The phrase denotes a specific subgenre within Korean comics (manhwa) that features narratives centered around divorce, but that are struggling to achieve commercial success or positive critical reception. These works typically explore themes of marital discord, legal battles, emotional aftermath, and the challenges of rebuilding a life after the dissolution of a marriage. An example might involve a series depicting a couple’s acrimonious separation, fraught with financial disputes and custody battles, yet failing to resonate with readers due to perceived lack of originality or poor execution of the storyline.
Understanding the elements that contribute to success or failure in this particular niche is essential for creators and publishers alike. Analyzing why these narratives underperform provides valuable insights into audience preferences, effective storytelling techniques, and the importance of fresh perspectives within a popular genre. Consideration must be given to factors such as character development, pacing, artistic style, and the handling of sensitive subject matter. The historical context of divorce narratives in manhwa also plays a crucial role, as audience expectations are shaped by previous successes and failures in the genre.