Lovers of the Empire: Vol. 1

by Yudori

Set in the atmospheric Korean capital in the 1920s, this dynamic manhwa period piece follows two teenagers from different social strata thrown together — and their unlikely connection leads to comedic, emotional, and eye-opening experiences of discovery.

South Korea, 1929. Arisa Jo, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is the most eligible bachelorette in all of Gyeongsung (the capital city). With her Western dresses, movie star hairstyle, and assertive attitude, she embodies bold “Modern” values. Meet her opposite, Jun Seomoon, a young man from the countryside deeply rooted in tradition. When Jun is charged by Arisa’s father to be her escort in the big city, these opposing forces create sparks. Through this unlikely connection, these teenagers open their eyes to new perspectives amidst the rapidly changing world they live in.

Coming off the heels of her acclaimed Raging Clouds, Lovers of the Empire proves Yudori to be a comic artist at the height of her creative powers. On the surface a sweet and funny will they, won’t they romance, this story garners depth from its depiction of Korea at a crossroads: a city occupied by Japan, molded by Western influences, and facing a modernity that stirs inner conflicts within its citizens. Rendered in gorgeous full color, this period piece portrays a fascinating city in a tumultuous time, with two winsome characters at its heart.

Genres: Comics, Manga, Graphic Novels Comics, Graphic Novels

224 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication June 23, 2026

Reviews

[Nastenka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story was really great and even though I don't read manga often, I enjoyed it. I loved the art work, the colors, the story and characters.

[Siina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovers of the Empire is a Korean manhwa set in the 1920s after the Joseon Dynasty collapsed in the 1910s because of Japan. The Western influences flow to the country and our main characters live in the capital, Gyeongsung (Seoul). Arisa Jo is a wealthy girl, who adores independence and is by all means modern. Jun Seomoon then believes in traditions and is from the countryside, so the very opposite of Arisa. Jun gets a job to take care of Arisa and help her, like escorting her. These two bicker, but sparks also fly. Jun is a nasty boy and his behavior is downright inappropriate at times, but at the same time it's very realistic considering the time and place. Not only that, but it shows how he cannot express his feelings well. At the same time Arisa takes it, but doesn't let it change her. The pulling and pushing is wonderful.

The art looks great and we get to see the country as it was - a whole. The historical aspect is wonderful and people and places are described. I cannot wait to read more and slow burning romance is always wonderful. I want them to grow up, lose one another and then get back together. That would be great. Interesting to see the Japanese occupation too or more of it.

[Mary MacMillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovers of the Empire follows the story of two teens in 1920s Korea. Arisa Jo, described as a "modern girl" is the daughter of a wealthy merchant and her 'modern' acts and values cause waves amongst everyone who lives around her. Jun Seomoon, who is from the countryside is the complete opposite and rooted in traditions. While he comes from very difficult circumstances, when he and his mother move into the city, he is assigned to Arisa as an escort. Their differing experiences creates both divides and moments of closer connection as they navigate a changing world.

The artwork was incredibly magical in this book and every single page had so much love put into it. I have 0 knowledge of Korean history but this story has sparked my interest. I really recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction paired with artwork. I loved that at the end of each chapter there were extra notes that gave context to some of the terms used. I especially loved the ending author's notes where it confirmed my beliefs that Yudori had a passion for the story they created.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! I will definitely be passing this on as a recommendation and hopefully buying a hardcopy when it is released :) I also cannot wait for volume 2!

[Amelia Gutche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Fantagraphics books for an eARC of this graphic novel in exchange for my review!

I love Yudori's art style! I read raging clouds recently and loved it there as well and I was thrilled to see that this new piece was colored. I was expecting this to be the entire story when I got it, but it is bittersweet that it was only the first volume. Sweet because I think the pacing is set up to be an impactful romance story rather than one that is rushed, and that I can continue to read future installments. Bitter because I am left on a cliffhanger wanting to read more 🥲. At this point in the story I think the MMC is kind of a broody asshole, but hey, some people are into that. I think it will shape up to be a very sweet romance, and I really loved and appreciated all of the historical context to walk me through the intricacies. I will defiantly read the next volumes if I can get access to them.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This won't be for a teen audience as much as an adult audience of manhwa as it's slow, but it's meant to be that way to share what is was like in Korean during the Joseon Dynasty which shifted after Japan entered the mix and pulled in a lot of western influences. This book takes place in the capital, now Seoul, then called Gyeongsung and follows Arisa Jo and Jun Seomoon who battle with each other about the modern versus traditional side of living life based on their upbringing and new influences.

Artistically there's a lot to unpack as it provides the look and feel of the time and place with not a lot of dialogue but strategic narrative and conversations but readers will have to pull on (for me, what little knowledge they have of) social norms and feelings of the time, but Yudori creates the tone for the story to make it impactful. I just think it would be too slow going for a typical teen reader.

[Tala W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Fantagraphics Books and Takumigraphics for providing this book for review consideration via Net Galley. All opinions are my own.
Yudori's art is the absolute star of the show: the delicate details, the period-evoking colors, the perfect capturing of the characters' emotions.
I was delighted by the chapter notes that gave helpful historical and cultural context. It was fascinating to see how Korean, Japanese, and Western culture were interacting during this time period and how it related to class and status.
I am very much looking forward to volume 2!

[saint forest99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgallery for early access.
Lovers of the Empire follows two Korean students from different backgrounds living in 1930s Korea under Japanese rule. One enjoys modernization while the other tries their hardest to deny the ever growing change within their nation.

Both the story and illustrations are well made, making this book hard to put down. As a historian I'm interested in seeing how the author will portray historical events and the growing tension between these two nations.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovers of the Empire is set during the Japanese occupation of Korea in 1929, a period marked by political tension and cultural change. This manhwa follows Arisa, a wealthy teenage girl, who embraces modernity through her fashionable clothing, contemporary hairstyle, and bold, independent personality. In contrast, Jun comes from the countryside and holds more traditional values. He is tasked by Arisa’s father with escorting her safely to the capital city, Gyeongsung, where the effects of occupation and modernization are visible.

Although Arisa and Jun initially clash due to their opposing viewpoints and backgrounds, their journey together gradually brings them closer. As they navigate the challenges of a turbulent historical era, subtle sparks begin to develop between them. I truly enjoyed learning more about Korea’s history and culture through this manhwa. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC, I was able to enjoy this graphic novel and learn about some of the history of Seoul and Korea at the turn of the 20th Century. The story line is interesting - I think a potential love story is brewing - and at the end of each chapter there is a one page visual depiction of history or something from the chapter that helps you better understand the cultural significance. It’s done in a quick snapshot that doesn’t interrupt the flow of the narrative.
I can’t wait to buy it for my school library and also I’m ready for Vol. 2.

[Douglas Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vol. 1 was enjoyable. Art style was nice and consistent throughout. Plot made more sense as time went on.