뮤즈 온 유명

MUSE ON YUMYEONG

MANGA

STATUS
COMPLETE
VOLUMES
Not Available
RELEASE
August 7, 2024
CHAPTERS
96

DESCRIPTION

“I’m an unknown actress who cleans houses as a side gig. Ironically, my name means fame.” Struggling actress Myeong stumbles upon a photo exhibition filled with photos of her younger self, when she was filled with hope. Can she become a star as this mysterious photographer’s muse?

(Source: WEBTOONS)

Note: Chapter count includes 5 side stories.

CAST

Myeong Yu
Yu-Han Eun
Hyeon-Jae U
Ye-Na Ban

CHAPTERS

REVIEWS

jomchai
100/100
the most beautiful and touching story to read in your 20s
There are some stories that touch you so much - they make you cry, because they feel so real, like they are speaking to you. Muse on Fame is such a story.

Despite the plot revolving around a struggeling actress and celebretity world, it is much more about a young woman trying to chase her dream, finding her identity, getting lost in the depression of life and finally finding hope in love again. When I started reading this story, I felt as if someone was describing my feelings. In a way I was Myeong. It was so relatable - starting your 20s so hopeful, with big dreams, and then realising that no one sees them besides you, that no one sees you. And you begin to fight for yourself and at the same time you constantly question your identity, your chances, your goals and your existence. But there is no one there to pick yourself back up when you fall, only you. So you fight on.

It is one of these stories that I read at the perfect time at the perfect age - and I urge any 20-something year-old to read it. It will make you cry and it will make you feel understood.

The writing and pacing is perfect and it has such beautiful storytelling, along with equally beautiful art. The expressions in the characters faces and eyes are heart-wrenching. Myeong is an incredible main character, a serious and mature spirit, not ashamed to admit her dreams of wanting the spotlight as a top actress, ready to stand her ground - yet through her inner monologues we see her self doubt, her shame and her fears. As someone who battled depression for years, I loved having a sad, yet strong character. And I really like, when I get the feeling: I know this person - not as a stereotype or caricature, but a person, despite it being a fictional character. That is great writing.

Not only Myeong, all characters have complexity and agency which is explored over the course of the story. It's nice that the author doesn't categorises in bad or good characters, rather lets us explore them as multi-faced beings - ending in myself feeling mixed (in a positive way) towards all of them. At the end, it was still written beautifully, leaving you with no unsatisfying loose ends. It is clear that the author had a vision from the start, which always helps in tying up the plot neatly. No unnecessary filler chapters or plot, just a well rounded story.

Muse on Fame makes happiness and tragedy go hand-in-hand. It is one of my favourite stories.

Sometimes after reading a chapter, I just layed down, stared at the ceiling and thought about the emotions, thoughts and story I just witnessed. And it made me connect deeply with it.

It reminds me so much of when I read NANA for the first time and I never thought I would find such a story again. Thank you.
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Kangaroo
88/100
A Story For All Those Who Dare to Dream of Becoming Something Bigger ⭐️

Heartfelt, victorious yet tragic, and the romance of being understood.
The overall development and unfolding of the story were beautiful and enticing.

This is a great story for all those who dare to dream and hope to become something bigger than themselves—and even for those who have given up and forgotten their passion and themselves.

This manhwa felt like life—in its most real and raw form. It captured a very realistic angle of life and the emotions that come with it. This story was not an escape from burdens, colorless days, and hopeless moments, but rather a companion to share and understand sorrow and burden.

Art: 10/10.
It was more than just beautiful and handsome characters. With every panel, there was a clear direction and goal for the artist to not only "tell" the story but "show" it. There was an artist's approach beyond just pretty art—a deeper understanding of storytelling in the art. The way scenes were designed was detailed and cinematic! The use of lighting, color, and angles was amazing and honestly resembled the way good movies use them. It's almost as if the mind of a movie director was designing the panels... which fit the narrative perfectly.

Characters: 8/10.
I loved our main character. I enjoyed being in her thoughts and watching her reflect and grow. I resonated with her on deep levels, both with things I could relate to and those I couldn’t. She was one of my favorite character designs due to the depth and realism of her story. I honestly wish I had seen more of her personality, but it makes sense why we didn’t get to see those little things about her, considering what she was going through. One of my favorite aspects of her was the complexity of her mourning for the person she used to be. When she looked in the mirror, the girl everyone knew in the past—filled with light and passion—was gone. Burdened by life, drained by failures and disappointment, and aged by the loss of time, she grieved her old self, her youth, and her joy. The battle she went through to find herself again was heart-wrenching.

The other characters were just as enjoyable. Each one was complex, with their own story and motivations. Not only that, but you care about them too—you want to know who they are and why because their design is just that great.

My favorite character was Director Tianjin. Not only was he hot, but his personality, dynamic, and story were top-tier. Also, the chemistry and tension between our girl and him?! Why… ?.

There was one character, the male lead, who felt off to me. By the end, he improved significantly, and I appreciated finally knowing his motivations, but the way he was introduced and how things started between him and the main character felt off. He didn’t feel like part of the world initially, remaining flat while everyone else was multi-dimensional. I wish more of him had been revealed earlier, as the "robotic" approach for such a long duration wasn’t the best angle.

Story: 9/10.
Filled with poetry and complexities, it was gravitating and heart-wrenching.
When I first started reading, I expected a simple story with a satisfying plot, some romance, and revenge. But as I read, I connected with the story in unexpectedly deep and personal ways.

At first, I tried to piece the story together, assuming the main character would do “main character things,” win it all, prove everyone wrong, and get the guy. But no.

The story captures the essence of life so well that it brings the reader a realistic fear of failure, death, and loss for the main character with every step she takes.

And she does take those steps. She loses, fails, and breaks—I witnessed it all and broke with her. Even in the end, it’s not a “happily ever after” where she gets it all. The ending reflects how things often end in real life: with acceptance of what you have and what you had, and the strength to keep moving forward with joy. It’s not the end until we’re dead.

The only reason I take points off is because of the romance. Don’t get me wrong—I loved the romance, especially in the end. But I feel the strong focus on the love story hindered the narrative from reaching its full potential. Certain angles with the characters and relationships could have been explored more deeply. I genuinely believe the romance’s heavy focus took away from what the story could have been.

This is not a black-and-white story. There are no simple “bad guys” or “good guys,” and no wholly ugly or beautiful people. That’s what makes it so great—it mirrors life: complex, layered, and filled with mazes.

Sometimes, our heroes are also our villains. Sometimes, our greatest fears or shame are someone else’s victories. Sometimes, the apologies and love we are owed never reach us…

…and sometimes, we fail and don’t get back up.

I will not be reading this again. It hurt too much the first time. I sobbed through this story.

Definitely recommend to anyone looking for a deep and meaningful read.
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