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High school student Jenny You seems to be living a dream. To the public, she is a delicate princess and a successful pop star, but in reality, she's a rebellious beauty shunned by her female classmates.
Her classmate, Eumpa Won (One), appears to have nothing in common with her on the surface. Eumpa is a quiet boy, oblivious to the pop culture that captivates most of his peers. Having spent his childhood as a depressed prodigy in the United States, he now aims to lead a normal life as an ordinary boy.
He has a crush on a cute but average-looking girl named Young-ju Chae. Young-ju takes him to a pop concert, where Eumpa is introduced to Jenny’s music for the first time. Meanwhile, Eumpa’s resolve to live a normal life is put to the test when his music teacher steals his compositions and tries to pass them off as his own.
Thus begins the story of *One*...
(Source: Tokyopop)
*One* was published in English by Tokyopop from April 6, 2004, to December 1, 2007.
Pretty intriguing manhwa; the narrative primarily centers on the music industry and two artists, Jenny You and Eumpa Won, who aspire to perform their music in their distinctive styles. The storyline delves into the commercial aspects of the music industry and some of its corrupt practices, making it quite fascinating. Romance is hinted at but not overly emphasized. Despite its length, it's definitely worth the read.
The artwork is exceptionally clean, with interesting character outfits. Occasionally, certain elements seemed a bit exaggerated, but that's par for the course in showbiz.
The character development is superb; each personality is meticulously crafted, and no character is portrayed as flawless. Their backgrounds are also well-detailed. The author does an excellent job illustrating that everyone has their own "dark side."
This manhwa offers a slightly more realistic perspective on the entertainment world compared to other titles like Skip Beat!, The One, and Glass Mask. It's a must-read for fans who have enjoyed those series. :)
Incredible, this isn't your typical shoujo manga. Although it begins with Jenny as the main character, the focus gradually shifts to Umpa as the story unfolds. You'll notice a depth to it as it delves into the showbiz world and the characters' struggles to become someone significant, not just puppets. They strive to create their own music and be heard, blending romance, passion, and struggle. I think this manga is a must-read at least once in your life. It's not my favorite, but I don't regret reading it. You might hate the characters sometimes, but you'll love them most of the time. It's a manga that's truly worth reading.