Manhwa protagonists are often based on popular archetypes, and while they certainly have their flaws, they are still high-functioning individuals. However, some manhwa deviate from these characters for a less conventional archetype; NEETs, which stands for Not in Education, Employment, or Training. While these recluses are often portrayed as lazy, indolent characters, NEETs suffer from crippling social anxieties that force them to find refuge within the confines of their homes.

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Despite often being relegated to comedic relief, these social hermits can double as stellar protagonists with the right character development and personal growth. NEETs are a common archetype in isekai narratives, as they shed their fears and anxieties for a more fulfilling life in another world. However, a few manhwa solely focus on the growth of these shut-ins in the real world, presenting a more realistic take on the everyday struggles of NEETs.

5 Obey Me

Anime-Planet Rating: 2.77/5

Storylines with NEETs at the forefront tend to be on the lighter side of things, but Obey Me flips the script with an extremely dark take on this archetype. Jinyoo becomes a recluse after experiencing years of abuse and trauma at the hands of his father, permanently resigning himself to his room. However, this isn’t the end of Jinyoo’s misery, as he ends up getting kidnapped by Gyuh-wool, his high school classmate who has developed an obsession with him.

The premise of Obey Me is quite reminiscent of Killing Stalking, even more so as the two manhwa follow similar mature themes of abuse, psychological trauma, and self-harm. While the art might be a bit rough around the edges, Obey Me’s premise is thoroughly intriguing, one that fans of dark manhwa will surely appreciate.

4 The Wizard And The NEET

Anime-Planet Rating: 3.31/5

In a world where magic and tech go hand-in-hand, Ko is a NEET who has resigned himself to an existence free of human contact. However, this doesn’t last long after he eats a poisoned fruit and becomes cursed by a witch. He must share a true love's kiss to undo the curse, forcing him to come out of his hermit shell.

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As a three-shot manhwa, The Wizard and the NEET doesn’t beat around the bush with its storyline. With three chapters and limited panels, the manhwa jumps straight to the point, leading to a budding BL affair with Yann, a man who will undo Ko’s curse. Despite being relatively short, the manhwa is able to present a wholesome yet fleshed-out narrative, with a focus on a NEET’s personal growth.

3 Dungeon Defense

Anime-Planet Rating: 3.83/5

Dungeon Defense is another isekai manhwa that follows a NEET-turned-Demon Lord’s rise to the top. Being a victim of familial abuse and bullying, the protagonist becomes a shut-in, but all of that changes after his father’s death. Inheriting 500 million yen, he becomes a self-proclaimed NEET who spends his entire day playing “Dungeon Attack.” However, the very same game ends up transmigrating him as "Dantalian," the weakest demon lord in the game.

While the initial premise might seem bizarre, Dungeon Defense’s narrative certainly has merit, especially with its focus on Dantalian’s strategies as he plans his rise from his status of the weakest demon lord. Becoming a ruthless demon lord, the protagonist’s initial characterization of a NEET later becomes a secondary aspect, though it still showcases his duality of jumping from an awkward recluse to a brutal killer.

2 FFF-Class Trashero

Anime-Planet Rating: 3.96/5

FFF-Class Trashero is another case of an otaku thrown into a fantastical world after being chosen as a hero. Hansoo Kang is tasked with defeating the lord of Fantasia, a feat that requires him to train for ten years. However, merely defeating the demon wasn’t enough to prove his worth as a hero, as god reveals a report card that surely isn’t in his favor.

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FFF-Class Trashero is a straight-up isekai power fantasy, with Hansoo Kang being an overpowered protagonist who can slay any opponent on a whim. His characterization is quite morally ambiguous, and while that may add nuance to his character, some might find his disposition to be a bit unpalatable.

1 Her Summon

Anime-Planet Rating: 4.0/5

After a joke about an underage idol goes wrong on national TV, Jin-kyung’s life practically comes to a halt, facing social alienation and ridicule both virtually and in real life. Forced to be a shut-in for over three years, Jin-Kyung’s days of being a NEET finally come to an end after he is summoned as a hero in another world.

Her Summon follows the classic isekai blueprint that revolves around a NEET’s second go at life in a mystical world. Unlike the shut-ins common in manga and anime, Jin-Kyung’s mental health and personal growth are a major aspect of the manhwa. His growth from a depressed and anxious recluse to a healthy adult further adds a touch of realism to the manhwa’s isekai premise.

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