Searching for the ‘how to fight manga’? You’re not alone in that query, but you might be surprised by what you find. This series has captured a massive audience with its unique take on action and high school drama.
“How to Fight,” often searched for as a manga, is actually a globally popular South Korean manhwa (webtoon) titled “Viral Hit.” Unlike traditional Japanese manga, which is black-and-white and read right-to-left, this series is presented in full color and is designed to be read by scrolling vertically on a phone or computer.
Based on an analysis of current data and official sources, this guide clarifies that common confusion. You’ll discover the gritty plot, the compelling characters, and exactly where you can legally read every chapter of this viral hit.
Key Facts
- Manhwa, Not Manga: The most crucial fact is that ‘How to Fight’ is a South Korean manhwa, or webtoon, not a Japanese manga. This affects its format, color, and reading direction.
- Viral Underdog Premise: The story’s plot follows Hobin Yu, a scrawny, bullied high school student who learns to fight by watching videos on a “NewTube” channel, demonstrating a modern twist on a classic underdog tale.
- Official English Title is ‘Viral Hit’: While fans often use ‘How to Fight,’ the official English title on the WEBTOON platform is ‘Viral Hit,’ which highlights the story’s social media themes.
- Part of the “PTJ Universe”: This webtoon was written by Park Taejun, connecting it to a shared universe with other hit series like ‘Lookism’, a fact that delights long-time fans.
- Anime Adaptation Confirmed: An official anime adaptation titled ‘Viral Hit’ was announced and is scheduled to begin airing in April 2026, bringing the story to a wider global audience.
What Is the ‘How to Fight’ Manga (and Why Is It Actually a Manhwa)?
The series titled ‘How to Fight’ is not a Japanese manga but a popular South Korean webtoon, or manhwa, with the official English name ‘Viral Hit.’ Many fans initially search for it using the term “manga” due to the similar comic-style art, but its origin, format, and reading experience are distinctly Korean. Understanding this difference is key to appreciating what makes the series so unique and accessible.
The primary entity here, How to Fight [a Korean digital comic], is fundamentally different from a manga [a Japanese print comic]. Manhwa are typically created for digital platforms and optimized for a seamless vertical scrolling experience on smartphones. This “webtoon” format allows for dynamic pacing and paneling that can’t be replicated in a physical book. In our experience reading both formats, the vertical scroll of a webtoon like Viral Hit creates a more continuous and immersive flow, especially during its fast-paced fight scenes.
To clarify the distinction, here are the core differences:
| Feature | Manhwa (e.g., How to Fight) | Manga (e.g., Traditional Japanese comics) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | South Korea | Japan |
| Reading Direction | Left-to-Right | Right-to-Left |
| Format | Full-Color, Vertical Scroll (Webtoon) | Black & White, Page-based |
| Primary Platform | Digital (Webtoon Apps) | Print (Magazines, Tankōbon) |
What Is the Plot and Story of ‘How to Fight’ (Viral Hit)?
The story of ‘How to Fight’ centers on Hobin Yu, a high school weakling who is a prime target for bullies. His life changes when he discovers an anonymous “NewTube” (a fictional version of YouTube) channel that provides practical, often brutal, advice on how to win street fights. Desperate for money and respect, Hobin begins to apply these lessons, filming his encounters to become a viral fighting sensation.
The plot of this action-packed manhwa follows Hobin Yu, a character who embodies the classic underdog story. He is a scrawny high school student constantly tormented by his classmate and popular NewTuber, Pakgo. Hobin’s life is a cycle of humiliation and poverty, working a part-time job to help pay for his mother’s hospital bills. The central conflict ignites when an accidental confrontation with Pakgo is caught on camera and goes viral, unexpectedly earning Hobin a significant amount of money.
This discovery becomes his turning point. Realizing he can earn money by creating fighting content for his own NewTube channel, Hobin starts to meticulously study the videos from a mysterious, masked figure who teaches realistic fighting techniques. The narrative explores his journey from a powerless victim to a calculated fighter, using knowledge from the internet to navigate real-world violence and the double-edged sword of social media fame. The series delves into themes of bullying, self-improvement, and the consequences of chasing online popularity.
Who Is the Protagonist, Hobin Yu?
Hobin Yu is the protagonist of ‘How to Fight,’ introduced as a physically weak and impoverished high school student who is mercilessly bullied. He is the ultimate underdog, lacking natural fighting talent or physical prowess. His primary motivation at the story’s outset is not glory but survival and a desperate need to earn money for his mother’s medical bills. This financial desperation is the catalyst that pushes him to create a fighting-centric NewTube channel. What makes Hobin a compelling protagonist is his intelligence and determination; he wins fights not with brute strength, but by carefully studying his opponents and applying the often-unconventional techniques he learns online.
Who Are the Main Characters in ‘How to Fight’?
The main characters in ‘How to Fight’ include the protagonist Hobin Yu; his mysterious online mentor Samdak, known as the ‘Chicken Mask Guy’; his taekwondo-expert rival Taehun Seong; and his camerawoman and friend, Gaeul. These core figures are supported by a cast of friends, rivals, and villains who shape Hobin’s journey.
Based on a close reading of the series, the character dynamics are central to the plot’s progression. Here are the key players:
- ⭐ Hobin Yu: The underdog protagonist. He starts as a scrawny, bullied student and evolves into a strategic fighter by creating content for his NewTube channel.
- ⭐ Samdak (‘Chicken Mask Guy’): The enigmatic mentor and creator of the NewTube channel Hobin learns from. An incredibly skilled fighter with a mysterious past tied to special forces, his identity and motivations are a central plot point.
- ⭐ Taehun Seong: A major rival and later a complex ally. He is a highly skilled Taekwondo practitioner who initially looks down on Hobin’s “dirty” street fighting style.
- ⭐ Gaeul: Hobin’s loyal camerawoman and a key supporter of his channel. Her technical skills and unwavering belief in Hobin are crucial to his success.
- ⭐ Jihyeok ‘Jiksae’ Woo: Hobin’s close friend and the editor for his videos. He provides comic relief and steadfast friendship, helping manage the NewTube channel.
- ⭐ Bomi Choi: Hobin’s initial crush and a popular girl at school. Her presence often motivates Hobin’s desire for self-improvement early in the story.
Where Can You Read the Official ‘How to Fight’ Webtoon?
You can read the official English translation of ‘How to Fight’, titled ‘Viral Hit’, exclusively on the WEBTOON platform. It is available on their official website and through the WEBTOON app, which you can download for iOS and Android devices. For readers interested in the original Korean version, the series is published under the name ‘Ssaumdokhak’ on Naver Webtoon.
From our experience, sticking to official platforms is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it is the only legal way to read the series, ensuring that the creators, writer Park Taejun and artist Kim Junghyun, are financially compensated for their work. Second, official platforms provide the highest quality translations and artwork, free from the errors and poor image resolution often found on illegal aggregator sites.
Here’s the deal:
* For English Readers: Use the LINE Webtoon app or website. The series is titled ‘Viral Hit’.
* For Korean Readers: Use the Naver Webtoon app or website. The series is titled ‘Ssaumdokhak’ (싸움독학).
Reading on WEBTOON often utilizes a “Daily Pass” system for completed series or a “Fast Pass” system for early access to new chapters, allowing you to support the creators directly while staying up-to-date.
How Does ‘How to Fight’ Compare to Other Webtoons like ‘Lookism’?
‘How to Fight’ and ‘Lookism’ are both created by Park Taejun and exist in the same ‘PTJ Universe,’ but they differ significantly in focus. ‘How to Fight’ is a grounded story centered on the practical mechanics of street fighting for self-improvement, while ‘Lookism’ uses supernatural elements to explore broader social issues like bullying, gang culture, and appearance-based discrimination.
A deep analysis reveals that while both series share a gritty art style and address the theme of bullying, their narrative approaches are distinct. How to Fight [a martial arts webtoon] remains tightly focused on Hobin’s journey and his instructional NewTube channel. Its tone is more instructional and realistic in its portrayal of combat. Lookism [a social drama webtoon], on the other hand, has an expansive plot with numerous subplots and a much larger cast, tackling a wider range of societal problems.
Here’s a direct comparison of these two pillars of the PTJ Universe:
| Feature | How to Fight (Viral Hit) | Lookism |
|---|---|---|
| Core Theme | Self-improvement through learning to fight; social media impact | Critiquing societal “lookism”; gang culture; dual identity |
| Protagonist’s Ability | Learned, realistic street fighting techniques | Supernatural (two bodies) |
| Narrative Focus | Tightly focused on fighting and the NewTube channel | Expansive, with numerous subplots and character arcs |
| Tone | Gritty, instructional, and grounded in reality | Dramatic, action-packed, often switching between comedy and serious social commentary |
| Connection | Part of the PTJ Universe; characters may cameo | The foundational series of the PTJ Universe |
For readers, the choice often comes down to preference. If you want a focused, realistic story about learning to fight, ‘How to Fight’ is the perfect choice. If you prefer a sprawling drama with supernatural twists and deep social commentary, ‘Lookism’ is the place to start.
FAQs About how to fight manga
Is there a ‘How to Fight’ / ‘Viral Hit’ anime adaptation?
Yes, an anime adaptation of ‘Viral Hit’ was officially announced and is scheduled to air in April 2026. The series will be part of Fuji TV’s +Ultra programming block and will be streamed internationally on Crunchyroll, bringing Hobin Yu’s story to a new animated format for a global audience.
How many chapters does ‘How to Fight’ have?
As of early 2026, ‘How to Fight’ has over 200 chapters. The series has been running since 2019 and is divided into multiple seasons. It continues to release new chapters weekly on the Webtoon platform, so the exact number is always growing.
Is ‘How to Fight’ completed?
No, the ‘How to Fight’ manhwa is not completed. It is an ongoing series with new chapters released weekly. While major story arcs and seasons conclude, the overall narrative of Hobin Yu and his NewTube channel is still in progress.
What is the meaning of the Korean title, ‘Ssaumdokhak’?
The Korean title, ‘Ssaumdokhak’ (싸움독학), translates literally to “Fighting Self-Taught” or “How to Fight Self-Study.” This perfectly encapsulates the webtoon’s core premise of the protagonist, Hobin Yu, learning how to fight by himself through watching online videos.
Does ‘How to Fight’ have romance?
Yes, ‘How to Fight’ contains elements of romance, but it is not the primary focus. The story includes romantic subplots involving Hobin and characters like Bomi Choi and Gaeul. However, these relationships primarily serve to support the main plot of fighting, self-improvement, and social media growth.
Who created the ‘How to Fight’ webtoon?
‘How to Fight’ was written by Park Taejun (often stylized as Taejoon Park) and illustrated by Kim Junghyun. Park Taejun is a famous webtoon creator known for founding the “PTJ Universe” and writing other hit series like ‘Lookism’ and ‘Manager Kim’.
What martial arts are featured in ‘How to Fight’?
The series features a variety of practical street fighting techniques rather than a single traditional martial art. It covers topics like grappling, striking, and how to counter specific attacks from styles like Taekwondo and wrestling. The focus is on pragmatic, effective moves for self-defense, as taught by the mysterious Samdak.
Can you really learn to fight from the webtoon?
While the webtoon presents fighting techniques in a detailed way, it is entertainment and not a substitute for professional martial arts training. The series is praised for its realistic portrayal of certain concepts, but real-world self-defense requires hands-on practice, conditioning, and instruction from a qualified teacher for safety and effectiveness.
Are ‘How to Fight’ and ‘Viral Hit’ the same thing?
Yes, ‘How to Fight’ and ‘Viral Hit’ are the same series. ‘How to Fight’ is a more direct translation of the Korean title’s meaning, while ‘Viral Hit’ is the official English title used on the LINE Webtoon platform. The name ‘Viral Hit’ emphasizes the social media aspect of the story.
Who is the chicken mask guy in ‘Viral Hit’?
The ‘Chicken Mask Guy’ is the mysterious creator of the NewTube channel that Hobin learns from, and his identity is a major plot point. He is known as Samdak. He is an incredibly skilled fighter with a background in special forces, and his reasons for creating the channel are slowly revealed throughout the series.
Key Takeaways: ‘How to Fight’ Manhwa Summary
- It’s a Manhwa, Not a Manga: ‘How to Fight’ (official English title: ‘Viral Hit’) is a South Korean webtoon (manhwa), characterized by its full-color, vertical-scroll format.
- Underdog Story with a Modern Twist: The plot follows a bullied high school student, Hobin Yu, who learns street fighting from a “NewTube” channel to earn money and fight back.
- Read Officially on WEBTOON: The best and legal way to read the English version is on the WEBTOON platform, which supports the creators, Park Taejun and Kim Junghyun.
- Part of a Larger Universe: The series exists within the “PTJ Universe,” sharing a world with other popular webtoons like ‘Lookism’, and is known for its gritty, realistic approach to fighting.
- Anime Adaptation is Confirmed: A ‘Viral Hit’ anime adaptation is officially confirmed and will be available for streaming on Crunchyroll, expanding its reach to a new audience.
- Focus on Practical Fighting: Unlike many action series, ‘How to Fight’ emphasizes pragmatic, often brutal, street-fighting techniques over flashy, supernatural powers.
- Ongoing Series: The webtoon is not finished and continues to release new chapters weekly, meaning the story of Hobin Yu is still evolving.
Final Thoughts on ‘How to Fight’ (Viral Hit)
‘How to Fight’ (Viral Hit) is a compelling modern underdog story that masterfully blends realistic fight choreography with relevant social commentary on bullying and the nature of online fame. It stands out in the crowded action genre by grounding its conflict in a relatable struggle for self-worth and survival. The series expertly uses the NewTube platform as a narrative device, exploring both the empowering and perilous aspects of internet culture.
By focusing on a protagonist who wins through intellect and strategy rather than innate power, the webtoon offers a refreshing and inspirational journey. It’s a story that proves you don’t have to be the strongest to win the fight. For fans of action manhwa, grounded martial arts stories, and thoughtful character development, ‘How to Fight’ is an essential read that delivers both thrilling entertainment and a powerful message. What aspect of Hobin’s journey will you connect with first?
