I just found out yesterday that Bato.to was shut down, and I’m honestly heartbroken. I didn’t know it had happened—or that it was even going to happen—and now all my manhwas, my lists, everything is gone. It was genuinely the best site to read the best manhwas and mangas, all in one place.
People often talk about this kind of loss in fanfiction spaces, and I guess I had a false sense of security when it came to other niches like Bato.to. But losing everything overnight—the site itself and even my lists, without any warning to back things up—hurts way more than I expected.
I’m devastated that we lost such a good manhwa/manga site. I don’t even know where I’m supposed to find my stories anymore. Bato.to always had the most complete library and the most consistent updates compared to any other site. It was safe, too—no obscene ads flashing in your face, no malware trying to steal your data or mess with your device. We could comment, talk between chapters, and it was all free.
All for free!
I honestly don’t know if any site will ever have everything I lost the way Bato.to did. It feels like a modern Library of Alexandria made of manhwas/mangas—something I visited for years and built my lists week by week—just vanished in the blink of an eye. I’m just devastated. It feels like the end of a modern Golden Era.
As the next few day rolled around, you mentally prepared yourself. You knew the servants were talking about you and Seung-Cheol hanging out and you had a feeling your parents and everyone knew about it already. You just prayed it didn’t reach the ears of the councilmen.
It was currently the 28th, nothing special but you were counting the day for Taehyung to announce to everyone about the annulment, your freedom.
It was rather strange, seeing the dark clouds roll around and pour out rain and thunder. Not that strange, but you would’ve thought it was going to snow instead. As your maid dressed you warmly, you walked into the tea room where you saw your parents, Kim brothers, but also a few new faces that made your heart drop.
Jung Hoseok, Park Jimin, Jeon Jungkook, and Min Yoongi sitting down in all their glory. They stared at you once you made your presence known. You saw their expression falter and it made you cringe.
Yeah, it wasn’t really directed at but, more to Lady Lim, but it still hurt. How bad was this girl to deserve all this hatred?
Jung Hoseok, who they nicknamed him Hobi, was currently eating a cookie while a mountain laid upon his plate. Jimin was sitting back, legs crossed as he sipped his warm tea. Min Yoongi was writing something in a book and Jungkook was weirdly sprawled out on the floor stretching.
“Well, if it isn’t Lady Lim.” Jimin said, plastering a smirk on his face as he stood from the couch.
She remembered this scene perfectly. In the story, all of them arrived at her palace to discuss some things, but it wasn’t suppose to be until later. Not a big deal you thought, but there was definitely change.
Taehyung was supposed to arrive late, maids were suppose to be swarming the place and blushing at Jimins flirting, Hobi would be stealing desserts from everyone’s plate which is actually happening, Jin would be stopping arguments that would spring up from his brothers, Namjoon would try to discuss politics no one understood. But also, Meo Soon would be in here where she would accidentally spill tea on Taehyung, strengthening their love for one another.
The thought made you mentally sigh, this was also when Lady Lim would be angry and try and throw Meo Soon out of the room, causing Taehyung to yell at her in return.
You mentally rolled yourself to remember not to act like the original Deo-Soo, that this was your moment to change the story. No clinging to Taehyung, which you’ve been succeeding the past days, but also no jealousy.
“Hyung!” Jungkook whined as he spotted Hobi stealing some of his cookies.
“You weren’t eating them.”
“I WAS GOING TO.”
A little different than the original story line, Taehyung is here on time and Namjoon isn’t discussing politics, more so reading something in a book about the palace history. The only thing that stayed the same is Hobi stealing food.
Seeing the chaos, Min Yoongi sighed, putting down his book while regretting being in the same room as the other men.
And honestly?
Valid.
“Good afternoon,” you bowed, keeping it curt and respectful.
Jimin blinked, Hoseok stopped mid bite, even Jungkook sat up from the floor. Apparently, Lady Lim never greeted people normally before.
You sat near your parents, far away from Taehyung. It felt far to you, felt like a separate island even though in reality, you were barely feet’s away from one another.
“Lady Lim,” Jimin said, “You seem well today.”
You smiled tightly, “I slept.”
Namjoon, seeing this again and thought that maybe it was going to be a one time thing, gave you a puzzled look. “Are you ill?”
“Why does everyone keep asking me that?”
Apparently, basic human decency was out of character for this woman, which was valid. You quickly grabbed a cup full of tea determined to spend the entire time to yourself.
Then, the doors swung open and in stepped Meo-Soon, gaining the attention from all seven men. You saw their eyes brighten as they eyed the servant carry a tray full of freshly brewed tea and sugar.
As if on cue with the story, she trips over nothing and spills the contents of the tea on Taehyung. Then you suddenly remembered.
Oh no.
THIS was the exact moment of the story where Meo-Soon rushes forward to help Taehyung, they touch hands and their romance will bloom even more.
You sat back, allowing the story to follow the course of how it should be. However, you were still human and seeing it in front of your eyes causes you to stand up from your seat.
This was the first time Lim Dan-So snaps with jealousy and every horrible things unravel after that.
“Your highness, are you alright? I am so sorry!”
Taehyung gently smiled at her and there it was. That look that causes thousand of fan edits from TikTok. You recalled screaming in your pillow because you had to admit, their chemistry was insane.
Unfortunately, you were now here physically present to it which was seriously awkward because in this part of the story, lady Lim grabbed Taehyung possessively, insulted Meo-Soon’s status, and accused her of trying to seduce royalty.
As you stood up, everyone around you tensed, even the other servants looked scared. Apparently, they all expected violence and uproar.
Oh my god, you thought, what kind of menace was this woman?
You inhaled slowly, eyeing the scene before turning to your maid. “Please bring Prince Taehyung a rag before the tea stains.”
Mia nodded her head and walked to get the cloth while all seven men looked shocked and suspicious. Why weren’t you reacting with jealousy?
Jimin leaned forward, a playful smirk on his face, “Well,” he said, “This was unexpected.”
Hoseok nodded his head dramatically, “I thought someone was going to get slapped.”
“HOSEOK!” jin seethed through his teeth.
“What? We were all thinking this.”
“We were absolutely not.” Namjoon lied.
Jungkook, who was now lying back on the floor stretching weirdly gave you a weird look.
“You’re acting weird today.”
You pointed at him immediately, “And you’re sprawled out on the floor.”
“… fair enough.”
Yoongi snorted in his tea, it was small and barely noticeable, but you caught it and apparently Hoseok did because he gasped loudly.
“Yoongi laughed!”
“I breathed.”
“No, no. It was a laugh.”
“I hate all of you.”
The room dissolved into chaos, your parents sighing before leaving the room unnoticed and you relaxed a bit until…
“Lady Lim, you seem different today.”
Your eyes widened and inside your head alarms were blaring.
DANGER
DANGER
you forced a smile, “I slept well.”
“That cannot possibly be the only reason. You’ve been this way ever since last week.”
Before you could respond, Meo-Soon approached once more with a new tray and tea, giving you a cautious look as if she expected cruelty and that hurt you more than you expected because Meo-Soon wasn’t doing anything wrong. She was just simply existing.
And the original Lady Lim made her life a living hell for it. You recalled all the awful things that was done such as gossiping, ruined dresses and public humiliation.
God, no wonder why readers hated her, she was evil.
Meo-Soon lowered her gaze, giving you a bow, “Lady Lim.”
You noticed everyone watching subtly, waiting for a scene. The world already decided who Lim Dan-So was. Cruel, jealous, and pathetic.
All of that made you realize something harsh. Even if you changed, no one would believe it that easily.
Suddenly, Meo-Soon rounded the table and somehow spilled the tea cup.
How clumsy is this woman? you thought to yourself as you stood abruptly, the hot contents seething into your hands.
It didn’t land in your dress as you were able to catch the cup in mid-air, but the water still burned “-Ow!”
Meo-Soon fell into her knees and pleaded with you, “I am so sorry!”
All you did was blink at her then sighed. “No need for sorry, it’s just a dress. Besides, I burned myself making ramen before, this is nothing.”
As the words left your mouth, everyone looked at you in confusion.
That’s when you realized you made a tiny slip up. In this world, obviously they don’t know the existence of ramen.
You felt your soul leave your body. Your stupid mouth worked before thinking and you said the one thing from your universe. Amazing, ten out of ten survival instincts.
Your brain scrambled to find an excuse as everyone awaited your response and Meo-Soon slipped out quickly.
Jungkook stood from the ground and sat next to Jung Hoseok, “Is that some kind of weapon?” he asked.
“A WHAT?”
“You said yourself that you burnt yourself making it.”
“No-“
Jimin interrupted dramatically, “Perhaos, it’s forbidden Western Kingdom magic.”
Taehyung deadpanned, “Everything becomes magic to you, huh?”
“Because magic is exciting.”
“No, it’s because you’re stupid.”
“Rude.”
Hoseok bursted into laughter while Jin looked like he was trying not to choke on his tea and meanwhile you were internally dying.
think, THINK FAST.
“It’s a…” you started slowly, trying to find the right words, “Noodle dish.”
The silence somehow got worse.
“You burned yourself,” Namjoon started, “Making a noodle dish? You were cooking?”
Ok, ouch. Valid, but rude.
You nodded aggressively, “You’d be surprised how possible that is!”
Yoongi suddenly spoke up, “From someone raised in nobility, you speak rather strangely.”
oh, this man was dangerously. Because unlike the others, he doesn’t get distracted by the chaos, no he simply observes others and he was currently observing you.
You could feel him noticing the inconsistency of how you talked, acted, and reacted to events. Especially the obsession with Taehyung.
“How is the wedding planning going?” Jung Hoseok asked, trying to change the topic.
You looked to Taehyung with confusion evident in your eyes. He hasn’t told his closest friends about the annulment?
“Well, I-“
“It’s none of your business.” Taehyung said, taking a sip of his tea.
You gave him a tiny glare and hoped he would tell everyone right then and there what was going to occur tomorrow.
Lady Lim spent years chasing after this man, that’s all she ever knew and she desperately held onto the fact that someday, Taehyung will love her back.
Across the room, Yoongi noticed as his gaze sharpened.
The sadness flashing across your face, the kind that doesn’t make sense for anyone spoiled and obsessive.
Interesting, very interesting indeed.
“What’s with your face?” Jimin asked.
Ok, rude.
“Oh? Do I look bad?”
He laughs and shakes his head, “Didn’t mean that, although you look beautiful. I meant; You didn’t react like usual when the topic of your wedding was brought up. Why is that?”
Oh, so everyone noticed. You thought you were subtle.
Silence stretched everywhere as you started deep into Park Jimin’s soul. Oh how you hated that man.
“I’ve just been thinking lately.” you respond.
“About?”
“Myself.” you say, a little too fast.
Everyone glanced at her in curiosity.
“I don’t think I liked who I was becoming.”
That was, at least, was honest. Everyone remained quiet as they took on her word. Did Lady Lim really say that?
“Sorry if this sounds unprofessional,” Jin said, “But, you use to look at that maid Meo-Soon with hatred.”
You stiffened at the words.
Ah, there was that issue. The real issue, not the wedding, not the clingliness.
It was Meo-Soon, the girl everyone here loved.
And the girl Lady Lim tormented.
You swallowed carefully, “I know.”
“You’re not denying it?” Taehyung questions.
“There is nothing to deny.”
Honestly? Trying to defend Lim Dan-So’s behavior would be insane, this woman was evil and even though the pressure caused her to, it still wasn’t an excuse. There was no point in pretending otherwise.
“I treated her badly,” you admitted quietly, “And she didn’t deserve it.”
Everyone froze once again at her words. Was she possessed?
You realized too late that this answer sounded shocking to everyone in the room, too shocking perhaps.
Because apparently Lim Dan-So never apologized for anything.
Taehyung’s voice softened slightly, “Why are you saying this now?”
Oh, because I know the ending.
You guys are entertainment for readers back in your world.
But, you couldn’t say any of that, so instead you just looked ahead softly, “I think loving someone for too long can make you look pathetic.”
The words slipped out before you could stop them and you noticed all of their expression falter.
Not annoyance, not frustration, but realization and also sadness.
You realized your mistake instantly because those words didn’t sound manipulative, they sounded honest. Painfully honest.
And for the first time, they all looked to her like she was a person, not a burden or problem.
The air in the room felt awkward and you hated that. You mentally cursed yourself for speaking before thinking and now they all probably thought you were even more weird.
Because emotional vulnerability? It was rather dangerous here, especially with these male leads.
“You really mean that?” Taehyung asked softly,
Shit, abort mission. Retreat back to your room.
You forced a laugh and pointed out the window, “Beautiful weather isn’t it?”
“What?” Jungkook asked.
“The weather, very lovely.” you repeat, giving them an awkward smile.
“Lady Lim, it’s raining outside.”
“Yes, I know I have eyes. Very pretty.”
Then, to your absolute shock, Taehyung actually laughed. A genuine laugh, not the fake and tiny chuckle, it was a genuine heartfelt laugh.
That somehow made things worse because you can see why Dan-So fell for him. He was handsome and knew how to make you feel special. That made him dangerous.
Min Yoongi shook his head slightly, a tiny smile evident on his face, “You really are strange.”
“She’s been acting strange since we arrived.” Jin stated.
You pointed at Yoongi, “And you’re suspicious.”
“I’m just observant.”
“You all looked to me like I poisoned your teas.”
“Well, you did threatened to do it once.”
Your eyes widened at the words, “WHAT?”
Namjoon laughs, “… You don’t remember?”
oh god, what did this woman do to these poor men? The story explained her behavior and how annoying she was, but never mentioned her threatening them harm.
“It was years ago, you were angry when we cancelled a hunting trip.” Jung Hoseok explained.
“That does not justify attempt murder.”
“You were twelve.”
“That’s even more concerning, oh dear lord.”
All do this made you realize something, the original Dan-So became obsessed with Taehyung not because she loved him too much, but because she lost herself in the way.
Everyone here met the broken version of her, not the healed. Somehow, that hurt worse.
“You’re crying.” Jungkook observed and you quickly wiped your eyes aggressively.
“I am not, do not say such lies.”
“Well all literally watched it happen.”
“The wind is aggressive today.”
“Lady, we are inside.”
They all looked confused and amused all the same time. This was new to them, but they weren’t ones to complain. It was nice.
However, before any of them could say anything, a royal guard appeared with a nervous expression.
“Your majesties,” he says.
“What is the matter?” Taehyung asks.
“The Northerns delegation arrived earlier than expected.”
Jimin’s eyebrow rose, “They weren’t supposed to come until a few days.”
The guard nods his head, “Yes, but apparently there has been multiple attacks around each village, they said this needs to be addressed now rather than later.”
You remembered suddenly. Jimin’s kingdom hates the Southern kingdom, political tension started to rise and somehow, Meo-Soon later became involved in it. Weird, you don’t recall how.
“They also requested Lady Lim to join as well.” the guard said, eyes falling onto you.
“No ❤️ “
The guard and everyone looked confused and you realized too late that you said it out loud.
you straightened immediately, “I mean-“
Taehyung covered his mouth suspiciously fast as did everyone else.
Were they really about to laugh right now?
“They as well as your parents specifically requested you by name.”
Why?
WHY?
in the original novel, Lady Lim never attended any of these because she felt like they were too boring, like they were a waste. So, why request her all of a sudden?
Then, you remembered now. It’s because this Dan-So was acting rather strange now.
“Should I let them know that you will be attending, My lady?”
You opened your mouth, ready to decline but then remembered something. Avoiding every major event might make things worse.
You needed to learn court politics, the changing plot, and how your actions are affecting the story.
Suddenly, the memory came crashing down. On Taehyung’s birthday, Jungkook would enter into the political storyline. And according to the novel? That led to war.
Shit, this story was more stressful now that you’re living it.
“… I shall attend.” You say.
The guard bowed and left the room, leaving you sighing dramatically.
“I miss the AC, these dresses make it so hot to live in here.”
Hobi blinked, “You miss the what?”
“Nothing.” you muttered.
Another suspicious look from Yoongi.
Crap, you really need to stop saying modern things.
Jin crossed his arms loosely, “You’ve been acting strange for a while.”
“Yes, you all said that multiple times. I think I get it.”
“Still, is there a reason?” Jin asked.
You panicked, “Jungkook loves climbing trees.”
The man in question looks rather offended that you brought him up suddenly.
“Yes, he’s weird we already knew that.”
DEFLECT!! Your mind screamed at you.
“He also crawls around floors. Why did no one stop him?”
“Because he’s weird, why would we?”
You stared at all of them in disbelief, “These kingdoms survived war?”
They all laughed.
You could tell they were starting to enjoy you, which was dangerous.
“Your face shifted again,” Jimin said, “Why is that?”
“I’m thinking.” you say.
“That’s dangerous.” Yoongi muttered.
“Wow, thank you?”
“I’m serious.”
“It’s crazy to me.” Jimin said, “I leave for one season and you’re acting polite. This is weird.”
Taehyung sighed, “I told you not to bother her.”
“I’m not bothering her.” Jimin said innocently, then to you, “What happened.”
You crossed your arms, “You keep asking this. Maybe I matured?”
He gasped dramatically, “How terrifying.”
Everyone looked exhausted from his already.
“Blink twice if you were possessed by a spirit.”
oh.
OH THIS MAN WAS SMART.
You nearly choked as Jin warned the younger man, “Jimin.”
“What? I’m asking important questions.”
You forced a laugh that sounded deeply unstable, “Wouldn’t that be crazy?”
He stared at you too long, simply just observing before looking as if he came to a conclusion.
“Oh,” he murmured softly.
That was not the reaction you wanted, NOT at all.
Your survival skills activated instantly at his smile, because it wasn’t his usual flirtatious smile, because this smile? It showed how smart the man was.
He was excellent at observing emotions. This man was dangerously.
Jungkook leaned forward, “What does that mean?”
Jimin straightened again instantly, a cheerful expression displayed on his face once again, “Oh, nothing.”
Liar.
What a huge liar this man was.
You realized something again, underneath his flirting, he was observant and smart. He grew up in a harsh environment, he noticed things fast.
You knew you had to be careful.
Unfortunately, Jimin kept looking at you like you were a mystery box.
“how interesting.” he mused.
You pointed a finger at him, “Don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“That weird brain thing you’re doing.”
Jimin bursted into laughter as the rest looked confused.
“You two are strange,” Namjoon muttered.
“You attract strange people.” Jimin said casually.
Taehyung looked at you, stared deeply into your eyes as if trying to read you. He’s never done this before and it causes you to panic.
NOPE.
you clapped your hands and stood up, “Anyways! I should leave now.”
None of them moved.
“Why are you guys just sitting there?”
Jimin grinned, “Because you’re interesting.”
“That is the worse thing anyone has said.”
“Relax,” Jimin said lazily, “I’m only curious.”
“Yeah? Well curiosity killed the cat.”
He laughed at your words, “Well, satisfaction brought it back.”
Shit, he was good.
“You don’t look at Taehyung the same way anymore.” Yoongi spoke.
Silence.
Taehyung stiffened at the words. You slowly turned to look at him, eyes widened.
Jung Hoseok spoke, “I agree. Before, your eyes followed Taehyung everywhere.” he starts, “Now they look relieved when he leaves.”
…oh.
That was horrifyingly accurate, a little too accurate.
Taehyung’s expression faltered because for years, Dan-So loved him immensely. It was loud and possessive. And now? Nothing.
You realized too late that the change probably felt unsettling.
Especially to people who’ve known her forever.
Jungkook watched carefully, “Did you finally give up?”
The question landed harsher than expected.
Because honestly?
Yes, you did.
You have given up on him since before you arrived here knowing the ending.
Knew who he truly loved.
Knew that things would end badly if you repeated what Dan-So did.
And maybe, a tiny selfish part of you didn’t want to beg for affection anymore. Not after doing enough of that in her real life back home.
The thought made her chest hurt unexpectedly and you looked away first.
“I think,” you say quietly, “some people get so scared of losing someone that they forget to ask if they were ever truly wanted in the first place.”
Silence again.
Oh god was silence the most uncomfortable feeling ever in this world.
Taehyung stared at you, like actually stared as if you knocked the wind out of him. Even Jimin’s expression faltered so you immediately stood up to prevent this from going on further.
“Anyways!” you clapped again, I am going to leave before I start talking in metaphors.”
Then you turned and walked out of the room as quickly as your dignity would allow.
Behind her, silence lingered even longer in the room.
“What just happened?” Jung Hoseok asked.
Jimin watched you disappear from the room and his smile slowly returned.
“I think, he started, “Taehyung’s fiance is either having a spiritual awakening, or she’s becomes an entirely different person now.”
Every few months, I get into the historical manhwa slopfest, and I decided to read this since it was recommended, thinking it would be more slop, only for it to genuinely be one of the most tragic manhwas I have ever read-for every single character involved.
Manhwa Recommendation: The Male Lead Is Obsessed With My Health
ONGOING
______________________
Currently around chapter 42 and I love how every character makes sense, considering most important characters are children. What I mean by that is they haven’t pulled a bullshit magic solve-all-your problems-formula out of their ass and handed it over to the MC/villain.
In fact, it doesn’t seem like there’s a tangible antagonist so far? Sure, not everyone is good, but I actually really liked how they dealt with one of the characters who antagonized the main character. They’re both kids, and that reflects into their actions from how easily they’re affected by their environment.
It actually feels like the author was trying to draw parallels between her and the main character, where both were influenced by their mothers to achieve a certain big dream. For the main character, she actually reflects upon how that affected her past life and still affects her today, because her mother’s love didn’t feel directed toward her, but rather this achievement her mother tries to achieve vicariously through her daughter.
On the other hand, the (minor) antagonist wants to become the crown princess, something her mother has always praised her for (for having qualities of the crown princess). It’s not explicitly said, but it gave me such similar vibes to the MC that I wouldn’t be surprised if the poor girl is used as a foil to the MC or gets a redemption arc.
Next, lemme tell you about the male lead. He’s such a charming boy, and has this childish innocence to his actions that compliment his character so well. He’s such a breath of fresh air to those obsessive, murderous, possessive, yandere MLs that are crawling through every genre now (not to say I don’t like that character archetype, it just got really, really old).
He’s a proper crown prince and doesn’t lazily shirk all his duties and the charisma of a good leader, even as a kid, but it’s balanced out by the sheer headstrong-ness of his childish-innocence. No, he doesn’t solve most of the MC’s current problems, but that isn’t what she needs most anyways. Instead, he’s the rock by her side, with a giant bowl of puppy love to be shared whenever the MC chooses to accept it. Like, half his dilemmas are “solved” through his rather blunt enthusiasm to get the MC to (lightly) exercise (to become healthier), despite knowing that she would collapse after the briefest of runs. It helps that many people in the ML’s life are lil’ muscle-brained.
Now, let me tell you about the empress, the ML’s mother. You expect the usual “wicked stepmother” immediately right? But, the first second she was introduced solidified that she is a wise empress and mother. I won’t take the joy out of her first appearance, so you’ll have to read that yourself and delight in how she isn’t any of these:
a poor parent that spoils her kid rotten
a poor parent that abuses her kid to hell and back
a poor parent that neglects her family to hell and back
a poor leader who abuses their power
a poor leader who neglects her duties
Can you tell that I really liked this story?
Anyway… continuing with the rest of the royal family, we got Mr. Emperor over here (ML’s father) who is like a grown, charming adult version of his son. I won’t spoil too much again since I urge you to read it yourself, but after the ML does something wrong, he does the reasonable adult thing and asks the prince for details. It turns out, the prince did that because he was helping someone else out and didn’t mean any harm (kind of a minor thing? Not actually a terrible big deal and all that), so instead of flipping out and punishing him anyway (that’s what I was expecting), he actually did a 180 and went to help the ML help that person out. Very cute, 10/10. Then, and then, the empress fully acknowledges that her husband is very much an enabler of their son and shakes her head fondly. Did I say that he’s hot when he smirked? Yeah.
Anyway… moving on again, there’s the guardian of the main character who has been taking care of her in the Duke’s stead for so far undisclosed/vague reasons. He’s such a sweetheart and I love him so much. He cares so much about our MC and it’s so cute!!! Did I mention he has long hair? He has long hair. I don’t want to spoil anything since he’s been a pretty major character in relation to the MC so far, but just know that I love him and everything is okay whenever I see him.
I could really keep going since there are so many characters and plot points packed into what I just read over the span of like 3 hours, but I should really focus on more important and urgent things… sigh…
TL;DR: I love them all (characters), read this story NOW
After a painfully long spell of not being able to find joy in any of my hobbies, I got back into reading Korean manhwa. I haven't felt the giddiness of being a fan girl in a hot minute, so here are a few of my current reads.
