Best Celebrity Romance Manhwa & Manga

Best Celebrity Romance Manhwa & Manga

Key Takeaways

  • Celebrity and non-celebrity romance manga explore freedom and growth within relationships.
  • Romance manga like ‘Cutie and the Beast’ address age gaps and boundaries for a realistic touch.
  • Stories like ‘Star Next Door’ focus on childhood friends navigating falling in love amidst obstacles.

As a connoisseur of romantic tales, I must say that these three stories have captured my heart in their unique ways. Each one offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people who find themselves entangled with celebrities, adding a touch of glamour and intrigue to their otherwise mundane existences.


Stories featuring celebrities falling for ordinary individuals in manhwa and manga often carry an air of wish-fulfillment, especially initially. However, exceptional celebrity romance narratives skilfully blend the excitement of managing a relationship with a famous individual while nurturing feelings beneath the glamour and spotlight.

While some stories feature celebrities falling in love, like the series “Daytime Star”, this compilation primarily highlights works involving celebrities and ordinary individuals. These narratives frequently depict celebrities seeking personal liberation, whether through their decisions or trusted confidants. Ordinary people often learn about themselves or grapple with their own aspirations as they assist their famous partners.

10 Kodocha: Sana’s Stage

Precocious Kids In Hyper 90s Magical Realism Land

Best Celebrity Romance Manhwa & Manga
Japanese Title
  • こどものおもちゃ
  • Kodomo no Omocha
Writer/IllustratorMiho Obana
Genre
  • Comedy
  • Drama
  • Slice of Life
  • Love Polygon
Volumes
  • 10 (Japanese)
  • English out of print

Sana Kurota, a young actress famed for her show “Kodocha” or “Child’s Toy,” is finding success both on and off-screen. However, at school, she finds herself smitten by her classmate, Akito, who seems to be the ringleader in bullying fellow students and extorting their teacher. Growing weary of this behavior, Sana courageously confronts Akito, sparking a prolonged conflict between them.

The anime titled “Kodomo no Omocha” or “Kodocha” centers around the story of Sana, focusing on her evolving relationship with Akito. Relationships, in all their forms, serve as the heart of this series. This includes the complex and troubled family relationships of Akito, as well as Sana’s unique friendships and connections within the entertainment industry. As they mature, these two precocious children navigate and deepen these ties.

9 Cutie And The Beast

Pujoshi Submits Heel In Love

Best Celebrity Romance Manhwa & Manga
Japanese Title
  • プ女と野獣 JKが悪役レスラーに恋した話
  • Pujyo and Beast, Pujo to Yajuu: JK ga Akuyaku Wrestler ni Koi Shita Hanashi
Writer/IllustratorYuhi Azumi
Genre
  • Josei
  • Sports
Volumes
  • 4 (Japanese)
  • 3 (EN, Seven Seas Entertainment)
  • EN Volume 4 – May 27, 2025

In a similar vein, Momoka, a high school student, symbolizes individuals who tend to favor muscular men over slim, attractive boys. The passionate pro wrestling enthusiast, often referred to as a Pujoshi, is smitten by the villainous wrestler Kuga and wholeheartedly backs him. Interestingly, Kuga himself is unaware of this fact, but he secretly appreciates every response from her, finding her a unique and mature fan.

In the story titled “Cutie and the Beast,” the issue of their significant age difference is promptly addressed. Momoka’s family and Kuga’s colleagues step in, remind everyone that Momoka is only 17, and put a halt to any further communication between them. It’s not until much later that they are given permission to date, and even then, boundaries are established by Momoka’s parents as well as Kuga himself.

In addition, the narrative of Pujo to Yajuu features authentic wrestling background. Kuga’s rigorous training routine and backstory echo the daily life of young trainees or beginners at Japanese dojos. Moreover, his demanding schedule and rising fame significantly contribute to the plotline and his relationship with Momoka.

8 Star Next Door

Falling In Love With Childhood Friend Turned Actor

Best Celebrity Romance Manhwa & Manga
Japanese Title
  • 隣のステラ
  • Tonari No Stella
Writer/IllustratorAmmitsu
Genre
  • Childhood Friends
  • High School
Volumes
  • 5 (Japanese, Kodansha)
  • 3 (English, Kodansha USA)

Chiaki and Subaru have been close friends since childhood, understanding each other deeply. However, Subaru’s star is on the rise as an actor, his innate charm and allure propelling him into greater success. As the gap between them widens, it falls upon Chiaki to seek her own contentment.

Stella, My Neighbor differs from the mature manga titled “Star Next Door” or “Gazing at the Star Next Door“. While both share the theme of a neighbor, they differ significantly in their target audience and presentation style. Unlike Star Next Door, which often involves slow development, near misses, and challenges that leave readers on edge, waiting anxiously for the next installment, Stella, My Neighbor may offer a different pace or focus.

As a gamer diving into this tale, I’ve come to realize that misunderstandings reign supreme, fueling the narrative drama. This is partly because the characters are still in high school, and partly due to Subaru’s professional life complicating things. However, typical of shoujo stories, there’s no shortage of melodrama here. Yet, Chiaki’s character development and the top-notch artistry of the manga more than compensate for it all.

7 My Special One

JPop Idol Falls For Anti-Boy Girl

Best Celebrity Romance Manhwa & Manga
Japanese Title
  • 君がトクベツ
  • Kimi ga Tokubetsu
Writer/IllustratorMomoko Koda
Genre
  • High School
  • Comedy
Volumes
  • 10 (Japanese, Bessatsu, ongoing)
  • 7 (English, Viz Media, ongoing)

Sahoko dislikes charming men so much that she wishes them to be emasculated, due to a misunderstanding in confession. On the other hand, Yuuko-chan adores such men, particularly idol Kouta. As a result, when Kouta enters their family restaurant, Sahoko gets an autograph for Yuuko instead.

Initially, Kouta confuses Sahoko for a fan and responds with overzealous fandom, which inadvertently provokes an intense outburst from her. Instead of being deterred, this only draws Kouta closer to Sahoko, much to her annoyance. The anime My Special One (Kimi ga Tokubetsu) chronicles their amusing and endearing journey from enemies to lovers. A standout aspect is the character growth of Sahoko, as she deliberately makes decisions aimed at finding happiness.

6 The Girl Downstairs

Guy Becomes Boy-Next-Door For Ex-Celeb

Best Celebrity Romance Manhwa & Manga
Korean Title
  • 이두나! / Iduna! (Korean)
  • 爱上她的理由 / Ai shang ta de liyou (Chinese)
Writer/IllustratorMin Songa
Genre
  • College
  • Drama
Volumes
  • 136 Chapters (Korean, main story, Naver)
  • 11 (English, Naver)

It turns out that Joon Lee, who appears to be an ordinary guy, didn’t get why his high school classmate wept over a female pop star retiring. However, this changed on his first day as a college student when he discovered that the very same retired pop star, Duna, was now living in the apartment below his own.

The Girl Below or Doona doesn’t rely solely on wish fulfillment, as it portrays Joon’s indecisiveness and Duna’s exhaustion honestly. They behave much like typical college students, still developing their decision-making skills and grappling with the inability to make solid choices. Joon and Duna’s relationship might not be overly scandalous, but it echoes the uncertainties that many young adults can identify with.

5 No Outtakes

Anti & Egomaniac Actor Isekai’d Into Historical Drama

Best Celebrity Romance Manhwa & Manga
Korean Title
  • NG불가
  • NG Bulga
Writer/IllustratorGo Sun Young
Genre
  • Historical
  • Drama
  • Comedy
  • Isekai
Volumes79 Chapters (Korean & English, Naver)

Jaerin may seem perfect to those unaware of her intense devotion towards the character Hwi from the series “Hwaya,” and her struggle with large crowds. To help her cope with this, her family cleverly persuades her to join the cast as an extra on “Hwaya.” Unexpected events unfold, leading Jaerin and Lee Ahn (the actor portraying Hwi) to immerse themselves in the universe of “Hwaya.

The manhwa featuring an isekai/strange world romance distinguishes itself primarily due to its characters Jaerin and Hwi. Their comedic portrayal of impersonating the main characters Hwaya and Hwi is both hilarious and showcases their cunningness. Opinions among readers are divided regarding the villain’s outcome and the third male lead, yet their storylines prove engaging as one delves deeper into them.

4 Star Crossed!!

Idol & Fan Swaps Genders, Falls In Love

Best Celebrity Romance Manhwa & Manga
Japanese Title
  • ヲタ⇄ドル 推しが私で 私が推しで
  • Oshi ga Watashi de, Watashi ga Oshi de
Writer/IllustratorJunko
Genre
  • Comedy
  • Gender Swap
  • Supernatural
  • High School
Volumes4 (JP & EN, Kodansha & Kodansha USA)

Azusa regards her beloved idol, Chika, as if he were a deity. Therefore, when a stage light threatened him, she acted swiftly and selflessly to protect his life. Regrettably, neither of them survived the incident.

Unfortunately, even after the deity brings them back to life, their fortune doesn’t improve. In an unexpected twist, Chika and Azusa have switched bodies, just as Chika’s boy band, Prince 4 U, is about to start a series of concerts. They momentarily escape their predicament when they learn that kissing each other returns them to their original bodies, but the challenges don’t end with a quick kiss and farewell.

According to the creator of “Kiss Him, Not Me,” there’s no shortage of playful exploration of gender dynamics beyond the central gender-reversed pair. The narrative maintains a swift pace and effectively incorporates supernatural aspects throughout the entire manga series.

3 Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai

Bunny Girls, Loneliness, And Quantum Physics

Best Celebrity Romance Manhwa & Manga
Japanese Title
  • 青春ブタ野郎はバニーガール先輩の夢を見ない
  • Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai
Writer/Illustrator
  • Hajime Kamoshida (Writer, LN, manga)
  • Keiji Mizoguchi (Illustrator, LN)
  • Tsugumi Nanamiya (Illustrator, manga, Bunny Girl Senpai)
  • Tsukumo Asakusa (Illustrator, manga, Petite Devil Kohai)
  • Tsukako Akina (Illustrator, manga, Logical Witch)
  • Akuro Yoshibe (Illustrator, manga, Sister Home Alone)
  • Eranto (Illustrator, manga, Dreaming Girl)
Genre
  • Romance
  • Psychological
  • Supernatural
Volumes
  • Bunny Girl Senpai – 2 (JP), 2 (EN, Yen Press)
  • Petite Devil Kohai – 2 (JP), 2 (EN, Yen Press)
  • Logical Witch – 2 (JP), 2 (EN, Yen Press)
  • Sister Home Alone – 2 (JP, no date for EN)
  • Dreaming Girl – 2 (JP, no date for EN)

Sakuta finds himself in a difficult situation. He’s been blamed for causing harm to three individuals, which has resulted in many, even his classmates, distancing themselves from him. However, things take an unexpected turn when he encounters his senior, renowned actress and gravure model Mai, seemingly lost in the library while wearing a bunny costume.

It’s been discovered that Mai is afflicted with Adolescence Syndrome, a seldom-encountered condition that makes her practically undetectable to most people. Interestingly, Sakuta’s own sibling Kaede also suffers from the same condition, but her symptoms are represented by three marks on Sakuta’s chest. Driven by the desire to alleviate both Mai and his sister from this affliction, Sakuta embarks on a quest to uncover the elusive cure for this enigmatic disease.

While the initial buzz around the “Rascal Does Not Dream Of” series was generated by Mai’s striking promotional image, it’s essential to note that this series delves deeper than mere fan service. It employs the in-world science and natural phenomena to craft metaphors for the characters’ inner struggles and insecurities. Compared to series like “Monogatari” or “Haruhi Suzumiya”, its simpler approach amplifies the dramatic elements for its diverse heroines, making it a captivating watch.

In contrast to how the series might appear, Sakuta isn’t your typical harem protagonist. Instead, it’s clear that Mai is his ultimate love interest. There’s also a storyline where the girl Sakuta is assisting makes it clear that she doesn’t have feelings for him in that way.

2 So I Married An Anti-Fan

Journalist Takes Revenge On Idol Who Got Her Fired

Best Celebrity Romance Manhwa & Manga
Korean Title
  • 그래서 나는 안티팬과 결혼했다
  • Geuraeseo Naneun Antipaen-gwa Gyeolhonhaetda
Writer/IllustratorKim Eun-jung
Genre
  • Comedy
  • Drama
Volumes
  • 88 Chapters (Korean, KakaoPage)
  • 4 (English, Net Comics {closed})

So I Married an Unintentional Fan narrates the story of Geonyoung, a third-year reporter who’s had bad luck in love, having just been dumped by a man who later turned out to be gay on New Year’s Eve. Her fortunes were expected to improve after covering popular celebrity Who Joon, but an argument with him results in her losing her job.

In a surprising turn of events, Geonyoung finds an opportunity to settle scores with Joon. However, their bitter interaction transforms into something more tender than Geonyoung anticipated. Along the way, Geonyoung discovers that Joon has secrets hidden within his past.

This fast-paced, engaging novel, titled “So I Married an Anti-Fan“, captivates readers with its sleek illustrations and swift dialogues. Characters Geonyoung and Joon are charming and relatable, making the narrative hard to put down.

1 One-Of-A-Kind Romance

Aspiring Writer Meets Actor Idol Troubled By Stalker

Best Celebrity Romance Manhwa & Manga
Korean Title
  • 유일무이 로맨스
  • Yuilmui Romance
Writer/IllustratorDOOBOO
GenreDrama
Volumes
  • 161 (Korean, with extras, Naver)
  • 10 (English, Naver)

Yu-il considers herself an aspiring writer, but she’s currently focused on a corporate career while suppressing her ambition to become a professional writer. She finds time for her hobbies amidst this. In an effort to boost her spirits, her friend offers her place as the shooting location for Ryumin’s upcoming drama, which is one of Yu-il’s idols.

In the story, Ryumin’s acting partner, Mu-il, starts to grow wary as Yu-il frequently appears on set. When he accuses Yu-il of stalking him, she must clear her name, setting off a chain of events that ultimately alter their lives and give rise to an unusual romance.

A Unique Love Story is a deeply engaging romance novel aimed at young adults that centers around characters dealing with significant personal issues. While it has elements of celebrity life, these aspects add an element of fantasy to the narrative. The protagonists are the heart of the story, and witnessing their development towards each other is as captivating as watching them fall in love.

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2024-11-23 12:46