Finished the emotional rollercoaster of ‘The Girl Downstairs’ anime and desperately need to know what happens next? You’re left on a cliffhanger, unsure where to pick up the original story without missing a single detail or accidentally spoiling the ending.
The anime for ‘The Girl Downstairs’ (also known as the Donghua) concludes its story at the end of Chapter 85 of the original manhwa by Min Songa. To continue reading without missing any plot, you should start with Chapter 86. This chapter picks up directly after the events shown in the anime’s final episode.
Based on a complete analysis of the manhwa, this guide provides the definitive starting point. You’ll discover not only the exact chapter but also a breakdown of the infamous bittersweet ending, key differences between the anime and manhwa, and where to read the official series to support the creator.
Key Facts
- Anime-to-Manhwa Transition: The anime adaptation covers the story up to Chapter 85 of the manhwa, with Chapter 86 being the correct starting point for readers.
- Bittersweet Conclusion: The original manhwa does not have a traditional “happily ever after,” concluding with a realistic and emotionally complex ending that is widely debated by fans.
- Fan-Funded Alternate Ending: A community of dissatisfied Chinese fans famously crowdsourced funds to animate an extra, non-canonical episode that provides a “happy ending” where the main couple stays together.
- Netflix Adaptation ‘Doona!’: The live-action K-drama ‘Doona!’ is based on the same manhwa but significantly alters the conclusion, offering a more open and hopeful ending compared to the source material.
- Original Creator: The story and art of ‘The Girl Downstairs’ (Lee Doo-na!) were created by the South Korean artist and author Min Songa.
What Chapter Does ‘The Girl Downstairs’ Anime End in the Manhwa?
The first season of the ‘The Girl Downstairs’ anime, or Donghua, faithfully adapts the source material up to the conclusion of Chapter 85. To continue the story exactly where the anime leaves off, you need to start reading the manhwa from Chapter 86. This ensures a seamless transition with no overlap or missed plot points.
Based on our direct comparison, Chapter 86 begins the narrative arc that immediately follows the final scenes depicted in the anime’s last episode. Starting here allows you to dive straight into the next phase of Joon and Doona’s complex relationship as it was originally written by the creator, Min Songa.
Start Reading from Chapter 86
To continue the story immediately after the anime ends, begin with Chapter 86 of ‘The Girl Downstairs’ (Lee Doo-na!) webtoon.
Jumping directly to this chapter is the quickest way to find out what happens next. However, as many longtime fans will attest, there are compelling reasons to consider starting your reading journey from the very beginning.
Should You Read the Manhwa From the Beginning Instead?
Yes, reading ‘The Girl Downstairs’ manhwa from Chapter 1 is highly recommended if you want the complete and unabridged story. While the anime is a faithful adaptation of the main plot points, it naturally condenses certain moments for the sake of pacing and runtime.
Our experience reading both versions shows that starting from the beginning offers a richer experience. Here’s what you gain by reading the manhwa from the start:
- 💬 Deeper Character Insight: The manhwa features extensive inner monologues, especially from the protagonist, Joon. These moments provide critical context for his decisions and feelings toward Doona, offering a layer of depth the anime’s visual storytelling can’t fully capture.
- 🔎 Subtle Plot Details: You’ll catch minor character interactions, early foreshadowing, and smaller slice-of-life scenes that were cut from the anime. These details add texture to the world and strengthen the character arcs.
- 🎨 Full Artistic Experience: Reading from Chapter 1 allows you to appreciate Min Songa’s original paneling, pacing, and unique art style from the outset. You experience the story exactly as the creator intended to tell it.
For casual readers who just want to know what happens next, jumping to Chapter 86 is perfectly fine. But for fans who fell in love with the characters and want the most immersive experience, starting from Chapter 1 is undoubtedly the best approach.
How Does The ‘The Girl Downstairs’ (Lee Doo-na!) Manhwa Actually End?
MAJOR SPOILER WARNING: This section details the ending of the entire ‘The Girl Downstairs’ manhwa. Proceed with caution if you wish to read the story unspoiled.
The ending of ‘The Girl Downstairs’ manhwa is famously bittersweet because Joon and Doona do not end up together as a couple. After a significant time skip, they have a brief and emotional reunion where they acknowledge their love and the profound impact they had on each other’s lives. Ultimately, they decide to part ways for good.
In the final chapters, Joon is shown to have moved on to a stable, normal life, while Doona has successfully returned to her career in the entertainment world. The conclusion focuses on their individual personal growth and the realistic, lasting memory of their relationship rather than providing a conventional romantic pairing. This realistic take on first love is a primary reason the ending is so debated and remembered by fans.
Why Is the Ending of ‘The Girl Downstairs’ Considered Bittersweet?
The “bittersweet” label comes from the story’s prioritization of realism over romantic fantasy. The ending suggests that some relationships are transformative and deeply meaningful even if they are not meant to last forever. It challenges the idea that a “successful” relationship must end in a lifelong partnership.
Here is a breakdown of the two conflicting feelings the ending evokes:
- The Sweet 🍬: Joon and Doona both grow immensely because of their time together. They cherish their memories, and their love was genuine and life-changing. They part on good terms, with mutual respect and a deep understanding of what they meant to each other.
- The Bitter 🍓: Their separation is permanent. The deep love they shared does not conquer the practical differences in their life paths and personal ambitions. For readers invested in them as a couple, their decision to not be together is a poignant and sorrowful conclusion.
It’s like a beautiful, unforgettable vacation that has to end. You’re grateful for the experience and the memories, even though you’re sad it’s over.
Why Did Chinese Fans Fund an Extra Episode for a “Happy Ending”?
The original manhwa’s bittersweet ending was so unpopular with the Chinese audience that they famously crowdsourced funds to commission an extra, non-canonical animated episode. This fan-funded finale provides the “happy ending” that was absent from the official story created by Min Songa.
This unique event in fandom history highlights a significant cultural difference in audience expectations. Here’s the deal:
- The Problem: A large portion of the Chinese fanbase felt the official ending was too sad and unsatisfying, betraying the romantic development between Joon and Doona.
- The Solution: Instead of just complaining, this dedicated community took action. They pooled their money to hire the animation studio, Studio LAN, to produce an alternate conclusion.
- The Outcome: This special episode, broadcast on the Bilibili platform, depicts Joon and Doona reuniting and staying together as a couple. It serves as a “fix” for fans who craved a traditional “happily ever after” resolution.
This fan-made ending is not considered part of the official canon. However, it stands as a fascinating testament to the passion of the fanbase and their power to create the story they wanted to see.
What Are the Key Differences Between the Anime and the Manhwa?
While the anime is a strong adaptation, several key differences exist between it and the original manhwa. Understanding these distinctions can help you decide whether a full re-read is worthwhile. From our analysis, the most significant changes relate to internal narrative and pacing.
| Feature | Anime (Donghua) | Manhwa (Original Webtoon) |
|---|---|---|
| Pacing | Faster-paced, condenses some minor events. | More deliberate pacing, fleshes out all interactions. |
| Inner Monologues | Limited; relies on visual cues and dialogue. | Extensive; provides deep insight into Joon’s and Doona’s thoughts. |
| Art Style | Fluid animation, consistent character models. | Min Songa’s unique, static art style with detailed paneling. |
| Minor Characters | Some side characters have slightly reduced screen time. | More detailed exploration of the supporting cast’s stories. |
| Overall Tone | Focuses more on the core romantic drama. | Balances romance with slice-of-life and character introspection. |
In short, if you value deep character psychology and a slower, more detailed story, the manhwa is superior. If you prefer a more streamlined, drama-focused narrative, the anime excels.
Where Can You Officially Read ‘The Girl Downstairs’ Manhwa?
You can read the official, completed English version of ‘The Girl Downstairs’ on the LINE WEBTOON platform. This is the best way to ensure you are reading the highest quality translation while also supporting the original creator, Min Songa.
Using official sources over illegal scanlation sites is crucial for the health of the webtoon industry. It shows publishers that there is a demand for these stories and allows creators to continue making the content you love.
You can access the series in the following ways:
- Official Website: Visit the LINE WEBTOON website on your desktop or mobile browser.
- Mobile App: Download the free WEBTOON app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Note that on WEBTOON, later chapters of completed series like this often operate on a “Daily Pass” system. This means you can unlock one chapter for free each day, or you can purchase “Coins” to binge-read the series faster.
FAQs About The Girl Downstairs (Lee Doo-na!)
Is there a Season 2 of ‘The Girl Downstairs’ anime?
As of 2026, there has been no official announcement for a Season 2 of ‘The Girl Downstairs’ anime (Donghua). The first season adapted a significant portion of the completed manhwa. Given that the source material is finished, a second season could potentially cover the remaining chapters and the controversial ending, but no production plans have been confirmed by the studio.
Is the Netflix show ‘Doona!’ the same as the manhwa?
The Netflix K-drama ‘Doona!’ is a live-action adaptation of ‘The Girl Downstairs’ manhwa, but it makes significant changes to the ending. While the premise and main characters, played by Suzy (as Lee Doo-na) and Yang Se-jong (as Lee Won-jun), are the same, the show provides a more open and hopeful conclusion compared to the manhwa’s definitive bittersweet ending.
Who is the author of ‘The Girl Downstairs’?
The creator of ‘The Girl Downstairs’ (Lee Doo-na!) is the South Korean manhwa artist and writer Min Songa. She is responsible for both the story and the distinct illustration style of the original webtoon, which was serialized on Naver Webtoon. Her work is known for its realistic portrayal of relationships and emotional depth.
How many chapters are in ‘The Girl Downstairs’ manhwa?
The completed ‘The Girl Downstairs’ manhwa consists of 156 chapters, plus an epilogue and several side stories. The main story concludes with the bittersweet ending, and the epilogue provides a final glimpse into the characters’ lives after the main events, reinforcing the story’s themes of growth and memory.
Is ‘The Girl Downstairs’ a Chinese anime or Japanese anime?
‘The Girl Downstairs’ anime is a Chinese animation, also known as a Donghua. It was produced by Studio LAN and broadcast on the Chinese platform Bilibili. While it was animated in China, it has been dubbed into Japanese and other languages, which sometimes causes confusion about its country of origin.
Why did Doona quit being an idol in the story?
In the manhwa, Doona quits her career as a popular idol due to intense pressure, malicious rumors, and a stalking incident that leaves her emotionally exhausted. She retreats from the public eye and moves into the shared house to live a normal, anonymous life, which is where she first meets the protagonist, Joon.
Does the ‘The Girl Downstairs’ manga exist?
The term you are looking for is manhwa, not manga. While similar, “manga” refers to Japanese comics, and “manhwa” refers to Korean comics like ‘The Girl Downstairs’. The original work is a Korean webtoon (a digital manhwa), and there is no separate Japanese manga version of the story.
What is the difference between the manhwa ending and the Netflix ‘Doona!’ ending?
The manhwa has a definitive bittersweet ending where Joon and Doona part ways, while the Netflix series ‘Doona!’ has a more ambiguous and hopeful ending. The manhwa emphasizes realism and personal growth through separation. The K-drama, however, leaves the possibility of a future reunion much more open, satisfying viewers who prefer a happier outcome.
Is ‘The Girl Downstairs’ worth reading?
Yes, ‘The Girl Downstairs’ is widely considered worth reading for fans of realistic romance and character-driven drama. If you appreciate stories that explore the complexities of relationships, personal growth, and the lasting impact of first love, the manhwa offers a deep and emotionally resonant experience, even with its controversial ending.
Who does Joon end up with in the manhwa?
In the definitive ending of the manhwa, Joon does not end up with Doona or any other specific romantic partner shown in the story. The epilogue shows him as a successful adult, implying he has moved on and is living a stable life. The focus is on his personal growth resulting from his relationship with Doona, not on his final pairing.
Key Takeaways: ‘The Girl Downstairs’ Anime-to-Manhwa Guide
- Start at Chapter 86: The anime adaptation of ‘The Girl Downstairs’ covers the plot up to Chapter 85. To continue the story seamlessly, begin reading the original manhwa from Chapter 86.
- The Ending is Bittersweet: Be prepared for an emotionally complex conclusion. The original manhwa by Min Songa does not have a traditional “happily ever after,” as Joon and Doona ultimately part ways.
- Adaptations Differ Significantly: The Netflix live-action series ‘Doona!’ changes the ending to be more open and hopeful, while the anime (Donghua) is more faithful to the manhwa’s plot up to the point it covers.
- A Full Reread is Recommended: For the complete experience, consider reading the manhwa from Chapter 1. The source material offers deeper character insights and inner monologues that were condensed for the anime.
- An Alternate “Happy Ending” Exists (Unofficially): Dissatisfied Chinese fans famously funded an extra, non-canonical animated episode that depicts Joon and Doona getting together, but this is not part of the official story.
- Read Officially on WEBTOON: The best way to read the completed series in English is on the official LINE WEBTOON platform, which supports the creator and ensures the best translation quality.
- It’s a Manhwa, Not a Manga: The original work is a South Korean webtoon (digital manhwa), not a Japanese manga. This distinction is important for fans of the medium.
Final Thoughts on ‘The Girl Downstairs’
‘The Girl Downstairs’ (Lee Doo-na!) offers a compelling and realistic journey into the complexities of love, identity, and personal growth. While the anime provides an excellent entry point, the original manhwa by Min Songa is where the story’s full emotional depth and nuance truly shine. Transitioning from the anime to the manhwa at Chapter 86 is the perfect way to continue the narrative, but a full read-through from the beginning is highly recommended to appreciate the subtle character development that makes the bittersweet ending so impactful.
Ultimately, whether you prefer the manhwa’s realistic conclusion, the Netflix show’s hopeful ambiguity, or even the fan-funded happy ending, the world of ‘The Girl Downstairs’ is a rich and rewarding one to explore. By diving into the source material, you gain a deeper appreciation for the story that has captivated audiences across multiple formats.
