25 Things You Need To Know About 'I'll Retire After Saving The World' Manhwa And Novel In 2025

The allure of a peaceful retirement after a lifetime of saving the world is the core premise of the hit Korean web novel and manhwa, *I'll Retire After Saving the World*. This captivating series, also known by the titles *I Will Save the World and Retire* or *I'll Just Save The World And Retire*, has cemented its place as a top-tier regression fantasy by blending intense apocalyptic action with the deeply personal goal of a quiet life. As of December 2025, the manhwa adaptation continues to release new chapters, drawing in a global audience eager to follow the protagonist's meticulous plan to prevent the world's destruction and finally achieve his dream of peace. The story’s unique hook lies in its hero, who doesn't seek glory or power but simply wants to use his past knowledge to secure a future where he can relax, free from the constant threat of Dungeons and the impending Apocalypse. The series explores themes of second chances, the burden of immense power, and the complex nature of familial bonds, all set against a backdrop of modern South Korea gearing up for a cataclysmic event. The current ongoing status of the manhwa ensures that the story remains fresh and a constant topic of discussion among fans of the regression genre.

The Savior Who Just Wants to Retire: Heejae Woo's Complete Profile

The entire narrative of *I'll Retire After Saving the World* revolves around its complex and surprisingly cynical protagonist, Heejae Woo (also sometimes romanized as Woo Hwijae). His profile is a study in contrasts: a world-class savior with the heart of a weary salaryman yearning for a vacation.

• Name: Heejae Woo (Woo Hwijae)
• Original Work: *I Will Save the World and Retire* (Web Novel)
• Author: Millem/밀렘
• Series Type: Korean Web Novel (Adapted into Manhwa/Webcomic)
• Genre: Action, Fantasy, Regression, Time Travel, Modern Fantasy
• Key Ability: Regression (Retained all memories and skills from the future)
• Past Life: A survivor and eventual hero who failed to prevent the Apocalypse in Year 2044. He was kidnapped and trained from a young age by a shadowy Criminal Organization.
• Current Goal: To prevent the Global Explosion of Dungeons and secure a Peaceful Retirement in a safe, quiet world.
• New Role: He deliberately takes on the role of a Teacher to nurture the next generation of heroes and ensure the right people are in the right places to save the world, all while minimizing his own direct involvement.
• Personality: Pragmatic, highly skilled, often harsh but with a deep-seated desire to protect his family and those he cares about. He is driven by his past life's regrets.

Heejae Woo’s journey is not about becoming the strongest, but about being the most *efficient*. He uses his two decades of future knowledge—including the weaknesses of major monsters, the location of hidden items, and the identities of future heroes—to manipulate events from the shadows. His ability to unlock Legendary Skills from his past life is key to his success, but his reluctance to step into the limelight makes him a refreshingly grounded hero.

Plot Overview: Preventing the Global Explosion of Dungeons

The central conflict is established immediately in the series' opening: the world is heading toward inevitable destruction. The year is 2044, and the Dungeons are about to undergo a cataclysmic event known as the Global Explosion of Dungeons, which will unleash untold horrors upon the world. The protagonist, Heejae Woo, who lived through this horrifying timeline, suddenly finds himself transported 20 years into the past. The brilliance of the plot lies in its time-travel mechanism. Heejae Woo doesn't regress into a younger body; his consciousness simply returns to his past self, with all his future memories intact. This immediately sets him apart from many other Time Travel stories. His first-hand experience with failure drives his entire motivation: he must prevent the world's end, not for fame, but so he can finally live a quiet life, perhaps in a small house far away from the chaos of Seoul. His plan is multifaceted, requiring him to take on the unlikely role of a Teacher at an academy. By training the future generation of heroes—the very individuals who will be crucial in the final battle—he subtly steers the course of history. He has to manage his immense power and knowledge while pretending to be an ordinary person, a task made difficult by the emergence of new, unforeseen variables. The series expertly balances high-stakes dungeon raids with the personal drama of his new life, including the focus on his family and the mysterious facility known only as The Ark.

Current Status and Why the Series Has Topical Authority in 2025

The series has maintained high Topical Authority within the web-novel and manhwa community, primarily due to its consistent updates and strong character focus.

Manhwa and Novel Release Status (2025 Update)

The original Korean Web Novel, authored by Millem, is the source material and is widely praised for its detailed world-building and character depth. While the novel's full completion status can vary across platforms, the adaptation is what keeps the series in the spotlight. As of the latest reports in December 2025, the Manhwa adaptation is actively ongoing. It has reached and surpassed Chapter 76 and continues to be released regularly. This means readers are currently deep into the narrative arc where Heejae Woo is implementing his critical, early-stage plans. The consistent release schedule ensures that the story remains at the forefront of the modern fantasy and regression genre discussions. Fans often compare it favorably to other titles like *Trash of the Count's Family* due to the protagonist's similar goal of avoiding the spotlight.

The Unique Appeal of the 'Reluctant Hero' Trope

The enduring appeal of *I'll Retire After Saving the World* is its skillful use of the "reluctant hero" trope. Heejae Woo’s sole motivation—a Peaceful Retirement—is incredibly relatable. Unlike heroes who seek power for justice or revenge, Heejae Woo is simply trying to undo the trauma of his past life, which was spent under the control of a Criminal Organization and fighting a losing war against the Dungeons. The series masterfully explores the weight of Past Life Regrets. Every action he takes, from recruiting a future ally to clearing a dangerous Dungeon, is calculated to reduce his future workload. This pragmatic, almost business-like approach to saving the world is what makes the narrative feel fresh and unique, providing a compelling answer to the curiosity-based question: *What would a true hero do if all they wanted was to quit?* His focus on Familial Bonds and protecting his loved ones adds an emotional grounding that prevents the high-stakes action from feeling hollow. The manhwa, also known as *For My Own Good*, perfectly encapsulates this self-serving yet ultimately world-saving motivation.