“That Which Flows By” is a historical romance manhwa available on LINE WEBTOON. It follows the story of Dani, a Jurchen girl who must conceal her identity while serving tea to General Gyeol Seo, known for mercilessly killing Jurchen people. The series has received praise from both readers and critics for its storytelling and characters.
That Which Flows by, an Overview of What Is this
History
“That Which Flows By” is set in the Joseon dynasty, which lasted from 1392 to 1897 in Korea. This period saw many changes in politics, society, and culture, as well as conflicts with neighboring countries like China, Japan, and the Jurchen tribes. The Jurchen were nomadic people from northeastern Asia who frequently clashed with the Joseon kingdom. They eventually became the ancestors of the Manchu people, who established the Qing dynasty in China.
Background
The manhwa portrays historical events like the Imjin War, the Japanese invasions of Korea, the Ming-Qing transition, the Manchu invasions of Korea, and the Donghak Peasant Revolution, which shaped the Joseon dynasty. It also depicts the culture, customs, and beliefs of the Joseon and Jurchen people, as well as their interactions and conflicts.
Role play of creatures
“That Which Flows By” was created by softcore and Eunbi Lee, two Korean artists who have worked together on several webtoon projects. Softcorn, also known as Heo Ni-bi, is recognized for her historical and fantasy works like “The Moon that Rises in the Day,” “The Pale Horse,” and “The Red King.” Eunbi Lee, on the other hand, is known for his realistic and detailed art style, as seen in works like “The Scholar’s Reincarnation,” “The Sword Interval,” and “The Great Mage Returns After 4000 Years.”
The artists began collaborating in 2018 with their first webtoon series, “The Red King,” a historical fantasy manhwa about a young king possessed by a demon. “That Which Flows By” is their second series, which started in 2023 and is currently ongoing.
Let’s Translate These Comics
“That Which Flows By” is a webtoon series available on LINE WEBTOON, a platform offering free access to a wide range of webtoons in different genres and languages. Updated every Friday, the series had 31 episodes as of January 2024. Originally written in Korean, it is translated into English, Indonesian, and other languages by WEBTOON’s official translators. Additionally, fan translations in languages like Spanish, French, and Arabic can be found on other websites and apps.
Story Plot & Main Characters
Story Overview
The story follows Dani, a Jurchen girl saved by General Gyeol Seo during a bandit attack. To protect herself, Dani pretends to be from Joseon, as there are rumors that the general kills Jurchen people. She serves tea to Gyeol Seo in Hanyang, the capital of Joseon, trying to remain unnoticed. However, she gets involved in political intrigues and develops feelings for Gyeol Seo, who has his own past and issues.
Gyeol Seo is a respected and feared general known for his military skills. Despite his loyalty to the king, he has many enemies. Due to a tragic incident in his youth, he cannot drink clear water and carries a lot of guilt and anger. While he is usually cold and distant, he begins to open up to Dani, who reminds him of his lost sister.
Other characters in the manhwa include Gyeol Seo’s loyal subordinates, Dani’s fellow tea servers, the king and the royal family, ministers and nobles, rebels and traitors, Jurchen and Manchu leaders, as well as foreign powers and invaders.
Let’s Introduce Our Characters
- Lord Dani: The female protagonist of the manhwa is a Jurchen girl who was orphaned and sold as a slave. Rescued by Gyeol Seo, she becomes his tea server. She is kind, brave, and curious, with a strong sense of justice and loyalty. She also possesses a special ability to see the flow of energy in living things, which she calls “that which flows by”.
- Gyeol Seo: The male protagonist is a renowned general known for his military skills. Despite his loyalty to the king, he has many enemies. He is typically cold and aloof but shows a soft side to Dani, treating her like a sister. He has a trauma related to clear water and harbors a secret that could alter the nation’s fate.
- Hyeon: Gyeol Seo’s right-hand man and best friend is a skilled swordsman and loyal subordinate. He is cheerful and friendly, with a sharp mind and keen observation skills. He is protective of Gyeol Seo and Dani, often teasing them about their relationship.
- Sooe Yoen: Dani’s friend and fellow tea server is a Joseon girl who was sold to Gyeol Seo’s house by her stepmother. She is sweet and gentle, with a strong will and clever wit. Supportive of Dani and Gyeol Seo, she has a crush on Hyeon.
- King Ienjo: The 16th king of the Joseon dynasty was a weak and indecisive ruler easily influenced by ministers and nobles. He is paranoid and suspicious of Gyeol Seo, viewing him as a potential threat to his throne. Additionally, he fears the Manchu invasion, attempting to avoid it by surrendering and sending hostages.
- Prince Soyeon: The eldest son and heir of King Injo is a smart and charismatic prince, popular among both the people and the soldiers. While loyal to his father, he also has his own vision and ambition for the country. He admires and trusts Gyeol Seo, and is friendly and respectful towards him.
- Kim Jeom: The leader of the Western faction is a cunning and ruthless politician who opposes Gyeol Seo and the king. He schemes to overthrow the king and install Prince Sohyeon as a puppet ruler. Additionally, he is involved in illegal and corrupt activities like smuggling, bribery, and assassination.
- Ho Taiji: The leader of the Manchu people and founder of the Qing dynasty is a powerful and ambitious ruler with goals to conquer China and Korea. He is a skilled warrior and strategist who uses diplomacy, deception, and force. He is interested in Dani, believing she is the reincarnation of his deceased wife.
Conclusion
“That Which Flows By” is not just a manhwa; it’s an experience that encourages self-acceptance and challenging societal norms. It offers a poignant reflection on societal pressures and a beautifully crafted story. The narrative immerses readers in the complexities of the human experience. So, dive into the story, follow Mia’s transformative journey, and discover your own inner flow.
