HIS CHOSEN MATE

Long-running series are intriguing. When you come across a series with over 20 volumes, your initial thought might be "it must be great since it was so popular to last this long!" Enter "Hot Blooded Woman" (HBW), which boasts an impressive 24-volume run. The premise sounds promising: a strong female lead overcoming all obstacles to rise to the top of local gangs. Does it need to make sense or be realistic? Not if it's entertaining enough to justify its length.

[Very minor spoilers are inevitable when discussing such a lengthy series. Also, as noted on the author's page, Mi Ri Hwang is not the name of one person but a collective pseudonym used by multiple authors, meaning decisions weren't made solely by one individual.]

Story - 4/10

The first half of HBW is mostly lighthearted and comedic, except during scenes where Ha Ji (as Aram) gets injured, reminding us she's a teenage girl facing opponents much stronger than her. At this stage, the story revolves around Ha Ji and Aram adapting to their new lives while forging bonds against the backdrop of gang rivalries. It's easy to overlook the unrealistic writing when Ha Ji comically stumbles out of danger. Around the halfway point, the body swap subplot concludes, some characters exit, and the focus shifts to Ha Ji, Han Seo, and Sin Uoo. It's more of the same, except now there are more direct confrontations between the two men, with Ha Ji bearing the brunt of their jealousy, pettiness, mind games, and macho attitudes.

Approximately 90% of the violence involves men versus women, with only 10% being men versus men. You could argue it's because Ha Ji, the female protagonist, gets into many fights, but the narrative feels exploitative. The authors deliberately keep Ha Ji ignorant of her surroundings just so she can remain a punching bag. While Ha Ji is arrogant and naive, she isn't allowed to learn from her mistakes and evolve because that would force the authors to move beyond the "tough girl isn't invincible" trope central to her character. Why repeatedly subject readers to a teenage girl being beaten, abused, humiliated, and tortured unless it's for cruelty's sake?

In short, the story boils down to "How much can Ha Ji endure emotionally and physically before breaking? Let's find out!"

Characters - 3/10

Initially, Ha Ji was amusing; her "punch first, ask questions later" approach combined with a vague moral code makes her relatable despite her violent tendencies. She's loud, brash, crude, and clueless about anything besides fighting and food. There is some development, like accepting romantic feelings and occasionally realizing how sheltered she's been, but ultimately, Ha Ji remains impulsive and violent, refusing to see the truth even when obvious. This led me to lose compassion for her as she repeatedly dove headfirst into dangerous situations despite warnings.

Aram is the stereotypical rich girl with a tragic past, serving more as a plot device than a fully realized character. When she finally appears, she spends her limited screen time pining for Sin Uoo and scheming to manipulate others. Moya, the Soul Collector whose incompetence causes all the chaos, has inconsistent behavior—alternating between trying to unite Aram and Sin Uoo and tearing them apart—and exhibits strange possessiveness toward Aram. Despite his claims that Aram is a pure soul deserving pity and love, her actions mirror Han Seo's cruelty and cold-bloodedness.

Sin Uoo is the "nicer" male lead, a typical rich bully who enjoys tormenting Aram to the point of coercing others to join in. Secretly a tsundere, he's secretly thrilled when Ha Ji (as Aram) pays attention to him while verbally rejecting her. He engages in fighting but is generally reluctant unless provoked—until midway through, when he takes over the scheming role from Aram.

Han Seo is my biggest issue—a cartoonishly evil "friend" who delights in torturing people and exploiting Ha Ji's naivety. Likely a sociopath and the closest thing to an antagonist, he turns even Ha Ji, supposedly his best friend, into a target when she doesn't comply. His antics include ordering underlings to break Ha Ji's (as Aram's) limbs and rape her multiple times, having her tied and dragged behind a motorcycle, and personally throwing her off the school roof. Others excuse these actions as either guilt over causing Ha Ji's accident or "stress relief." Infuriatingly, Ha Ji refuses to acknowledge Han Seo's true nature despite witnessing it firsthand, perhaps validating his calling her a "stupid toy."

Other characters serve mainly as gags or fight props, except Te Hu, Ha Ji's childhood friend, who's the least abrasive gang member. He gets a subplot tied to Aram but lacks significant development compared to others.

Around two-thirds in, Yeong In emerges as a love rival to Ha Ji, resembling Aram physically and initially sharing her negative traits but less depressed. She serves as a good contrast to Ha Ji briefly, making this part more enjoyable due to Han Seo's absence and Sin Uoo's reduced role. Unfortunately, the authors waste potential by having Yeong In scheme unnecessarily, then erase any interesting development near the end.

Ha Ji miraculously escapes most encounters with minor injuries, except once when Aram's body is severely beaten—though it's dismissed since it's not Ha Ji's body. None of the male characters show genuine remorse for mistreating women unless it benefits them. No important character, aside from maybe Ha Ji and Te Hu, shows mercy. With Ha Ji, it's often due to naivety, looping back to her stagnant development.

Reflecting on the story, no one truly changes. Whenever progress seems imminent, something pushes them back. Sin Uoo alternates between moping and clinging to Ha Ji/Aram. Han Seo grows increasingly violent and jealous. Ha Ji's naivety becomes questionable, then she's hastily given inconsistent "development" in the final two volumes. Aram rapidly transitions from enemy to antihero in just two chapters before disappearing. Ha Ji barely acknowledges Sin Uoo's actions, which could have resulted in her being raped or killed, dismissing it in two pages with a "sorry," never to be mentioned again.

Around volume 20, the authors surprisingly reveal Ha Ji had been pretending to be naive for a while. While this adds awareness, it comes unprompted and contradicts the previous 20 volumes' development.

Art - 6/10

Character design is decent, though supporting characters receive minimal detail compared to Ha Ji, Aram, Te Hu, Han Seo, and Sin Uoo. Main characters' facial expressions are emphasized, notably white eyelashes when angry. Beyond that, the art suffers from occasional anatomical issues and poor screentone application, especially noticeable when added only to faces.

Enjoyment - 3/10

Initially, I enjoyed it; early clumsy writing and pacing were forgivable, and characters weren't yet hateful. However, as I progressed, reading became a chore. After restarting HBW years after dropping it, I reached the same stopping point but continued out of obligation, remembering why I quit before. Past the halfway mark, the story repeats itself, with tension stemming from wondering how Ha Ji will suffer next—beaten, betrayed, mocked, or used as fuel for Han Seo and Sin Uoo's macho showdowns. Once this pattern emerged, active interest waned, and I read out of inertia. Things briefly improved around volume 20 with Yeong In's introduction, but that's at least 7-8 volumes of uneventful content.

The ending is melodramatic and predictable—not necessarily in events but in general outcome. Skipping volumes 13-21 wouldn't sacrifice much story or character growth.

Overall - 4/10

Is HBW worth reading? Considering the commitment required for 24 volumes, it starts well with promise and entertainment value when avoiding topics above the authors' skill level. If gang violence and attempted rape as poorly handled plot devices bother you, skip this. You could drop the manhwa around volume 12 and imagine your own satisfying conclusion without missing much.

For a long, quality story with excellent characters and plot developments featuring a strong, tomboyish female lead, try Tokyo Crazy Paradise—it embodies what HBW aspired to be.

<p>Well, this is my first review, and I'm just going to dive into it. "Hot Blooded Woman" is a Korean manga that doesn't offer much in terms of depth but provides pure enjoyment. It was challenging for me to grasp the names and some other elements, but one thing is certain: I was laughing the entire time, and that's what truly matters. Story-wise, there isn't much complexity. It's a straightforward narrative involving a love triangle, some soul transfers, a death god typo, plenty of violence, and near-rape situations, which are trademarks of the mangaka. There aren't many surprises, and the plot twists tend to be linear.</p>

<p>The art is fairly simplistic, and you soon realize that the mangaka seems only capable of drawing about five or six distinct male characters and a similar number of female characters. The pages often feel like something is missing, as the environment frequently feels empty with little background detail. The characters are okay; each has a distinct personality that they adhere to regardless of the situation. However, character design is lacking, as characters like Arium and a few others appear quite similar. </p>

<p>The true strength of this manga lies in its entertainment value. Ha Ji and her family are hilariously funny, and I couldn't stop laughing until the very end. Ha Ji's simplicity, which can be idiotic at times, feels refreshingly amusing every time. Overall, it's an enjoyable manga and definitely worth a read.</p>

I'm a devoted fan of Hwang Mi Ri's manhwa, so yes, I am biased. I've read many of her works, and if you get familiar with her story preferences, they can become somewhat predictable and repetitive.  

But let's say you had never read any of her works... or weren't too quick to pass judgment. I think this manhwa is a must-read for everyone.  

Story - 8  
Even though I'm not a huge fan of fantasy, the story remains quite realistic except for the initial part where Hali's spirit is inside Aram.  
I was intensely reading this from the moment I started it. I never wanted to stop. There were several instances where the characters developed significantly. Its ability to evoke various emotions throughout the story... I believe it does its job well.  

Art - 7  
If you're more accustomed to manga than manhwa, you might find Mi Ri's drawing style old-fashioned or 'bad,' but I think her art is pleasing to the eye. It's pretty good, so I'll give it a seven.  

Character - 8  
The characters don't change easily just because of 'love.' I appreciate that they stick to their given traits, and hidden emotions and thoughts are gradually revealed as development unfolds. I don't feel like I ended up liking or hating anyone I wasn't supposed to.  

Enjoyment - 10  
... very much. I think the 10 speaks for itself.  

Overall - 9  
I would give this manhwa a 10... but like almost every piece of writing out there, there's room for improvement. That said, I think it's great as it is overall. :3

Before I start, I would like to clarify that apart from "Hot Blooded Woman," I haven't read any other works by Hwang Mi Ri, and I certainly won't critique this manhwa based on similarities between her stories.  
I understand those of you who say that after reading 19 HMR manhwa, the twentieth feels lackluster because you can foresee every twist.  

BUT, as someone unfamiliar with her previous works, I genuinely enjoyed almost everything about it.  

Regarding the story:  

It features plenty of deceased girls, numerous men blaming themselves for their deaths, soul-transferring scenarios, love triangles, hate triangles, near-rape situations, combat, and brutal elements—just the usual fare.  
However, it was surprising in one aspect. Almost every manga I've read or drama I've watched takes a dramatic turn at some point, becoming sorrowful or filled with misunderstandings and grief.  

BUT this was my first experience with such a comic narrative that turned out to be the cruelest manhwa I've ever encountered. It's not merely filled with sadness but genuine cruelty and sadism. Most characters exhibit psychopathic tendencies.  

At the beginning of the story, all we encounter are awkward moments and endearing scenes. Then, with the introduction of new characters or deeper exploration of existing ones, the entire narrative flips upside down.  

I think that's when you truly become hooked.  

Art:  

I particularly appreciate how HMR depicted Jang Han Seo, one of the primary male characters. He can be charming, humorous, human-like, beastly, or all of these simultaneously.  
I also like Ha Ji, the heroine, though I must admit she isn't particularly unique. All the other characters seem stereotypical and bear striking resemblances to each other. I suspect dear Hwang Mi Ri is only capable of drawing six or seven distinct faces and three body types per gender.  

Characters (Finally!):  

In my humble opinion... No, not just in my opinion: This story’s focal point is DEFINITELY its characters.  

Ha Ji, our heroine, loves nothing more than eating, fighting, and eating again before and after fighting. (No exaggeration here.)  
So if you anticipate a girl who becomes adorable at some point in the story and behaves appropriately or looks beautiful, don’t be misled. Well, she can be striking in her own way to some characters, but overall, she's essentially an eating-and-burping machine.  

Sin Uoo is your typical protagonist who undergoes significant character growth. Initially, he comes across as cool-headed, appearing confident but actually struggling to express his true thoughts. So when he says, “I hate you! You're an ugly bitch,” what he really means is, “Marry me, love!”  

Another main character, representing the other half of the love (and hate) triangle, is the antagonist of the story. Let’s be honest: Jang Han Seo is the evilest of them all. For him, love is possessive, and jealousy equates to destruction. He adheres to the belief that “If I can’t have it/her, no one can.”  

He is utterly insane. If I were to describe him, it would involve listing the traits of a SOCIOPATH:  

“The most significant flaw of sociopaths is their lack of empathy. Consequently, they tend to excel in whatever they pursue since their goals are typically achieved ruthlessly. At the same time, sociopaths are often charismatic, spontaneous, and persuasive speakers. They get bored easily, can't tolerate monotony, and require impulses that frequently accompany irresponsibility. They are skilled at lying and manipulating others. They feel no remorse, have limited emotional depth, and show insensitivity. They are impulsive. They are adept at concealing the fact that they only serve their own interests, and they can lull suspicion.”  

I should add one more thing to this description: don't trust any of them. The characters, I mean. They will deceive you... None of them is who you think they are. Ha Ji, especially so;).  

Enjoyment:  

As I mentioned earlier, this story is highly enjoyable. Despite its occasional silliness, excessive dramatization, or even cruelty, action is always present, along with love and fun. What more could we ask for?  
(Sorry for my English—I'm not a native speaker.)

Note: I haven't come across a comprehensive review that fully outlines the entire story of this manhwa, so I've decided to give it my best shot. Just bear in mind that I won't be comparing this work with any others by the same mangaka. Regardless of how repetitive the story or characters might be, it's not fair to judge this piece alone as an art form. If you have any complaints, direct them at the author, not the artwork.

Now then, reading the initial volumes of the story is definitely... captivating. I think Hwang ventured into a new direction by crafting a narrative where the protagonist swaps bodies with someone else. Story-wise, there wasn't much depth initially, mainly because readers are drawn more to the enjoyment and characters rather than the plot itself. This holds true for the second part of the story as well, where the focus shifts to what the characters are doing in relation to prior events (when she's returned to her original body. I doubt this counts as a spoiler since it's quite predictable). The concept of switching souls barely crosses your mind during the latter half, which is unfortunate because it made the story somewhat unique. However, it does heighten the overall drama.

Art: It's tricky to evaluate this aspect. For its comedic value, it scores highly. I never tire of laughing at what the illustrations convey. Nonetheless, when considering this as a story, it's a drawback. The dramatic moments tend to feature the same facial expressions, which happens far too frequently. In fact, aside from the random expressions in its comedy, there are probably only about five expressions in total. On the positive side, the author could have saved a lot of time by reusing these panels. On the downside, I didn't. Overall, it's fairly average artwork that surpasses most manhwas I've encountered, so I'd rate it a 7.75.

Characters: To put it briefly, they're fantastic in their own right within the story. Having a fiery woman like Ha Ji/Aram isn't exactly original, nor is a cold-hearted man like Sin Uoo, but their magnetic connection makes the experience enjoyable. The third corner of the love triangle, Han Seo, has his highs and lows. Whenever he laughs, you understand why he cares deeply for her, yet whenever he's jealous, you can't help but dislike him and wish he'd disappear. I believe all the characters mesh exceptionally well in terms of comedy, but it's challenging to determine the depth of their characters beyond the personalities they exhibit.

Character Development: Rating this feels like riding the loops of a roller coaster. You ascend, thrilled by the chance to see these characters evolve, especially Ha Ji. Then around the midpoint, it plummets straight down (like a stock market crash), but finally, you experience an unexpected loop at the end.

Explanation: You appreciate how much Ha Ji alters the characters and environment around her [largely involving Sin Uoo], but when she interacts with characters from her previous life upon returning to her old body, you notice a lack of development between the characters' actions and unfolding events (regardless of what transpires, she remains steadfast in her opinions about people like Han Seo). Unfortunately, this pattern persists, making it hard to recognize the strong character we admire so much about her. Her friend, Han Seo, oscillates between being the antagonist and the lovable psycho-friend, but it's his actions combined with her static nature that create tension akin to a looming car crash.

As the story progresses, however, it astonished me that the noble and strong female lead could swap roles with the antagonist. The narrative often portrays individuals wearing "masks" and concealing their true intentions, but the climax couldn't have been clearer. Just when you assume Ha Ji is a naive, slow-witted heroine, and in many ways she is, reality reveals her capacity for wickedness and greed. Upon reflection, I believe Hwang skillfully provided hints regarding Ha Ji's greed and motives behind her deliberate ignorance (don't get me wrong, she is indeed rather dim-witted), but it still shocked me. How could one villainous character suddenly appear sympathetic, and how could all the protagonists seem so selfish/crazy? The ending leaves a lasting impression where you can't despise these characters, concluding the story quite effectively. This is highly subjective to rate, as many may deeply resent it, but I find it beautiful. (I've included both perspectives, so please don't dislike me if you disagree T_T).

Overall, it might be considered inconsistent. The first half is undoubtedly enjoyable and filled with comedy, while the second half is mind-bending and packed with drama often tied to events from the first half. It retains its comedic elements, but some of it can detract from the perception of development or drama. I aimed to highlight the wonderful aspects of this manhwa while making readers aware of numerous flaws (mostly concerning character and storyline) that might outweigh its overall value for some. I still found it a great read, but if I don't address the flaws, it would constantly conflict with other critiques.

Regardless, you can't help but follow the story and laugh. Hot Blooded Woman boasts its shining moments, whether it's the insatiable hunger for Ha-Ji/Aram or the frequent misunderstandings between her thoughts (which often revolve around food and fighting) and others. I hope this review aids your judgment, which might seem clear to those who've read it but vague to those who haven't, so why not give it a try =)

I found this story entertaining, but it went on for too long, particularly after the mid-climax. It became somewhat repetitive, and I wished they would have moved on to the ending sooner. The main character is amusing but incredibly foolish, and her act of playing dumb grew tiresome. There's a limit to how much stupidity one can handle before it turns annoying. Additionally, I wished they had elaborated more on the supernatural elements. I felt like the only reason I continued reading till the end was to find out if they would explain what was happening. They leave you in the dark for quite some time. Overall, though, it kept me engaged, but there are definitely better manhwas available.<p>

The series was pretty decent. Sometimes, the storyline felt a bit slow, and other times, the events involving the main character seemed a tad exaggerated. I lost count of how many times people got hit by cars—it felt kind of unrealistic. Still, it had plenty of twists, which was definitely a plus. The art style was appealing, but Aram's character looked too similar to Yeong In's. Overall, it was good, though not outstanding.  

<p>

Sexism is highly prevalent in the works of this author.  
Han Seo Jang comes across as a coward.  
The brutal violence against defenseless women is disturbing.  
I believe the author aims to make a point about women being equal or as strong as men.  

<p>