Exploring the Rising Trend of Yuri Content in Manhwa and Manhua
Highlights
- Yuri-themed narratives are gaining popularity in manhwa and manhua, providing vibrant and captivating stories for enthusiasts of the genre.
- Series such as June Sea, Salieri & Mozart, and Vengeance delve into darker romantic themes, catering to those desiring unconventional love stories.
- Titles including Mojito, Don’t Fall in Love!, and The Glass explore love in its multifaceted forms, ranging from forbidden romances to workplace entanglements.
The yuri genre, also known as girls’ love (GL), unambiguously portrays romantic relationships between women. While it often includes sexual themes, its accessibility has broadened with renowned titles like Bloom Into You receiving mainstream anime adaptations. As a subset of LGBTQ+ literature, yuri offers nuanced storytelling that can appeal to a wide audience beyond the niche community.
Yuri content is not confined to traditional manga; it is flourishing within manhwa (Korean comics) and manhua (Chinese comics). Platforms like Webtoon, Tapas, and Tappytoon play a significant role in this rise, showcasing colorful illustrations and reading formats that differ from Japanese manga, often allowing for a left-to-right reading experience. Thus, these formats broaden the scope for compelling yuri narratives.
Updated on December 8, 2024, by David Heath: The festive season is upon us, characterized by holiday traditions and storytelling that brands the culture. Whether one observes Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply enjoys the end-of-year spirit, there’s a yearning for escape into alternative stories. For those unable to journey to Korea or China, the vibrant worlds of online manhwa and manhua provide a digital getaway. This season, a plethora of romantic stories featuring female protagonists continues to emerge, enriching the selections for women-loving-women content. This curated list highlights some of the best yuri manhwa and manhua to enjoy during the holiday festivities.
1. June Sea
Score: 3.82/5 Stars
- Creator: Shin Yuri
- Chapters: 44
- Availability: Fan Translations Only
June Sea offers a unique blend of historical and romantic storytelling, set in Busan during 1936—an era of Japanese occupation in Korea. The protagonist, Yeon Jeong, navigates feelings of disconnection until she encounters a mysterious mermaid who promises her an escape to a land of eternal happiness. However, the question remains: can Yeon truly trust this enchanting figure?
2. If You Can’t Kill Me, Love Me
Score: 3.82/5 Stars
- Creator: JIN
- Chapters: 46
- Availability: Tapas
In an atmosphere rich with conflict, If You Can’t Kill Me, Love Me unfolds the story of Princess Chell, the sole survivor of a royal massacre, trapped in a web of manipulation and intrigue. Her only solace lies in her clumsy maid, Penny, who harbors ulterior motives. The emotional turmoil intensifies as Penny grapples with her mission and her feelings for Chell, resulting in a gripping tale of love and vengeance.
3. Salieri & Mozart
Score: 3.83/5 Stars
- Creators: Suo Kim & Kibap
- Chapters: 40
- Availability: Fan Translations Only
Salieri & Mozart draws parallels between two high school swimmers, Kim and Oh, metaphorically likening their rivalry to the historical figures of Salieri and Mozart. What begins as competition gradually morphs into a complicated dynamic filled with admiration, jealousy, and ultimately, love.
4. Eonni! #I’ll Tag You
Score: 3.84/5 Stars
- Creator: Geon-U
- Chapters: 6
- Availability: Fan Translations Only
In a more lighthearted narrative, Eonni! #I’ll Tag You presents a romantic comedy rooted in social media dynamics. Chae-rin, an aspiring influencer, crosses paths with renowned influencer Yeon-woo. A night of unexpected events leads to a blossoming romance that highlights the unpredictable nature of love.
5. Love Countdown
Score: 3.88/5 Stars
- Creator: Lange
- Chapters: 6
- Availability: Fan Translations Only
Love Countdown is a compact narrative focusing on a month-long endeavor between two childhood friends, Yoo Minhee and Park Heemin, offering a fresh start for Minhee after heartbreak. Their journey showcases the transformative power of friendship into romance, set against a backdrop of healing and emotional growth.
6. Mojito
Score: 3.95/5 Stars
- Creators: Kuaikan Comics & NoftB
- Chapters: 86
- Availability: Tapas
In Mojito, the complexities of love take center stage as Xiao Zhong, a supermodel, grapples with media scrutiny when her romantic relationship with her lawyer, Marissa, becomes public. The story poignantly illustrates that love can persist against societal pressures.
7. SwallowTail
Score: 3.95/5 Stars
- Creator: Tima
- Chapters: 46+
- Availability: Fan Translations Only
SwallowTail advances the theme of unexpected reunions as Kang Chae-Yeon, a member of the idol group Berry Wine, finds herself sharing the spotlight with her childhood friend Seung-Ha during a photoshoot. The ensuing rivalry and camaraderie generate tension, amusement, and romantic sparks amid watercolored artistry.
8. Partition
Score: 3.96/5 Stars
- Creator: Tea Cozy
- Chapters: 62
- Availability: Fan Translations Only
Partition explores the romantic entanglements within a corporate setting, where the barrier between professional and personal feelings blurs. Lee Yu-Na’s work persona contrasts sharply with her true nature, creating fertile ground for unexpected romance with her opposing colleague, Han Yu-Na.
9. The Glass
Score: 3.98/5 Stars
- Creator: Nuria Sanguino
- Chapters: 74
- Availability: English via Pocket Comics
In The Glass, Lara’s professional aspirations become intertwined with her unresolved childhood feelings when she reunites with Suni, a pop star with whom she shares a history. Suni’s quest for love rekindles old promises and presents challenges that propel Lara towards romantic self-discovery.
10. Don’t Fall In Love!
Score: 4/5 Stars
- Creator: Song Ha
- Chapters: 31
- Availability: Manta Comics
Don’t Fall in Love! tells the tale of Jung-Hyun, who finds herself irresistibly drawn to her new client, actress Heera Joo. Torn between her professional responsibilities and sudden impulses of affection, Jung-Hyun must navigate her emotional landscape carefully as she balances work and desire.
11. Vengeance
Score: 4/5 Stars
- Creator: Aji
- Chapters: 22
- Availability: Fan Translations Only (formerly on Lezhin Comics)
Vengeance portrays a gripping dark tale as detective Hyeon Seola pursues justice for her murdered girlfriend, Hwan Hara. This emotional narrative presents themes of love, loss, and the quest for retribution, woven into a poignant crime story.
12. On A Leash
Score: 4.04/5 Stars
- Creator: Aji
- Chapters: 139
- Availability: TappyToon
On a Leash explores a tumultuous setting amidst animalistic shapeshifters embroiled in conflict. From the perspective of Red, a mammalian soldier, the narrative intertwines themes of devotion and desire against a backdrop of war and survival.
13. My Dear Enemy
Score: 4.06/5 Stars
- Creator: Xian Jun
- Chapters: 42
- Availability: Fan Translations Only
In My Dear Enemy, comedic tension arises between Shen and Jiang, rivals turned unlikely lovers after a drunken night leads to an unexpected kiss. Their journey navigates the complexities of workplace rivalries transforming into romantic possibilities.
14. Relationship Guidelines
Score: 4.07/5 Stars
- Creator: EPUM
- Chapters: 82
- Availability: Tapas
The complexities of childhood friendship evolving into romantic interest are especially pronounced in Relationship Guidelines. As Jiwon attempts to reconnect with her long-time friend Myeong-In post-kiss, emotional misunderstandings and evolving feelings play out against the backdrop of high school life.
15. The Love Doctor
Score: 4.07/5 Stars
- Creators: Chamsae & Bansook
- Chapters: 86
- Availability: Lezhin Comics
The Love Doctor chronicles Jung Erae’s journey through her struggles with love as she seeks professional guidance. What begins as a light-hearted exploration of romantic involvement ultimately delves deeper into the nature of love, sacrifice, and personal growth.
16. Miss Angel And Miss Devil
Score: 4.09/5 Stars
- Creator: MAEU Malgeum
- Chapters: 436+
- Availability: Fan Translations Only
Although Miss Angel and Miss Devil lacks official English translation, it presents an enchanting narrative exploring the intricacies of supernatural interactions and relationships. The contrasting identities of the titular characters generate both humor and heartfelt moments.
17. A Joyful Life
Score: 4.14/5 Stars
- Creator: Gum
- Chapters: 74
- Availability: Formerly on Pocket Comics
A Joyful Life investigates the juxtaposition of struggles and happiness as the protagonist, Joy Ahn, reencounters her childhood crush. Their path towards rekindling feelings serves as a metaphor for personal growth and resilience in the face of life’s adversities.
18. Blooming Sequence
Score: 4.17/5 Stars
- Creator: Lee Eul
- Chapters: 77
- Availability: Fan Translations Only (formerly on Lezhin Comics)
Though Blooming Sequence has garnered mixed reviews, it remains a poignant exploration of young love, addressing societal issues faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. The protagonists, Seowoo and Hayoung, tackle their personal demons while forging a romantic relationship based on mutual acceptance.
19. After The Curtain Call
Score: 4.19/5 Stars
- Creators: Assam & Jina
- Chapters: 51
- Availability: Tappytoon
After The Curtain Call beautifully encapsulates the unpredictable nature of love through the lens of musical theater fandom. Park Soyoung’s admiration for actress Jang Jaeyi transforms into something deeper when jealousy intertwines with their growing relationship.
20. Lily
Score: 4.24/5 Stars
- Creator: Pikapi
- Chapters: 938
- Availability: BiliBili
Lily portrays a sweet high school romance between Fan Yilin, a poised student, and the exuberant tomboy, Lan Ruoxi. Their journey, marked by misunderstandings and gradual blossoming attraction, reflects the nuances of first love.
Leave a Reply