos when a major bribery scandal erupts, casting a long shadow just prior to the pivotal 21st presidential election. In a stunning turn of events, this scandal propels the couple into an unimaginable rivalry: they become direct contenders, battling each other for the nation's highest office.
This narrative masterfully redefines the political drama genre by seamlessly integrating elements of romantic comedy, offering a fresh and insightful exploration of love, raw power, and intense rivalry played out on the grandest political stage. The webtoon has garnered widespread acclaim for its incisive political confrontations, which are expertly interwoven with profound emotional conflicts and tender romantic moments. This intricate blend has cultivated a devoted fanbase, captivating audiences both within Korea and across the globe.
The live-action adaptation boasts a formidable creative team, with writer Choi Yoo-jin, celebrated for her deeply emotionally resonant storytelling, at the helm. Visuals will be brought to life by illustrator Kang Ji-young, whose distinctive and eye-catching artistry has defined the original webtoon. Cross Pictures, leveraging its proven expertise from hit adaptations like Business Proposal, is committed to delivering a series that remains exquisitely faithful to the original source material while simultaneously broadening its appeal to an international viewership. With production slated to commence shortly, fans worldwide can eagerly anticipate a faithful, engaging, and utterly gripping portrayal of this politically charged romance, poised to be a landmark series for enthusiasts of both drama and comedy.
Credits
The Loser is the First Lady
Author
Choi Yoo-jin (writer), Kang Ji-young (illustrator)
Cover Art
Kang Ji-young
Studio
Cross Pictures
Publisher
Jaedam Media
Producers