The R19 webtoon In the Doghouse (also known by its Korean title, 황궁의 정원에는 개가 산다 or A Dog Lives in the Imperial Palace Garden) has become one of the most talked-about series in the mature romance and psychological genres, primarily due to its unique twist on the Male Yandere trope. As of late 2025, the series is currently on a highly anticipated hiatus following the explosive conclusion of its first season. This article dives deep into the complex characters, the dark themes of debt and domination, and the latest status of the creators, Pinca and Jusang, ensuring you have the most current and fresh information available.
Known for its stunning full-color artwork and unapologetically mature themes, In the Doghouse captivated readers with its story of a debt-ridden noble family and the apathetic genius tasked with saving them. The series is published on platforms like Lezhin Comics for international audiences, and its recent Season 1 finale has left the fandom buzzing, desperate for any news on the promised return of Season 2.
'In the Doghouse' Manhwa: Complete Creator and Character Dossier
Before diving into the core plot and its shocking twists, it is essential to understand the key entities driving this dark romance manhwa. The series is a Korean webtoon, often mistakenly referred to as a "manga" by international fans, and falls squarely into the Adult (R19) and Josei categories. This foundational information is crucial for appreciating the depth of its narrative structure.
Manhwa Profile & Creator Biography
- Original Korean Title: 황궁의 정원에는 개가 산다 (Hwanggung-ui Jeongwon-eneun Ga-ga Sanda)
- Alternate English Title: A Dog Lives in the Imperial Palace Garden
- Format: Webtoon / Manhwa (Full Color, R19)
- Original Publisher: Bomtoon (Korea)
- International Publisher: Lezhin Comics (US, Global)
- Author (Pinca / 핑캐): Pinca is credited as the original author who penned the story's core narrative and novel. Their work is known for intricate character psychology and mature, complex relationship dynamics.
- Artist (Jusang): Jusang is the artist responsible for the striking, high-quality full-color visuals that bring the characters and world to life. The art style is a major draw for the series.
- Year of Debut: 2024
- Genre Tags (Topical Authority): Adult, Drama, Romance, Psychological, Josei, Smut, SM/BDSM, Female Domination, Obsessive Love, Royalty.
Main Characters and Their Roles
The entire narrative hinges on the twisted dynamic between the two leads, a relationship built on financial ruin and psychological control.
- Courtney Devon (The Apathetic Genius): The Female Lead (FL) of the story. Courtney is a member of the once-prominent Devon family, which is now facing total bankruptcy due to massive, insurmountable debt. She is characterized as an "apathetic genius" with unusually straight and pragmatic priorities for a character in this genre. Her main goal is to solve her family's debt crisis, which leads her into a dangerous arrangement.
- Richard (The Submissive Yandere): The Male Lead (ML). Richard is arguably the most complex and shocking entity in the series. He is initially presented as a powerful, yet strangely submissive, figure who is deeply obsessed with Courtney. Fans have affectionately (and fearfully) nicknamed him the "evil golden retriever man." His obsession is so profound that he is a true Male Yandere, capable of terrifying acts, with the potential to become a true tyrant, all while being clingy and perverted towards the object of his affection.
The Inciting Incident: Debt, Domination, and the Doghouse
The core conflict of In the Doghouse begins not with a typical romantic encounter, but with a stark financial reality: the Devon family's debt. Courtney Devon, despite her genius and cool-headed nature, finds herself with few options to save her lineage. The solution, or rather, the trap, is Richard, who offers a way out—but at a psychological and physical cost.
The "Doghouse" metaphor in the title is not merely a cute name; it directly refers to the power dynamic and the specific nature of Richard's obsessive love. He desires a relationship where he is entirely devoted and submissive to Courtney, yet his yandere nature means his devotion is terrifyingly possessive. This creates a fascinating and dark exploration of Female Domination (Fem Dom) themes, where Courtney must navigate her position of power over a man who is both a savior and a potential monster.
The series is a masterclass in psychological tension, using the high-stakes backdrop of a debt crisis to explore the limits of love, obsession, and control. This unique blend of Adult Drama and Psychological Romance is what sets it apart from typical webtoons in the genre.
The Latest Update: Season 1 Finale and Season 2 Status
The most crucial and recent information for fans revolves around the series' publication status. The first season of In the Doghouse has officially concluded, leaving the storyline at a massive cliffhanger that has intensified the fan base's curiosity.
- Season 1 End: The first season of the manhwa concluded with Chapter 41, with an additional Epilogue/Creator's Note released as Chapter 42. This finale was released in late 2024, confirming the series' current status as being on hiatus.
- The Hiatus: The break is standard procedure for webtoons to allow the creators, Pinca and Jusang, time to rest, plan, and produce the next batch of chapters. This period is essential for maintaining the high-quality art and complex narrative flow that the series is known for.
- Season 2 Anticipation: While an exact return date for Season 2 has not been officially announced as of the time of this writing (late 2025), the high note on which Season 1 ended suggests the return will be even more intense. Fans are eagerly awaiting the continuation of Richard’s character development and Courtney’s next moves in their high-stakes arrangement.
Why Fans Are Obsessed with Richard: The Submissive Yandere Trope
The primary reason for the manhwa's explosive popularity and topical authority is its handling of the Male Lead, Richard. He is a textbook example of a Male Yandere, a character whose love is so intense it is destructive and obsessive. However, In the Doghouse adds a layer of complexity by making him a *submissive* yandere.
Unlike traditional yandere characters who are dominant and controlling, Richard is perverted and clingy, often begging for Courtney's commands and attention. Yet, this submission is a facade for a deeper, more dangerous possessiveness. He is a truly terrifying person who, as fans speculate, "has the making of a tyrant." His terrifying power is masked by his desire to be completely devoted to Courtney, making him a walking contradiction and a magnetic entity for readers interested in dark romance and psychological thrillers.
The contrast between Courtney's apathetic genius and Richard's obsessive devotion creates a highly unstable and compelling relationship that continuously pushes the boundaries of the Adult Romance genre. The series successfully explores themes of power exchange, masochism, and the fine line between love and madness, cementing its place as a must-read for fans of dark, intense webtoons.
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