In Who Can Define Popularity, protagonist Cha Siwon is a master of self-reinvention. After suffering a crushing rejection in his youth due to his appearance, Siwon dedicated himself to a strict regime of exercise and social study to become the ultimate "insider." By the time he enters his new school environment, he is the picture of confidence and the undisputed center of attention. However, his carefully constructed world is turned upside down by the arrival of Hyung Daun, a student who is everything Siwon worked so hard to become—naturally handsome, wealthy, and universally adored without even trying.
What begins as a fierce, one-sided rivalry for the title of the school's most popular student quickly evolves into something much more complicated. While Siwon views Daun as a threat to his hard-won social standing, Daun seems strangely drawn to Siwon, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and high-tension encounters. The series, which served as the source material for the hit K-drama Blueming, expertly balances humor with a poignant look at the insecurities that drive our desire for external validation.
As Siwon struggles to maintain his "perfect" facade, he must confront whether the popularity he worked so hard for is worth more than a genuine connection with someone who sees the real him. With its beautiful art style and relatable themes of self-acceptance, Who Can Define Popularity is a must-read for fans of the Boys' Love (BL) genre and romantic comedies. It is a heartwarming journey that questions whether true popularity is about how many people like you, or about finding the one person who truly understands you.
