What It Means to Be You Love, Identity, and Redemption

What would you do if one day you woke up in someone else’s body? You have to shoulder their burdens, live their emotions, and experience their heartbreaks. That’s the wild yet profoundly emotional ride What It Means to Be You takes you on. 

This manhwa doesn’t just tell a story—it drags you into a whirlwind of love, pain, redemption, and some good old body-swapping drama. If you’re into tales that tug at your heartstrings while keeping you glued to every panel, then What It Means to Be You is a must-read.

In this gripping narrative, we follow the story of Princess Violet and her tumultuous marriage to Winter, a man burdened with his own struggles. But the real twist? A supernatural body swap that flips their world upside down and forces them to walk (quite literally) in each other’s shoes. 

Keep reading to uncover the magic, the heartbreak, and the unforgettable journey that makes What It Means to Be You manhwa an absolute masterpiece.

Key Details About What It Means to Be You

Rating: 6.94/10 (MyAnimeList)

Publish Date: March 2, 2021

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Creators: Bora Lee (Story), Ocean (Art)

Love and Chaos Unfold in This Plot

At the heart of What It Means to Be You lies the turbulent story of Princess Violet and Winter Blooming, two individuals brought together not by love but by circumstance. Violet’s family, once part of the royal lineage, falls into financial ruin, forcing her into a marriage of convenience with Winter, the illegitimate son of a wealthy nobleman. Violet sees Winter as her knight in shining armor, but Winter views her as a means to an end.

Their marriage starts on rocky ground. While Violet falls deeply in love with Winter, her feelings remain unrequited. Winter, driven by bitterness and resentment, sees her as a manipulative pawn in a cruel game of survival. To make matters worse, Violet’s royal title is revoked, and she’s publicly labeled a swindler. The judgment, isolation, and emotional neglect push her to the brink of despair.

Three years into their union, Violet, feeling utterly hopeless, attempts to end her life. But fate has other plans. Instead of dying, she wakes up to find herself in Winter’s body. And Winter? He wakes up in hers. This unexpected body swap throws their lives into chaos, forcing them to navigate each other’s pain, struggles, and deepest fears. It’s no longer about surviving their marriage; it’s about understanding what it means to be the other person.

Deep and Relatable Characters

The beauty of What It Means to Be You lies in its nuanced characters. Violet and Winter are flawed, raw, and incredibly human, making their journeys all the more relatable.

Princess Violet

Violet is a character who’ll tug at your heartstrings. Despite her title, she’s far from the archetype of a perfect princess. She’s vulnerable, desperate for love, and deeply misunderstood. Her struggles with societal expectations and unrequited affection are painfully relatable. 

Through the body swap, Violet gains insight into Winter’s harsh upbringing and emotional barriers, helping her grow into a more empathetic and self-assured individual.

Winter Blooming

Winter’s exterior is cold and unyielding, but his backstory reveals a world of pain. Born as an illegitimate child, he’s faced rejection and judgment his entire life, shaping him into a hardened, bitter man. 

However, stepping into Violet’s shoes makes him confront his own prejudices and misunderstandings. It’s through her eyes that he begins to see the damage his actions have caused, setting him on a path of redemption.

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Themes That Tug at the Heart

Manhwa fans love a good plot, but what truly sets What It Means to Be You apart is its exploration of deep, universal themes. Here are a few standout elements that make this manhwa unforgettable:

Body Swapping: A Unique Narrative Device

Body swapping isn’t new to fiction, but in What It Means to Be You, it’s executed with such emotional depth that it feels revolutionary. The swap forces Violet and Winter to experience life from the other’s perspective—their physical struggles, emotional pain, and social stigmas. 

It’s not just a plot twist; it’s a transformative journey for both characters. The narrative doesn’t just ask, “What would you do in someone else’s shoes?” It demands, “Can you truly understand their world?”

Love and Understanding

At its core, What It Means to Be You is a love story. But it’s not about grand romantic gestures or fairy tale endings. It’s about the gritty, painful process of learning to love someone for who they truly are. 

For Violet and Winter, love begins not with attraction but with understanding. Their journey reminds readers that love isn’t just about feelings; it’s about actions, sacrifices, and seeing beyond your own perspective.

Identity and Personal Growth

The manhwa tackles the concept of identity on multiple levels. Violet’s royal heritage is stripped away, forcing her to redefine who she is without her title. Winter’s illegitimacy makes him question his worth. 

Through the body swap, both characters confront their insecurities and learn to embrace their true selves. It’s a powerful message about self-acceptance and the courage to grow beyond societal labels.

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The Artwork is A Visual Feast

A story as emotionally charged as What It Means to Be You needs art that can do it justice, and the artwork here truly delivers. The illustrator’s attention to detail is phenomenal, especially in capturing the characters’ emotions. Whether it’s Violet’s tear-streaked face or Winter’s moments of quiet vulnerability, the artwork pulls you into their world.

The backgrounds are equally stunning, with intricate designs that bring the manhwa’s setting to life. The contrast between Violet’s once-regal life and her current struggles is beautifully depicted through the visuals. And let’s not forget the dramatic panels during the body swap scenes—they’re nothing short of breathtaking.

Why You Should Read What It Means to Be You?

Still not convinced? Let’s break down why this manhwa deserves a spot on your reading list (and in your heart).

• Unique Premise: The body-swap trope may not be new, but What It Means to Be You takes it to another level with its emotional depth and character-driven narrative.
• Emotional Rollercoaster: If you’re a fan of stories that make you laugh, cry, and scream at your screen, this one’s for you.
• Realistic Characters: Violet and Winter’s struggles feel real, making it easy to connect with them on a personal level.
• Gorgeous Artwork: Seriously, the visuals alone are worth the read.

Whether you’re a seasoned manhwa enthusiast or a newbie looking for your next obsession, What It Means to Be You offers a perfect blend of drama, romance, and introspection.

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Final Thoughts

What It Means to Be You isn’t just a manhwa—it’s a deeply personal and emotional journey that challenges the way we perceive relationships, identity, and love. With its unique premise, unforgettable characters, and breathtaking artwork, it has carved out a special place in the hearts of manhwa fans around the world. This story doesn’t just entertain; it inspires readers to look beyond the surface and truly understand the people around them.

Ready to immerse yourself in more masterpieces like this? Head over to Dashtoon, your ultimate platform for discovering amazing manhwa like What It Means to Be You. Whether you’re seeking a thought-provoking story or a visually stunning reading experience, Dashtoon has you covered. Don’t just read—experience the magic today!

FAQs

Q. Who is the target audience for What It Means to Be You?

A. This manhwa appeals to fans of romance and fantasy dramas. If you enjoy emotionally charged narratives with complex characters, this story is perfect for you.

Q. How many chapters does the manhwa have?

A. There are a total of 165 chapters in the current What It Means to Be You manhwa.

Q. Does the manhwa delve into other important themes?

A. Yes, the story explores themes of emotional neglect, despair, and the impact of societal judgment. Violet’s struggles, in particular, highlight the importance of mental health and self-worth.

Q. Are there any plans for an anime adaptation?

A. As of now, there’s no official news about an anime adaptation of What It Means to Be You. However, with its growing popularity, it wouldn’t be surprising if one is announced in the future.

Q. What sets What It Means to Be You apart from other body-swap stories?

A. Unlike most body-swap tales that focus on comedic or superficial elements, this manhwa uses the trope to explore deep emotional and psychological themes, making it a standout in the genre.

Q. What kind of relationship development can readers expect?

A. The relationship between Violet and Winter evolves from misunderstanding and resentment to empathy and genuine love. Their growth is gradual, realistic, and incredibly moving.

Q. Are there any spin-offs or related stories?

A. Currently, there are no spin-offs, but the richness of the characters and world-building leaves room for potential side stories in the future. Keep an eye on updates from the creators!