Searching for a unique “how to be the chosen one manga” that blends genres perfectly? You are likely tired of scrolling through basic chapter lists and want a real review. Many readers struggle to find detailed analysis on its characters and themes.
“How to Be the Chosen One” is a mature BL isekai webtoon about a profoundly bored man, Cho Sunwon, who is mistakenly summoned to the world of Abroria as their long-awaited god. The plot follows his comedic and risqué adventures as he tries to seduce the kingdom’s attractive men while a suspicious king attempts to expose him as a fraud.
Based on an analysis of the official publication and fan reviews, this guide provides a full breakdown. It covers the story’s complex characters, core themes, and where to read it legally. You will discover why this manhwa is a standout title for fans of mature fantasy content.
Key Facts
- Genre Blend: The series is a Korean webtoon, or manhwa, that combines mature Boys’ Love (BL), isekai (another world), and comedy.
- Official Publisher: The official and exclusive English publisher for the manhwa is Lezhin Comics.
- Completion Status: The main story is completed, consisting of 82 chapters and 5 side stories, and was finished in 2026.
- Author and Artist: The manhwa is written and illustrated by the prolific Lezhin creator Face Park.
- Maturity Rating: It has a mature (18+) rating due to explicit sexual content (smut) and complex themes.
What Is the Manhwa ‘How to Be the Chosen One’ About?
“How to Be the Chosen One” is a mature BL isekai webtoon by author Face Park, published on Lezhin, about a man bored with life who is accidentally summoned to another world and mistaken for a god. The story follows Cho Sunwon, whose mundane existence is upended when he is transported to the fantasy kingdom of Abroria. A tattoo on his abdomen matches the sacred symbol of their deity, leading the kingdom to worship him. The plot revolves around his hilarious and seductive attempts to maintain this divine facade while pursuing the attractive men of the new world.
This Korean comic, known as a manhwa, is presented in a full-color, vertical-scrolling format called a webtoon. It masterfully blends the “isekai” genre, where a character is transported to another world, with Boys’ Love (BL), which focuses on romantic relationships between men. The story is described by reviewers as immensely funny, seductive, and surprisingly heartfelt at times. It sets a comedic and risqué tone while building a rich lore around the kingdom of Abroria and its political tensions.
For those new to the terminology:
* Manhwa: This is the Korean word for comics.
* Webtoon: A type of digital comic, originating in South Korea, designed to be read by scrolling vertically on smartphones.
* Isekai: A Japanese genre of fantasy where a character is transported from their world into a new one.
* BL (Boys’ Love): An all-encompassing term for media featuring romance between male characters.
Who Are the Main Characters in ‘How to Be the Chosen One’?
The main character is Cho Sunwon, a complex anti-hero who is both selfishly manipulative and genuinely helpful. The story’s central conflict is driven by his interactions with two other key characters: King Albis and Head Priest Vercion. This dynamic creates what has been described as a “rocky love triangle” filled with tension, romance, and political intrigue.
What Defines the Protagonist, Cho Sunwon?
Cho Sunwon is defined by his anti-hero nature; he is incredibly selfish and manipulative, primarily motivated by his own pleasure, yet he is also sharp-witted and often ends up genuinely improving the kingdom he is conning. Initially, his only goal in this new world is to escape the “tedium” of his old life and pursue new sexual conquests, or “sexcapades.” He is described as an “entrancing, horrible, and intelligent character” who uses his cleverness to maintain his false god identity.
Despite his selfish motivations, Cho Sunwon’s actions often have positive consequences. He shows a surprising ability to help the people of Abroria, making him a complicated figure that readers find themselves rooting for. His complexity is a major reason why the story stands out.
King Albis
King Albis is the sexy, skeptical ruler of Abroria who is determined to expose Sunwon as a fraud. His disbelief in Sunwon’s divinity creates the primary external conflict of the story. His sharp intellect and distrustful nature make him a formidable opponent to Sunwon’s schemes, and their tense interactions are a major source of the plot’s drama and romantic friction.
Vercion
Vercion is the obsessive head priest who summoned Sunwon. Unlike Albis, Vercion is a fervent believer who worships Sunwon with complete devotion. However, his worship is also controlling, as he tries to manipulate Sunwon to fit his own vision of what the god should be. His desperation to believe is in direct conflict with Albis’s skepticism, fueling the tension between the kingdom’s church and its monarchy.
What Are the Core Themes and Genre Tropes of the Manhwa?
“How to Be the Chosen One” blends two main genres: isekai comedy and mature Boys’ Love (BL). Its central trope is “mistaken identity,” as the protagonist’s tattoo leads an entire kingdom to believe he is their god. The story uses this premise to explore themes of boredom, desire, and the corrupting influence of power, all within a witty and highly sexualized comedic framework.
The manhwa cleverly subverts typical genre expectations. It has been compared to “The Road to El Dorado meets a ridiculous dating sim,” highlighting its blend of adventure, comedy, and romance. While the “sexcapades” are at the forefront, the story also builds a surprisingly rich lore and a captivating political conflict between the church and the state.
The main genre elements include:
* Isekai Comedy: The humor arises from Sunwon, a modern and amoral man, navigating a traditional fantasy world that takes him completely seriously. His selfish goals clash hilariously with the divine responsibilities thrust upon him.
* Mature BL Content: The series is known for its explicit and “hot-and-heavy BL moments,” which are integrated with “expert precision” into the plot. The romance is a core part of the story, not just an afterthought.
* The False God Trope: The entire plot is driven by Sunwon’s accidental role as a deity. He must constantly perform miracles and maintain his cover, leading to both funny and high-stakes situations.
Where Can You Officially Read ‘How to Be the Chosen One’?
You can officially read “How to Be the Chosen One” on the Lezhin Comics website and mobile app. Lezhin is the exclusive official publisher for the English-language version of the manhwa. Reading the series on Lezhin is the only legal way to access it and ensures you are getting the official, high-quality translation.
Support the Creator: Reading on official platforms like Lezhin directly supports the author and artist, Face Park. This allows them to continue creating new stories. Using illegal aggregator sites harms creators and often provides low-quality translations.
Lezhin is a digital comics platform that typically uses a “coin” or “ink” system to unlock episodes. You can purchase these digital currencies to own episodes and read the entire series at your own pace.
What Are the Best Manhwa to Read If You Like ‘How to Be the Chosen One’?
If you enjoyed the unique blend of fantasy, mature BL, and comedy in ‘How to Be the Chosen One’, there are several other manhwa that offer a similar experience. The key is to look for stories that share its core elements: a compelling fantasy world, complex characters, and a focus on adult romance. Here are some top recommendations for your next read.
| Manhwa Title | Key Similarities | Why You’ll Like It |
|---|---|---|
| I Was Reborn As The Villainess’ Father… | Isekai, BL, Mature Content, Comedy | Blends high-heat smut with an unexpectedly sweet child-raising plot, mirroring the mix of tones. |
| Liveta | Fantasy, BL, Mature Content | Focuses on world-building within a fantasy BL context, appealing to those who enjoyed the lore of Abroria. |
| Rix Vanus | Fantasy, BL, Royalty, Demons | Features a high-fantasy setting with royalty and supernatural elements, a good fit for fans of the genre. |
| Dear Door | Fantasy, BL, Complex Lore, Mature | Offers a darker, more complex plot with significant world-building for readers who want high stakes. |
FAQs About how to be the chosen one manga
Is ‘How to Be the Chosen One’ a manga or a manhwa?
‘How to Be the Chosen One’ is a manhwa, which is the Korean term for comics. While often called “manga” by international fans, its origin is Korean, and it is published as a full-color, digital webtoon.
Is there an anime adaptation of ‘How to Be the Chosen One’?
No, there is currently no anime adaptation of ‘How to Be the Chosen One’. The story is exclusively available as a completed webtoon on the Lezhin platform. Fans should be cautious of unofficial sources claiming an anime exists.
How many chapters does ‘How to Be the Chosen One’ have?
The main story of ‘How to Be the Chosen One’ is completed with 82 chapters, followed by 5 side stories. The series is structured into three seasons, all of which are fully available to read on the official Lezhin platform.
What is the rating for ‘How to Be the Chosen One’?
‘How to Be the Chosen One’ has a mature (M-rated) or 18+ rating. This rating is due to explicit sexual content (smut), mature themes, and the morally ambiguous actions of the protagonist. Reader discretion is advised.
Who is the author and artist?
The author and artist for ‘How to Be the Chosen One’ is Face Park. Face Park is known for creating several other popular mature BL and GL titles on Lezhin, all featuring a distinct and recognizable art style.
Is ‘How to Be the Chosen One’ considered a BL or Yaoi?
Yes, it is considered both BL (Boys’ Love) and Yaoi. “Yaoi” is an older term that often refers to explicit male-male romance, which accurately describes the mature content in this manhwa. “BL” is the more modern and widely used term for the genre.
What is an ‘isekai’ manhwa?
An ‘isekai’ is a story genre where the main character is transported from their world into another one, usually a fantasy setting. In ‘How to Be the Chosen One’, protagonist Cho Sunwon is summoned from modern Korea to the fantasy kingdom of Abroria, making it a classic isekai tale.
Is ‘How to Be the Chosen One’ completed?
Yes, the main story of ‘How to Be the Chosen One’ is completed. It concluded in 2026 and consists of 82 main chapters plus side stories, allowing new readers to enjoy the entire series without waiting for new updates.
Does the protagonist, Cho Sunwon, have a love interest?
Cho Sunwon is involved in a complex love triangle and has numerous sexual encounters. The central romantic tension involves him, the skeptical King Albis, and the devoted Head Priest Vercion. The story embraces a polyamorous or harem-style dynamic.
Where is the tattoo on Cho Sunwon located?
Cho Sunwon has a tattoo on his lower abdomen. This tattoo is a critical plot device because it is the sacred symbol of the Sun God in Abroria, which is why everyone mistakenly believes he is their deity.
Key Takeaways: how to be the chosen one manga Summary
- A Unique Genre Blend: ‘How to Be the Chosen One’ is a Korean manhwa that masterfully combines mature Boys’ Love (BL), isekai (another world), and comedy, making it a standout title.
- Complex Anti-Hero Protagonist: The main character, Cho Sunwon, is not a typical hero; he’s a manipulative, lust-driven man who is accidentally worshiped as a god, creating a compelling and humorous central conflict.
- Mature Content Warning: The series is explicitly for adults (18+) and contains significant sexual content (smut), which is central to the plot and humor.
- Official Reading Platform: The only official and legal place to read the completed series in English is on the Lezhin Comics platform, which directly supports the creator, Face Park.
- Completed Story: The manhwa is finished with 82 chapters and 5 side stories, so you can read the entire story without waiting for updates.
- Strong Recommendation for Genre Fans: If you enjoy fantasy BL stories with comedy, morally grey characters, and explicit scenes, this manhwa is a highly recommended read.
- Key Plot Device: The entire story is driven by a “mistaken identity” trope, where a simple tattoo on Cho Sunwon’s abdomen is mistaken for a divine symbol, kicking off his adventure as a false god.
Final Thoughts on how to be the chosen one manga
How to Be the Chosen One stands out as more than just another title in the crowded isekai and BL markets. It succeeds by brilliantly blending raunchy comedy with a surprisingly deep and engaging plot. The story’s strength lies in its protagonist, Cho Sunwon, a delightfully flawed anti-hero whose selfish desires accidentally lead to positive outcomes. His journey as a false god is both hilarious and genuinely compelling.
This manhwa is an ideal read for anyone seeking a mature fantasy story that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers on character depth, world-building, and high-stakes romance. It is a fantastic addition to any BL reader’s library, offering a perfect mix of laughs, lust, and lore. If you are ready for a witty and seductive adventure, you can dive into the completed series on Lezhin today.
What has been your experience with manhwa that blend comedy and mature themes?
