Best Manhwa Set In The Entertainment Industry

Key Takeaways

Manhwa set in the entertainment industry focus on well-developed characters and real-world challenges.
These stories offer a unique blend of romance, drama, comedy, and suspense.
Readers enjoy the engaging plots revolving around different entertainment settings.

As a seasoned reader who’s sailed through countless manhwa titles, I must say that these three gems have left quite an impression on me! Each one offers a unique perspective into the world of entertainment, from finance to music production, and even AI-assisted stardom.

In the realm of manhwa, the bustling entertainment industry serves as an under-the-radar setting for some captivating tales. These narratives often delve deep into intriguing characters and the complexities of this field. The stories span a wide range, covering everything from the glitz of the music sphere to the high-stakes drama of acting. As such, these manhwa provide a distinctive mix of romance, drama, humor, and tension.

As a gamer, I’m excited to share that this new journey offers multiple viewpoints – from hopeful rookies to seasoned pros. You’ll witness the thrilling highs and crushing lows that come with fame and recognition. These tales frequently delve into themes like ambition, rivalry, self-discovery, and the harsh realities of the spotlight. Though the stakes might not be as life-or-death as in other genres, these manhwa set within the entertainment world provide a unique blend of real-world struggles and captivating storytelling.

10 Debut or Die

Well-Written Story Exploring The Great Depths of Idol Life

MyAnimeList Score: 8.14
Published: Aug 1, 2022
Authors: Baek, Deoksoo (Story), Soheun (Art)

Ryu Gunwoo awakes in a deserted motel following another failed attempt at the civil service exam and a tumble while intoxicated. Puzzled by his altered visage, he suspects he might have stepped into the lead role, much like the characters in the books he’s read. In a burst of excitement, he calls out, “System Window,” believing it to be a significant breakthrough. To his surprise, a system actually materializes. Yet, this system only offers him one assignment: either launch a career as an Idol or face death.

I’ve found myself utterly captivated by the acclaimed manhwa, “Debut or Die.” This story, richly illustrated and brimming with depth, offers a compelling insight into the demanding world of debuting as a K-pop idol in South Korea. It meticulously explores every aspect, from grueling auditions to rigorous training regimes, and even delves into determining which talents best suit a prospective artist from a production standpoint. Despite Ryu’s primary goal being mere survival, he manages to refine his skills with the help of the system. Countless readers, including myself, have voiced their hopes that this captivating tale might one day be adapted into a K-drama or anime.

9 To Be an Actor

Discover How Hard Work & Passion Ultimately Transforms Into Talent

MyAnimeList Score: 7.82
Published: Sep 30, 2022
Authors: Gogwang (Story), Dusi (Art)

In a tragic twist, despite Young-guk Jang finally achieving his dream of becoming an actor by winning the Best Supporting Actor Award, he learns that his mother had passed away on the very same day. Overwhelmed and filled with remorse, he takes his own life. But in an unexpected turn of events, Young-guk finds himself back in his high school years, where he is reunited with his cherished mother. He vows to start anew, living a contented life with her. Yet, destiny seems to have other ideas when the acting world calls him once more.

The novel “To Be an Actor” has received acclaim for its profound understandings of acting in a broader sense. What sets it apart is that the character Young-guk lacks any shortcuts or extraordinary abilities in his second life. He’s also not privy to information that could make his journey easier. Yet, he brings over from his previous life all the grit and determination, giving him an early advantage in acting. To most people around him, this appears as innate talent. However, readers are swiftly made aware of Young-guk’s past struggles, revealing how he cultivated his talent with sincerity.

8 Muse On Fame

Great Fleshed-Out Characters Tackling Real-Life Problems

MyAnimeList Score: 7.72
Published: Oct 19, 2022
Authors: Sujin (Story & Art)

Mei is a dedicated actress, constantly seeking small roles in the entertainment industry without much success. Yet, her passion for acting burns brightly. Her big break comes unexpectedly when she discovers an old photograph of herself at an exhibition, looking at it from a fresh perspective. She becomes determined to find the photographer who can capture her true essence on film. As they spend time together, Mei gains self-awareness and sparks begin to fly between them.

The comic strip “Muse On Fame” offers an authentic depiction of the trials faced in breaking through in the entertainment world. Each character, including Myeong, is intricately developed with clear motivations. The artist skillfully conveys the characters’ subtle emotions through their microexpressions, enhancing the storyline and narrative flow. Furthermore, the color palette used adds depth to the melancholic tone of the story and highlights the complex character dynamics. Reading “Muse On Fame” feels much like watching a drama series, immersing you in its world. Moreover, none of the characters adhere to typical stereotypes, allowing for a more genuine exploration of the narrative’s themes.

7 Superstar from Age 0

A Mix Of Fantasy & Magic In A Modern World Setting

MyAnimeList Score: 7.37
Published: Apr 29, 2023
Authors: Bukgeugom (Story), Jyanna (Art)

Seo Jun Lee has lived multiple lives as a human, demon, fairy, elf, and other entities. With such a wealth of experiences, he establishes a mental repository, or “mind palace,” for easy access and organization. This allows him to revisit any past life at will without being overwhelmed by memories all at once. Currently, Seo finds himself in contemporary Korea. After exploring his mind palace, he recalls his initial life, where he harbored the ambition of becoming an actor. Recognizing this, he resolves to pursue that dream in his current existence.

In summary, Superstar from Age 0 appears to blend an eclectic assortment of themes, however, the author skillfully ties it all together. The narrative primarily follows Seo Jun’s path to acting stardom, while delving into his past lives only when necessary. Consequently, the storyline remains consistent without any significant interruptions. This popular manhwa is adored for its charm and the diverse talents portrayed that aid the protagonist’s rise to fame. The manhwa also sheds light on the authenticity of the entertainment industry from a professional’s point of view. Readers have praised its stunning artwork, as well as the heartwarming aspects of its everyday life genre.

6 My Daughter is a Musical Genius

Heart-Warming Story Of A Dad Supporting His Daughter

MyAnimeList Score: 7.12
Published: Nov 30, 2021
Authors: Lee, Hansung (Story), Harvey (Art)

In a heartbreaking turn of events following his wife’s passing, Cho Sunghyun distances himself from his daughter, Chaeyoon. He immerses himself in work until he learns the devastating news of his daughter’s accidental death, which pushes him to the brink. Remarkably, he miraculously finds himself ten years back, on the anniversary of his wife’s demise. With newfound determination, he hurries to reunite with his daughter and pledges to be a more devoted father. Over time, he comes to realize that Chaeyoon possesses remarkable musical abilities, but grapples with the decision of whether or not to let her enter the entertainment industry, feeling torn about this choice.

This cherished and heartwarming narrative revolves around a father, Sunghyun, and his exceptionally gifted daughter. After being granted a second opportunity, he wholeheartedly embraces fatherhood and temporarily shelves his personal aspirations. With a knack for music, he forms an endearing bond with his daughter. Meanwhile, Chaeyoon, a delightful child, captivates the audience with her numerous charming moments. Moreover, Sunghyun leverages his past experience as a manager in the entertainment industry to guide and support his daughter’s burgeoning career.

5 Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Great Regression Story Of Righting The Wrongs

MyAnimeList Score: 6.77
Published: Jul 28, 2021
Authors: Hyeonsin (Story), Muta (Art)

In a life presumed to be prosperous, as Vice President at Top Entertainment and with an A-list actress as his wife, Yoonho finds himself reevaluating his friendships and backing when faced with a terminal illness and impending death. He regrets past decisions that seemed so confident, yearning for another shot at life. Miraculously, his wish comes true, transporting him back to the days when he was a fledgling talent agent. To make amends, Yoonho pledges to reform the entertainment industry by choosing differently this time around, and his smartphone downloads all relevant diary entries up to the point in the past where he once lived.

The Newcomer Entertainment Manager Unveils the Industry’s Intricate Landscape provides an insightful look into the entertainment world as seen through a manager’s eyes. The narrative might be straightforward, but the author skillfully exposes the power struggles within the industry and demonstrates how Yoonho leverages his expertise to safeguard his roster of actors and idols. Although the main character appears static in terms of growth, secondary characters exhibit complexity that maintains reader engagement. Furthermore, antagonists often pose obstacles for trivial reasons, adding an enjoyable twist to this manhwa. It also includes charming, endearing scenes involving his favorite actress’ adopted daughter, Miso.

4 Movies Are Real

One Of The Best Takes On Acting

MyAnimeList Score: N/A
Published: Feb 28, 2021
Authors: Jaemi Halgi (Story), Ah, Injam (Art)

In a historical drama production, Ki Man-sung, a lesser-known supporting actor, finds himself unraveling an unexpected plot twist. Suddenly, the film set transforms into his present circumstances – right in the midst of a war. He flees across open fields but is captured. Following interrogations, he meets a grim end, experiencing every agony and emotion intensely. Then, the director calls out ‘Cut!’, and Man-sung returns to reality. Subsequently, life opens up fresh avenues and prospects for him as he learns about his unique ability to “live in the movie.” Determined to make the most of this gift, he sets out on a mission to reach the pinnacle of acting.

This gem of a story, titled “Movies Are Real,” offers more than one might anticipate. It’s set within the bustling world of showbiz and follows the journey of an underdog actor named Man-sung. What appears to be a brilliant stroke of luck is actually his inability to distinguish reality from movies. Consequently, every facial expression, emotion, and feeling he portrays are utterly genuine because he experiences movie sets as his new everyday life. As the narrative unfolds, Man-sung swiftly rises through the ranks like a prodigy, taking on various intriguing films and dramas. For enthusiasts of this series, there’s also “I Was Mistaken As A Monstrous Genius Actor,” which shares the same basic premise. This newer series boasts less than 20 chapters but features a more developed system, allowing Man-sung to experience movie scripts in an alternate reality.

3 Superstar Associate Manager

Wholesome Story With A Showbiz Backdrop

MyAnimeList Score: N/A
Published: Dec 2, 2021
Authors: Park, Kyungwon (Story), Lee, Jaeguk (Art)

Today, Hoyeon Cheon, a routine associate manager at a finance company, finds himself stuck in his career. One evening, he joins his colleagues for karaoke and impulsively chooses to sing a song. Suddenly, the spirit of a child prodigy rock star, Jihyeok Han, manifests, seemingly taking possession of him. Inspired by an extraordinary performance, Hoyeon feels compelled to chase his dream of becoming a superstar.

In this captivating narrative, the Role Model Team Leader might be overshadowed by other popular manhwa series, but it’s certainly worth reading. Prepare yourself for an exhilarating journey as it masterfully explores significant life themes through a blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling. The characters are distinctively crafted, showing remarkable growth and complexity. As the tale unfolds, you’ll follow Hoyeon’s transformation from an unknown to a star, which will undoubtedly captivate you. What’s more, you’ll be taken aback when Hoyeon forms a band from scratch using characters we meet at the story’s outset.

2 Long Live The Drama King

Enjoyable Story Involving The Production Of Dramas

MyAnimeList Score: N/A
Published: Sep 19, 2021
Authors: Gobyeol (Story), Aira (Art)

Following the failure of his initial drama, Hyunseok Lee abandoned his ambition to become a PD (producer director). However, when fate takes an unexpected turn and he passes away prematurely, he is granted one final wish – to create the ultimate makjang drama. This popular Korean genre pushes boundaries with extravagant characters, shocking plot twists, and outlandish storylines. With the help of a spirit guide who was once a PD, Hyunseok is given a rare opportunity to re-live his life in order to make his last dream come true.

Titled “The Reign of the Dramatic Maestro,” this captivating manhwa delves into the complexities of the entertainment world, where a visionary director strives to produce an extraordinary drama. The narrative is fresh and consistent, brimming with adorable scenes and hilarious episodes that keep readers engaged. Characters like Hyunseok’s will enthrall fans who crave unconventional, enigmatic heroes, as they witness his audacious antics.

1 My Uncle Is A Superstar

Beautiful Story That Sucks In Readers From The Very First Chapter

MyAnimeList Score: Unlisted
Published: 2019
Authors: Won-jin HEO (Story), Nomni (Art)

Woojin has been leading a difficult life as a carpenter, abandoning his singing aspirations to care for his niece and mother. One unexpected day, a robot with artificial intelligence enters his life, offering assistance in fulfilling his dreams. Seizing the opportunity, he embarks on this new journey, and his life undergoes a dramatic transformation.

The graphic novel titled “My Uncle Is A Superstar” comprises a total of 186 chapters and narrates Woojin’s transformation from a carpenter into a singer, producer, and actor. This captivating story offers an enjoyable reading experience filled with humor, heartwarming moments, and engaging romance. Many readers regard it as one of the finest manhwa centered around the entertainment world, encompassing all the typical aspects of this genre. Each character undergoes their own personal development, which significantly impacts the overall plot. To top it off, the conclusion provides a satisfying resolution to the storyline.

2024-09-20 17:34