5 Shocking Reasons 'Flowers Are Bait' Manhwa Became The Ultimate Yandere Psychological Thriller

The Manhwa and Webtoon world is constantly evolving, but few titles have captured the internet's attention in the same visceral way as Flowers Are Bait. As of December 15, 2025, this Korean webcomic, also known by its official title Flower of Allure, continues to dominate discussions in the psychological thriller and 'Male Yandere' genres, long after its initial serialization concluded. The story is a masterclass in tension, blending a dark romance with a chilling mystery that keeps readers constantly questioning the true motives of its main characters.

Originally based on a popular web novel by Dried Fish Girl (건어물녀), the Manhwa adaptation is notorious for its intense, angsty plot, focusing on a deeply troubled relationship born from a horrific past. It’s a series that doesn't shy away from mature themes, exploring the complex dynamics of power, memory loss, and a desperate quest for a second chance at life and love. This deep dive will reveal the core entities, the complete plot breakdown, and the shocking reasons why this series remains a must-read for fans of dark romance.

The Complete Biography and Character Profiles: So Lee-yeon and Kwon Chae-woo

At the heart of Flowers Are Bait is a toxic yet mesmerizing dynamic between a compassionate doctor and a dangerous, amnesiac patient. The entire narrative hinges on the secrets and lies surrounding their intertwined past, making a clear understanding of their profiles essential for any reader.

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• Title (Korean): 꽃은 미끼야 (Kkocheun Mikkiya)
• Associated Names: Flower of Allure, Flowers Are Bait
• Original Format: Web Novel (Completed with 157 Chapters + 10 Side Stories)
• Manhwa Status: Concluded its first volume at 32 Chapters (Serialization Period: 2021.10.16 ~ 2022.04.27)
• Author (Novel): Dried Fish Girl (건어물녀)
• Genre Tags: Psychological Thriller, Mature, Romance, Enemies Become Lovers, Memory Loss, Second Chances, Angsty
• Publisher: Able

Main Characters:

So Lee-yeon (The Heroine / FL)

• Role: A Doctor at Spruce Hospital.
• Personality: Initially portrayed as a gentle and timid "wooden doctor."
• Core Conflict: For two years, she has been secretly hiding a comatose patient—a man who once tried to kill her and buried her alive. Her life is a constant struggle between her professional duty and the terrifying truth of her past.
• Key Entity: Spruce Hospital.

Kwon Chae-woo (The Male Lead / ML)

• Role: The Comatose Patient.
• Personality: Wakes up as a "plant man" (a person in a vegetative state) with complete memory loss. His true nature is revealed as intense, all-consuming, and highly possessive—a classic 'Red Flag ML' or 'Male Yandere'.
• Core Conflict: He is the man who committed the horrific act against Lee-yeon. His amnesia complicates their dynamic, forcing Lee-yeon to care for her tormentor while he slowly reawakens his dangerous obsession for her.
• Key Entity: Male Yandere.

The Dark Core: Why the 'Enemies Become Lovers' Trope is Twisted

The Manhwa takes the popular 'Enemies Become Lovers' trope and pushes it into deeply uncomfortable, yet compelling, territory. Unlike standard romance, the foundation of Kwon Chae-woo and So Lee-yeon's relationship is not a misunderstanding but a literal act of attempted murder. This single, shocking premise is the first reason the series stands out.

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The story begins two years after the traumatic event. Lee-yeon, the tree doctor, is meticulously caring for Chae-woo, the man who buried her alive, who is now in a vegetative state. This setup immediately establishes a power imbalance and a profound psychological weight. When Chae-woo finally awakens, the layers of the psychological thriller truly begin to unfold.

His memory loss acts as a narrative reset, allowing a fragile, new relationship to form—one based on Lee-yeon's reluctant compassion and Chae-woo's emerging, intense devotion. However, the reader, and Lee-yeon, are constantly aware that the 'monster' is only dormant. The tension comes from waiting for his memory to return, and with it, the terrifying obsession that defines his character.

This constant oscillation between tender care and impending doom is what makes the series so addictively angsty. It forces readers to confront uncomfortable questions: Can a relationship ever be pure if it's built on such a dark history? Is Chae-woo truly capable of change, or is his love simply a form of possession? This exploration of memory and second chances, heavily laced with a mature tone, is a hallmark of the series.

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Understanding the Manhwa's True Status and Where to Find the Complete Story

A significant source of confusion for fans of Flowers Are Bait is the discrepancy in chapter counts and the Manhwa's status. It is crucial to distinguish between the two formats to avoid spoilers and fully enjoy the story.

The Manhwa (Webcomic) Status

The Manhwa adaptation, known in its official form as Flower of Allure, was serialized on platforms like Lydie and One Story. The initial serialization period concluded in April 2022, with the first volume ending around 32 chapters. This conclusion often left Manhwa-only readers on a significant cliffhanger, prompting many to seek out the original source.

While discussions about a second volume or a return from hiatus have circulated, the official Manhwa adaptation is often considered a completed first part, focusing on the initial stages of Kwon Chae-woo's awakening and the immediate aftermath of his memory loss.

The Original Web Novel (The Full Story)

To get the complete, satisfying, and often more dramatic conclusion, fans must turn to the original web novel by Dried Fish Girl. This novel is extensive, concluding with 157 main chapters and 10 side stories. Key moments, such as Kwon Chae-woo's most vulnerable plea to Lee-yeon—"I-yeon, walk as far as you want… But in exchange… just pick me up one last time"—often appear in the novel's later stages, which are not covered by the short Manhwa.

For readers who prefer visual storytelling, the Manhwa provides a stunning, high-quality introduction to the dark world of Spruce Hospital. However, for those seeking the full arc of Lee-yeon and Chae-woo's 'Second Chances' and the resolution of the psychological thriller elements, the novel remains the definitive source. The Manhwa is available on platforms like Ridibooks, where many readers initially discovered the series.

The 5 Shocking Elements That Define the Series

The enduring popularity of Flowers Are Bait is not accidental. It is driven by several narrative choices that elevate it beyond a simple dark romance, cementing its place as a cornerstone in the 'Red Flag ML' genre:

1. The Amnesia-Driven Psychological Warfare: The Manhwa expertly uses Kwon Chae-woo's memory loss as a narrative device. It creates a constant, agonizing suspense: is his current, gentle devotion genuine, or is it a ticking time bomb until the 'monster' who buried Lee-yeon alive resurfaces? This tension is the core of the psychological thriller aspect.
2. The 'Red Flag ML' Archetype: Chae-woo is the quintessential 'Red Flag Male Lead.' He is not a misunderstood hero; he is a dangerous, possessive, and intense figure whose love is described as "all-consuming" and threatening to "devour everything in sight". This unapologetic portrayal appeals directly to a niche audience fascinated by the 'Yandere' trope.
3. The High-Stakes Setting: Placing the entire conflict within Spruce Hospital, a place of healing, creates a powerful irony. Lee-yeon, the doctor, is forced to be the caregiver for her own tormentor, blurring the lines between professional duty and personal trauma. This high-stakes environment constantly reminds the reader of the danger.
4. Mature and Angsty Tone: The series deals explicitly with mature themes, including trauma, attempted murder, and obsessive love, giving it a raw, angsty edge that distinguishes it from lighter romance titles. The plot is dramatic and often unrealistic in its intensity, which is precisely what its dedicated fanbase loves.
5. The Novel's Depth: The existence of a long, completed web novel (157 chapters) provides a satisfying resolution for those who commit to the story. This ensures that even after the Manhwa's short, cliffhanger conclusion, the full narrative arc—including the emotional fallout and the eventual 'Enemies Become Lovers' payoff—is accessible, maintaining topical authority and reader investment.

Ultimately, Flowers Are Bait is a complex, polarizing, and unforgettable read. It is a story that proves the most captivating romances are often the ones steeped in the darkest secrets, making it a must-read for any fan of mature, psychological webcomics.