From Panel To Screen: Cherry Boy (Locker Room Inc.), With Webtoon Colouring By HuMa, Becomes A TV Drama

On April 4, 2025, LOCKER ROOM INC. officially announced that the popular webtoon Cherry Boy (「年下童賛くんに翻弄されてます」, tentatively translated as Falling for the Virgin Younger Boy) will be adapted into a live-action TV series. This marks not only a major milestone for the series itself, but also a proud moment for HuMa Creative, who contributed to the original webtoon by providing color production and final illustration support.

Romantic Tension and Emotional Humor: A Summer 2025 Highlight

Blending romantic comedy with heartfelt storytelling, Cherry Boy explores the unexpected chemistry between two characters from vastly different emotional worlds. It follows Imai Karen, a 29-year-old successful and attractive woman who has closed herself off from love due to past wounds. During a party, she meets Doumae Teito, a slightly awkward graduate student in marine science—and a true-blue cherry boy with zero romantic experience. Ironically, it is Teito's honesty and innocence that slowly disarms Karen, who is used to being in control of all her relationships. As she tries to win him over, she finds herself unexpectedly falling. But how will she help him recognize her feelings when he's never been in love before?

With its tender storytelling, humor, and emotional nuance, the series quickly gained attention among Japanese readers. Since November last year, Cherry Boy has been featured on LINE Manga and has topped multiple charts—including in sections: Overall, Romance, and New Series rankings (as of November 22). Beyond a quirky love story, the webtoon captures a healing journey and inner vulnerability—qualities that translate naturally to screen and resonate widely with viewers.

One Story, One Mark – And More to Come

The live-action adaptation of Cherry Boy is a proud milestone not only for the original creators and production team but also for HuMa Creative, who had the privilege of contributing to the webtoon that started it all.

Photo 1: Official announcement visual on LOCKER ROOM INC.'s website (Source: LOCKER ROOM Inc.)

Image 2: A thank-you illustration for readers of "Cherry Boy", created by Seina (Script) and Rio@ (Art), published under the editorial management of LOCKER ROOM. (Source: ©M / LOCKER ROOM)

While HuMa’s role was focused on a specific phase of the project, the live-action adaptation of Cherry Boy stands as a shared achievement and a testament to the studio’s commitment to visual storytelling. The project reflects HuMa’s dedication to detail, emotion, and craftsmanship—values that continue to define the studio’s approach across all its partnerships.

Live-Action Broadcast Info

• Premiere: April 24, 2025

• Channels: MBS, TV Kanagawa, Chiba TV, TV Saitama, Tochigi TV, Gunma TV

• Streaming: MBS Video Izm, TVer, FOD (exclusive)

LOCKER ROOM INC. – A Pioneer in Storytelling Adaptation

LOCKER ROOM INC. is a powerhouse in original content creation, known for producing thoughtful and culturally rich visual works. The company continuously explores the potential of webtoons, novels, and visual storytelling, adapting them into culturally significant films and television.

The decision to adapt Cherry Boy further solidifies LOCKER ROOM INC.'s editorial and creative strength—as well as its foresight in curating emotionally relevant, socially resonant narratives.

HuMa Creative – Bringing Stories to Life Through Color

In the development of the Cherry Boy webtoon, HuMa Creative took charge of the coloring and visual finishing process—an essential stage in transforming draft sketches into a fully publishable work.

At HuMa, every detail is approached with precision and empathy. For Cherry Boy, the challenge was not only technical—such as light, shade, or color balance—but also emotional: capturing the mood of each scene and the inner life of its characters.

HuMa’s artists don’t just apply color; they translate the author’s intent into an emotional language that readers can feel. Working with a high-caliber partner like LOCKER ROOM INC., HuMa continuously optimized workflows, ensured world-class quality, and demonstrated responsive, collaborative flexibility throughout the project.

Sources:

• MBS Official Drama Page

• LOCKER ROOM INC. News Release