The 36 Best Manhwa to Read Right Now

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Korean language and culture educator Grace Sooda discusses popular manhwa

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1 A Business Proposal

2 The Academy’s Genius Tamer

3 After School Lessons for Unripe Apples

4 Annarasumanara

5 Archmage Streamer

6 Bastard

7 The Boxer

8 The Breaker

9 The Breaker: New Waves

10 Eleceed

11 The Ember Knight

12 God of High School

13 The Greatest Estate Developer

14 Her Tale of Shim Chong

15 The Horizon

16 The Legend of the Northern Blade

17 Light and Shadow

18 Lookism

19 Noblesse

20 No Home

21 Omniscient Reader

22 Reality Quest

23 Reincarnation of the Forbidden Archmage

24 A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special

25 Seasons of Blossom

26 Solo Leveling

27 Spirit Fingers

28 Sweet Home

29 The Swordmaster’s Youngest Son

30 Terror Man

31 Tomb Raider King

32 Tower of God

33 Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid

34 What Does the Fox Say?

35 Wind Breaker

36 Who Made Me a Princess?

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Co-authored by Grace Sooda and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: March 20, 2026 Fact Checked

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Manhwa is a Korean genre of comic books and graphic novels, similar to the Japanese manga. While these comics are getting more and more popular, it can be hard to figure out where to start. Luckily, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading for a list of 35 popular manhwa series in a variety of genres, including fantasy, romance, and thrillers. Who knows, you may find your next favorite read! We also spoke to Korean language and culture educator Grace Sooda for her expert insights.

Top Manhwa Recommendations

Korean language and culture educator Grace Sooda recommends A Business Proposal, which is a popular South Korean webtoon/manhwa that’s also been made into a successful K-drama series. Other recommendations include:

• Solo Leveling: follows a monster hunter as he trains to become the strongest hunter in the world.
• After School Lessons for Unripe Apples: a slice-of-life series following two unlikely friends in middle school.
• Light and Shadow: a romance between a servant woman and the duke she butts heads with.
• Sweet Home: follows an orphaned teenager as he and his neighbors attempt to survive an apocalypse.

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1

A Business Proposal

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1. 
   A Business Proposal (aka The Office Blind Date) is a popular South Korean webtoon/manhwa written by Haehwa and illustrated by Narak. At its core, it’s a light romantic comedy that revolves around mistaken identity, workplace romance, and fake dating arrangements. Sooda says the popular K-drama A Business Proposal is based on a manhwa of the same name.

   • According to Sooda, many Koreans use Webtoon to read manhwa online (rather than buying paper books). She says many K-dramas (Korean television series) are based on Webtoon stories, so there’s a lot of overlap between the two mediums, and the K-dramas are often very well done.

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Grace Sooda is a Korean language and culture educator based in Seoul, South Korea. She has over 8 years of language coaching experience.
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2

The Academy’s Genius Tamer

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1. 
   The Academy’s Genius Tamer follows a Korean gamer who reincarnates in a dark Magic Academy RPG, notorious for its bad endings. He has become Han-Si Ha, the worst character who is supposed to be killed in Chapter 1. To avoid being killed, he tries to change the character’s route, forming a contract with a baby dragon that turns him into an unparalleled Tamer.

   • Why it’s so good: This series is fun and fast-paced, and fans love a good underdog story. As Han-Si Ha avoids the death route, the plot twists in new, dangerous ways that keep fans wanting more.
   • Where can I read manhwa? It can be tricky to find manhwa translated to English, but many popular series are available on Webtoon. You may also be able to find series on other websites, but these are often spammy, fan-uploaded, and may contain explicit content.
     • If a series is available on Webtoon, we’ll link directly to it in this article!
     • If you decide to read manhwa somewhere other than Webtoon, be sure to install an ad-blocker to protect yourself and enhance your reading experience.

3

After School Lessons for Unripe Apples

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1. This slice-of-life manhwa follows Mi-ae Hwang, a mild-mannered middle schooler who loves K-pop and romance manga and suffers a lot of bullying because of her height. She soon, however, begins an unlikely friendship with exchange student Cheol Kim, who has a reputation for being a rulebreaker and juvenile delinquent. As they grow closer, Mi-ae realizes this couldn’t be further from the truth.

   • Why it’s so good: This manhwa doesn’t have to rely on complicated worldbuilding or complex backstories; fans admire it for its simple plot following the budding friendship between Mi-ae and Cheol. The characters are relatable and have a hilarious dynamic.
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4

Annarasumanara

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1. 
   Set around a derelict carnival, this manhwa follows Yoon Ah-ee, a young woman who has to work and study while raising her younger sibling. When she meets a mysterious magician, she is set on a journey through a world that few people get to see.

   • Why it’s so good: Fans will appreciate Annarasumanara for its complex characters and mysterious plot, atmospheric art, and thought-provoking themes regarding reality vs. dreams.

5

Archmage Streamer

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1. Archmage Streamer follows a broke young man named Jun Hyunwoo who spends his time mining for gold in a popular VRMMO game. After an accident, he loses his biometric data and can’t access his account anymore. After using a new account ticket, he discovers he has the ability to preview information about rewards, classes, and other aspects of the game, and becomes determined to reach the top.

   • Why it’s so good: This series subverts the reincarnation trope, as Jun does not enter the game and instead discovers unique skills in the real world.
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6

Bastard

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1. 
   In Bastard, Seon Jin is terrified of his father. His father appears to be a model citizen to outsiders, but his son knows the true darkness that lies in his heart. After Jin’s father develops an interest in transfer student Yoon Kyun, Jin must protect Yoon from becoming a victim of his serial killer father.

   • Why it’s so good: This psychological manhwa is a great option for anyone looking for a dark story. It stands out for its examination of the complex bond between Seon Jin and his father.

7

The Boxer

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1. In The Boxer, bullied teenager Yu has the rare gift of being able to avoid incoming attacks with ease. After being scouted by legendary coach K, the story follows Yu’s life as he is transformed into a brutal, unstoppable fighter.

   • Why it’s so good: This dark, emotional sports drama explores themes of life’s meaning, trauma, and human connection. Yu’s intense boxing matches reveal his tragic past and inner struggles. It builds to an epic ending with inspirational character growth.
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8

The Breaker

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1. 
   The Breaker tells the story of Chun-Woo Han, a powerful martial artist known as the Nine Arts Dragon. On a quest to take down the Martial Arts Alliance, which killed his teacher, he meets Shi-Woon Yi, a bullied kid whom Chunwoo decides to introduce to the world of martial arts.

   • Why it’s so good: The Breaker is action-packed, with tons of fights, intriguing characters, and dark backstories. It’s so popular that it already has two sequels—The Breaker: New Waves and The Breaker: Eternal Force.

9

The Breaker: New Waves

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1. The Breaker: New Waves is a sequel to The Breaker and follows Shiwoon’s decision not to take the role as the head of the Sun-Woo Clan. He has Sera Kang balance his misaligned ki-center and promises to punish the secretive group Soldiers Under Command for hampering the Martial Arts Alliance and tormenting ordinary people.

   • Why it’s so good: New Waves is action-packed and expands on the heavy lore of The Breaker. It feels more like a continuation of the first part than an entirely new series.
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10

Eleceed

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1. 
   Eleceed follows Jiwoo, a man with cat-like reflexes who uses his abilities to fight crime. He is accompanied by Kayden, a secret agent who was somehow turned into a cat. Though they often butt heads, the two join forces to fight against evil.

   • Why it’s so good: Fans are amused by the duo’s bickering and misadventures, and the constant superpowered fights only add to the entertainment.

11

The Ember Knight

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1. The Ember Knight follows Nagyunn, who assumes his twin brother’s identity after his murder. Nagyunn vows to avenge his brother’s death, but the problem is that his brother was a skilled knight, while Nagyunn lacks the natural talent. He begins training to hone his skills, while trying not to give away his identity in the process.

   • Why it’s so good: What Nagyunn lacks in strength, he makes up for in wit, leading to many engaging scenarios for readers. The story is also filled with secrecy and revenge that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
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12

God of High School

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1. 
   The plot of God of High School focuses on a tournament in which high school students duel it out to determine who is the strongest among them. The winner is granted a single wish, regardless of the cost. Jin Mo-Ri, a taekwondo specialist, seeks to find and challenge tough components, and in the process, meets and grows closer to two other students who fight for noble goals.

   • Why it’s so good: God of High School is admired for its worldbuilding and the inspirational nature of its characters. It encourages readers to fight for themselves to reach their goals.

13

The Greatest Estate Developer

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1. The Greatest Estate Developer follows Suho Kim, a civil engineering student who is transported into a fantasy world after he falls asleep while reading. Now known as Lloyd Frontera, he uses his engineering knowledge to change the world, alongside Javier Asrahan, a group of hamster-like creatures, and the magic of the fantasy world.

   • Why it’s so good: This story puts a twist on the reincarnation trope. Suho’s knowledge of the real world is a very important tool, and while the contrast between technology and magic is broad, the series brings them together in every chapter.
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14

Her Tale of Shim Chong

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1. 
   Her Tale of Shim Chong follows Shim, a beggar from a small village, who falls in love with Madame Jang, a woman of a higher status. The two have little in common at first glance, but their solitude brings them together in a beautiful love story.

   • Why it’s so good: This manhwa is based on an old Korean folktale and creates a mythos out of the characters’ romance, as if they are a part of a legend lost in time. While it is a star-crossed lovers story, it isn’t overdramatic and is, instead, a wholesome romance.

15

The Horizon

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1. This heartbreaking drama series follows the lives of two children who are orphaned by war. They have to rely on each other for survival and solace amidst all the chaos. Since they don’t have access to the tools required for survival, they’re forced to endure the situation one day at a time.

   • Why it’s so good: Despite its dark setting and tone, The Horizon features several sweet, tender moments between its protagonists. Their bond makes this one of the most emotional manhwa series ever, and it stands out for its raw depiction of human nature.
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16

The Legend of the Northern Blade

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1. 
   The Legend of the Northern Blade follows Mu-Won, a heroic warrior who flees his mountainous home and teaches himself to fight. He is eventually given the choice to hunt down those responsible for his father’s death. Meanwhile, members of the Northern Heavenly Sect are tasked with protecting humanity from a mysterious entity called the Silent Night.

   • Why it’s so good: The Legend of the Northern Blade is considered one of the best and most exciting manhwa series to date. It blends drama with martial arts, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

17

Light and Shadow

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1. Light and Shadow is based on a novel and follows the romance between a servant, Edna, and a duke, Eli. After the noblewoman she serves sends Edna to marry Duke Eli in her place, Edna and Eli often butt heads, given all their differences. However, like in most romance manhwas, love may find its way, regardless.

   • Why it’s so good: Light and Shadow features the fan-favorite “opposites attract” trope. Fans also appreciate that Edna is stubborn, rather than submissive.
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18

Lookism

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1. 
   After being bullied for 17 years, Lookism’s protagonist Park Hyung Seok decides to transfer for a fresh start. Right before he transfers, however, he wakes up and discovers he is a perfect, idealized version of himself. He switches between the two versions of himself every time he falls asleep and finds his true self along the way.

   • Why it’s so good: Lookism is essentially a character study for Park Hyung as he discovers how to be a popular kid, the mystery behind his body-switching, and who he truly is on the inside. This is a unique take for manhwa, which is usually action-packed and fantasy-based.

19

Noblesse

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1. In Noblesse, Rai awakes after sleeping for nearly 1000 years and decides to start life over as a high school student, with the assistance of his servant, Frankenstein. However, his newfound peace is quickly broken by assailants called Unions, and Rai is forced to unveil his powers and protect his classmates.

   • Why it’s so good: Noblesse is loved for its colorful cast of characters and their interactions with each other, as well as its monster-of-the-week format, in which new enemies take the heroes by surprise before they become powerful enough to overcome the new threat.
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20

No Home

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1. 
   No Home follows the complicated relationship between Haejoon Goh, a boy running away from his problematic mother, and Eunyung Baek, a homeless and violent boy. When they’re forced to live together in a haunted house, the two must learn to deal with each other as well as the supernatural phenomena happening around them.

   • Why it’s so good: No Home subverts the dynamic duo trope, as both characters are stubborn and don’t want to get along. It’s also a horror ghost story, with scary panels that come out of nowhere. Readers never know what to expect.

21

Omniscient Reader

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1. Omniscient Reader follows Kim Dokja, who observes his own life from a distance as it passes him by. He spends most of his time reading a manhwa titled Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse. When the series concludes, the writer sends Kim a message that brings the story to life… literally.

   • Why it’s so good: Omniscient Reader is a playful subversion of the Isekai (reincarnation) genre. Kim knows everything that will happen in his future, but he doesn’t know what to do. Fans appreciate the level of uncertainty in the narrative.
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22

Reality Quest

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1. 
   Reality Quest follows the story of an orphan boy who seeks to discover the truth behind his father’s death and the events that connect him with the mysterious Sunshine Shelter. A game-like system grants him power in exchange for completing Quests.

   • Why it’s so good: Reality Quest is perfect for those who love an underdog story featuring a hero who starts out with no powers and slowly develops them as the story advances. The story also comes with the uplifting message of never giving up.

23

Reincarnation of the Forbidden Archmage

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1. In Reincarnation of the Forbidden Archmage, Iori wakes up in a new reality and suddenly recovers the memories from his past life—he was a powerful Archmage. After being reincarnated, restrictions have been put in place so he doesn’t abuse his power or alter the balance of this new world, which seems to be on the brink of destruction.

   • Why it’s so good: While similar to other series, this manhwa is unique because it puts special emphasis on the competitiveness of mages between countries, leading to cool and unexpected plot twists.
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24

A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special

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1. 
   Similar to a game of Dungeons and Dragons, this manhwa follows a six-hero party as they succumb to the antagonist that has ravaged their world. After dying, the party’s wizard, Desir Herrman, wakes up 13 years in the past. With all his knowledge about the future, he sets out to stop the end of civilization before it begins, recreating his party in the process.

   • Why it’s so good: A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special is ideal for fans of D&D or the reincarnation trope. It’s filled with heroic moments, funny dynamics between the characters, and a well-crafted lore.

25

Seasons of Blossom

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1. Seasons of Blossom follows a group of young friends (Bo-mi, Ha-min, Ga-eul, and Dong-chae) who each represent spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. Each character’s arc is heartwarming and heartbreaking, as the story explores everything to do with adolescence and youth.

   • Why it’s so good: Fans appreciate the beautiful, connected storytelling of each arc. The story encompasses everything about being young, including sweet romance, friendship, and heavier themes like bullying and grief.
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26

Solo Leveling

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1. 
   In Solo Leveling, regular people have become superhumans who fight monsters and earn money for their victories. Sun Jin-Woo is one of these Hunters, but he’s an extremely weak fighter. One day, he is asked to complete an impossible training program or face dire consequences. He takes it as an opportunity to become the strongest Hunter in the world.

   • Why it’s so good: Fans appreciate this series for its heavy lore, including the soldier grades, the monsters, and the characters’ unique abilities.

27

Spirit Fingers

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1. Spirit Fingers follows Amy Song, a deeply insecure girl who envies others’ beauty and confidence. When a beautiful stranger asks her to pose for a drawing, the experience forces her to come out of her shell, join an art club, and learn to love herself with the help of her new friends.

   • Why it’s so good: This manhwa is a great option if you’re looking for a slice-of-life series rather than fantasy. The art style adapts to reflect Amy’s emotions, and the story is extremely relatable to anyone who has ever felt insecure.
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28

Sweet Home

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1. 
   After losing his family in a car accident, Sweet Home’s protagonist, the reclusive teenager Cha Hyun-soo, moves into a cheaper apartment complex, ready to ignore everyone around him. But when the world goes through a monster apocalypse, with people transforming into human-eating monsters, he must join forces with his fellow survivors to beat the monsters.

   • Why it’s so good: Sweet Home is a fan-favorite thanks to its complex characters and unique take on the zombie apocalypse trope. The series takes place inside Cha Hyun-soo’s apartment complex, as the survivors have to hide from the monsters that used to be their neighbors.

29

The Swordmaster’s Youngest Son

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1. In this manhwa, Jin Runcandel is the talentless youngest son of the most prestigious swordsman family in the land. After being cast out and dying tragically, a god gives him a chance to live again, with the memories of his past life. He then goes on a journey to become a powerful swordsman, protect his family’s legacy, and change his destiny.

   • Why it’s so good: This series uses its artwork, unique worldbuilding, and fresh mythology to draw readers in. The recent events have progressed the plot further down the point of no return, making fans even more excited to see what will happen next.
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30

Terror Man

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1. 
   Terror Man follows Jungwoo Min, a young man who can see the future, with a unique twist: he sees when a certain path will go wrong. He uses this ability to stop misfortune, but this causes him to become a terrorist, as saving others always leads to his own despair.

   • Why it’s so good: Terror Man is an action-packed series, as Jungwoo is constantly on the run from authorities, but it’s also an interesting reflection on morality. Jungwoo is constantly torn between his happiness and the greater good.

31

Tomb Raider King

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1. In Tomb Raider King, tombs start to appear all over the world, granting people superpowers and causing them to race each other to get them. Jooheon Suh is a tomb raider who dies and comes back to life—15 years before the tombs appear. With his knowledge of the future, he sets out to find all the tombs for himself so he can become the most powerful person alive.

   • Why it’s so good: Tomb Raider King has a very unique plot that will intrigue readers looking for a quest-based adventure. Jooheon Suh is also a unique main character, as he becomes more greedy and paranoid as time goes on, making him less and less of a hero.
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32

Tower of God

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1. 
   Tower of God follows Young Bam, who climbs a mysterious Tower after losing his friend Rachel. Bam has to face countless monsters and ancient secrets throughout his journey, especially the Administrators who govern each floor of the Tower. Young Bam will have all his dreams fulfilled if he reaches the top, but doing so won’t be easy.

   • Why it’s so good: Tower of God’s lore is what makes it so special. Fans are captivated by the Tower’s backstory, the differences between each level, and all the unique creatures Bam has to face along the way.

33

Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid

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1. Inspired by The Little Mermaid, Whale Star follows Su-a Heo, a handmaiden with an intense love for the ocean. Her life changes when she meets Uihyeon Kang, a fighter swept away by the ocean, whom she nurses back to health. After the villainous soldier Haesu Song tries to kill her, she loses her voice and begins a new life in the capital.

   • Why it’s so good: Though the story is inspired by The Little Mermaid, it isn’t a direct retelling. Instead, it draws on tropes to create an emotionally-charged story that reflects on history, politics, and human nature.
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34

What Does the Fox Say?

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1. 
   This steamy workplace romance follows Sung-ji, a new employee at a game development studio. She is soon wooed by her manager, Sumin, and Sung-ji quickly discovers that Sumin’s ex-girlfriend, Baek Seju, is the company’s president. The result is an emotional and sensual love triangle.?

   • Why it’s so good: Readers are captivated by the tension among the three characters, as the story focuses on the power dynamics of their office. There is sultry dialogue, tons of bickering, and heartbreak when the reader least expects it.

35

Wind Breaker

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1. Wind Breaker follows Jay Ja Hyun, a high schooler buckling under academic pressure. However, Jay is more than just his studies. He’s also a talented biker, which gains the attention of professional bikers, as well as his schoolmate Yoon Min Woo.

   • Why it’s so good: The story navigates rivalries, adventures, and personal growth as Jay joins a street racing team known as the Hummingbird Crew. While lighthearted, fans will find this manhwa absolutely gripping.
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36

Who Made Me a Princess?

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1. 
   In this iconic manhwa, a young woman wakes up to discover she has been reborn as Athanasia de Alger Obelia, a princess from a Japanese fairytale. Since she knows how Athanasia’s story ends, she tries to avoid her tragic fate by changing the story’s narrative.

   • Why it’s so good: Who Made Me a Princess? has everything a manhwa reader could want, from family melodrama to political intrigue. Almost anyone will find something to like in this series.

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