Serialized Korean comics depicting protagonists striving for dominance, often within competitive hierarchies or martial arts settings, are a popular genre. These narratives commonly feature characters overcoming adversity to achieve positions of great influence and power, sometimes even aspiring to the pinnacle of their respective worlds. An example would be a story about a weak individual who, through perseverance and strategic acumen, ascends to become the leader of a powerful organization or the most skilled martial artist.
The appeal of these stories lies in their themes of self-improvement, ambition, and the satisfaction of witnessing characters achieve seemingly impossible goals. Historically, the popularity of such narratives can be traced to cultural values emphasizing hard work and achievement, as well as the inherent human desire to see underdogs triumph. The escapism offered by these power fantasies, coupled with visually dynamic artwork characteristic of Korean comics, contributes significantly to their wide readership.