Ever get that weird feeling where you’re reading a story and you just know the characters are about to make the absolute worst decision possible? That's the baseline energy of That’s Not How You Do It manhwa. It’s messy. It’s chaotic. Honestly, it’s one of those series that captures the awkward, friction-filled reality of human relationships better than most big-budget dramas.
You’ve probably seen it floating around recommendation lists on Lezhin or Tappytoon. It stands out because it doesn't try to be a polished, "perfect" romance. It dives headfirst into the friction of everyday life. People misunderstand each other. They say the wrong thing. They act out of spite. It’s deeply human, and that’s exactly why people keep coming back to it.
What is That’s Not How You Do It manhwa actually about?
At its core, the story revolves around the friction between its leads, specifically focusing on the dynamics between Kim Jihyo and Pi Guk-hwa. This isn't your standard "love at first sight" trope. Far from it. The title itself—That’s Not How You Do It—is a bit of a meta-commentary on how these characters handle their emotions, their jobs, and each other.
The narrative thrives on the "enemies to lovers" or "dislike to tolerance" pipeline, but it’s grounded in a way that feels tangible. Jihyo is a character who often feels like he’s trying to keep his head above water. Guk-hwa, on the other hand, presents a different set of challenges. Their interactions aren't just sparks and rainbows; they are often genuinely frustrating. You’ll find yourself yelling at the screen because their lack of communication is so realistic it hurts.
There’s a specific kind of tension here that you don't find in "fluff" manhwa. It's the tension of two people who are fundamentally different trying to occupy the same space. It deals with workplace dynamics, personal boundaries, and the slow, often painful process of letting someone in.
The art style and why it matters
Visuals in webtoons are usually the first thing that hooks a reader. In That’s Not How You Do It manhwa, the art has this clean, slightly sharp aesthetic that perfectly mirrors the sharp tongues of the characters. It’s not overly flowery. You won't see a million sparkles in every panel. Instead, the artist focuses on expressions—the micro-movements of a frown or the way a character looks away when they’re lying.
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The pacing of the art is also worth noting. Sometimes, the panels linger on a silent moment. It lets the weight of a conversation sink in. This isn't a fast-paced action series where you're skimming for the next fight. It's a slow burn. The visual storytelling demands that you pay attention to the body language because, quite often, what the characters are saying is the exact opposite of what they’re feeling.
Characters that feel like real people (for better or worse)
Jihyo isn't a "perfect" protagonist. He’s flawed. He makes mistakes. He gets defensive. This is a refreshing change from the "Mary Sue" or "Gary Stu" tropes that plague the genre. You see him struggle with his own insecurities, and those insecurities directly affect how he treats Guk-hwa.
Guk-hwa is equally complex. She isn't just a love interest; she has her own agency, her own hang-ups, and her own way of doing things that—shocker—Jihyo doesn't always agree with. Their clashing philosophies on life and work provide the bulk of the conflict. It’s not just about "will they or won't they." It's about "how can they even stand each other?"
Why the "slow burn" tag is an understatement
If you’re looking for a story where the main couple gets together by chapter ten, you’re in the wrong place. That’s Not How You Do It manhwa is a marathon, not a sprint. The "burn" is so slow it’s practically a simmer. But that’s the appeal.
When they finally do have a moment of genuine connection, it feels earned. It’s not a plot device. It’s the result of dozens of chapters of growth, backsliding, and tentative steps forward. This realism is what helps the series rank so highly among fans of the "Seinen" or "Josei" leaning romance categories. It appeals to an older audience that understands that relationships are hard work.
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Breaking down the workplace drama
A lot of the story takes place within a professional setting. This adds a layer of "social stakes" to everything. They can't just blow up at each other; they have to maintain a level of decorum. Or at least, they try to.
The power dynamics in the office play a huge role in how the characters interact. It’s not just about personal feelings; it’s about reputation, career goals, and the opinions of their colleagues. This creates a pressure cooker environment. You see how the stress of the job bleeds into their personal interactions, making their "not how you do it" moments even more frequent.
The psychological aspect of the narrative
There’s a lot of subtext here about how we perceive others. Jihyo often makes assumptions about Guk-hwa that turn out to be completely wrong. We see the world through a biased lens, and the manhwa does a great job of showing how those biases lead to conflict. It’s a lesson in perspective.
Many readers find themselves relating to the internal monologues. We've all been in a situation where we overthink a text message or misinterpret a boss's comment. The manhwa leans into this anxiety. It’s relatable content in the truest sense.
Common misconceptions about the series
Some people go into this expecting a toxic romance. While the characters are definitely messy, it’s not "toxic" in the way some dark romances are. It’s more about immaturity and learning how to be a partner. It’s a coming-of-age story for adults.
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Another misconception is that the story is "boring" because "nothing happens." If you define "something happening" as a car chase or a magical battle, then sure, nothing happens. But if you define it as internal growth, shifting social dynamics, and emotional breakthroughs, then every chapter is packed.
How to read it without getting frustrated
- Be patient. The characters will frustrate you. Accept it.
- Read between the lines. Look at the art, not just the speech bubbles.
- Don't binge it too fast. The emotional weight is better handled in chunks.
- Pay attention to secondary characters. They often provide the objective perspective that the leads lack.
The impact of the title
"That’s Not How You Do It." It’s a criticism. It’s a correction. It’s something we’ve all heard or said. By naming the series this, the author sets the stage for a story about learning. Everyone thinks they know the "right" way to live, the "right" way to love, and the "right" way to work. But life is rarely that simple. The story is an exploration of the "wrong" ways and how they eventually lead us to something real.
The manhwa reminds us that there isn't a manual for human connection. We’re all just winging it. And sometimes, "not doing it right" is exactly how you find what you’re actually looking for.
Moving forward with the series
If you’re caught up, the best thing to do is dive into community discussions. This is a series that benefits from being talked about. Why did Jihyo react that way? Was Guk-hwa being too harsh? These are the questions that keep the fandom alive.
For those just starting, keep an open mind. Don't write off a character because they're annoying in the first five chapters. Growth is the entire point of the journey. If they were perfect at the start, there would be no story to tell.
Actionable Insights for Readers:
- Check Official Platforms: Support the creator by reading on official sites like Lezhin or Tappytoon. This ensures the artist gets paid and the series continues.
- Analyze the Dialogue: Take a second to think about why a character is lying. Usually, it’s a defense mechanism that reveals more than the truth would.
- Compare to Real Life: Use the awkward situations in the manhwa as a "what not to do" guide for your own professional and romantic life.
- Follow the Artist: Many webtoon artists post sketches and behind-the-scenes content on Twitter (X) or Instagram, which can give you more insight into the character designs and story beats.
The beauty of this manhwa lies in its imperfections. It’s a mirror to our own awkward attempts at being "normal" adults. Whether you’re here for the romance or the workplace drama, it’s a ride worth taking. Just remember: it’s okay if you don't do it "right" the first time. That’s just part of the process.