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Series Group
The Maknae Has to Be an Idol
Type
Web Novel (KR)
Genre
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Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 51 votes)
5    61% (31 votes)
4    16% (8 votes)
3    12% (6 votes)
2    4% (2 votes)
1    8% (4 votes)
Language
Support Book (#ad)
Author(s)
One entry per line
Artist(s)
One entry per line
N/A
Year
Example: 2012
2023
Status in COO
Status in Country of Origin. One entry per line
256 Chapters (Completed)
Licensed
Yes
Completely Translated
Original Publisher
One entry per line
English Publisher
One entry per line
Release Frequency
Every 37.1 Day(s)
Activity Stats
[Graph]
Weekly Rank: #14270
Monthly Rank: #13263
All Time Rank: #10973
Reading List
[Graph]
On 913 Reading Lists
Monthly Rank: #12529
All Time Rank: #9217

Description

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“I will leave the debut group.”

I can’t make it in this group. I should leave and set up a chicken restaurant so that my brothers could at least make a name for themselves.

Destined to be a failed idol, I decided to leave the group for the betterment of the others.

However,

[A member dies if you leave the debut group.]

What?

“…This is making me crazy.”

The struggles of Bong Tae-Yoon, the Maknae on top, whose hands hold the lives of his group members, begins now!

Associated Names
One entry per line
막내는 아이돌이 되어야 한다
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Debut or Die (3)
The Trashy PD Has To Survive as an Idol (2)
The Malicious Member is Back! (2)
Assistant Manager Kim Hates Idols (2)
While I’m Taking Revenge, I’ll Conquer The Top Idol (2)
Save a Failed Idol’s Life (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. showbiz novel ive read (part 1)
  2. Make way for IDOL MC'S!!
  3. Part1: Show-business, acting, singing, dancing, wr...
  4. Idol novels
  5. Idol/Actor Novels

Latest Release

Date Group Release
11/14/23 Wuxiaworld c20
11/14/23 Wuxiaworld c19
11/14/23 Wuxiaworld c18
11/14/23 Wuxiaworld c17
11/14/23 Wuxiaworld c16
11/14/23 Wuxiaworld c15
11/14/23 Wuxiaworld c14
11/14/23 Wuxiaworld c13
11/14/23 Wuxiaworld c12
11/14/23 Wuxiaworld c11
11/14/23 Wuxiaworld c10
11/14/23 Wuxiaworld c9
11/14/23 Wuxiaworld c8
11/14/23 Wuxiaworld c7
11/14/23 Wuxiaworld c6
12
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Review
13 Reviews


Strwberidoll
Strwberidoll
Jul 19, 2024
Status: Completed
I wanna starts of that I love this novel, everyday I open my phone just to read a new chp of this novel lol so I kinda feel empty with it ending.

Anyway lets start with the good things. I love Bong Tae-Yoon (our mc), he's sacrificial he cute I feel like a noona rooting for him lol.

... more>>
Spoiler

Chp 99 almost killed me when he said noona

[collapse]

I like the author take on the idol system genre it's definitely unique, every chapter it feels like we are fed with new information so you wont feel bored lol, It's hard for me to say how I like the novel but let's start with the criticism.

I feel like sometimes the author forget character exits? Like they introduce a new characters they have a big arc and it feels like there would be more stuff about them in the future but they just disappeared lol.

Spoiler

This is most seen in the chapter about the group we met in the competition that appeared again because of plagiarism issue with Siren. I feel like that small arc is a bit of filler and unnecessary lol

[collapse]

The relationship with MC and the members is weird, it's really not a mutual beneficial relationship lol. Everyone is just talking about his members, and it feels like Tae-Yoon is under appreciated (well maybe because he acts behind the scene but still). I kinda hate the overuse of "hey yeon hoon is the oldest but he's so cute and act like the youngest and his visual is so good so he needs to be the poster material for the group", it's also a bit sad how the members doesn't really seem that close with Tae-Yoon like yeah their relationship it's alright, but it doesn't feels like years of brotherhood y'know. But we do see their strong relationship in the end so at least Tae-Yoon sacrifice's paid off lol. I like his bond better with his rival, Kang Hyun Sung, I feel like they are so rivals to friends and would have a deep connection. In the end the author didn't really deep dipper with their relationship, I feel like we barely dig the surface.

Spoiler

I hate how it feels like Kang Hyun Sung is only there so Tae-Yoon can met with a popular singer in the end and get their songs in the billboard 100 and after that the author just throw his character in the dump

[collapse]

Our MC, Bong Tae-Yoon is too op. Don't get me wrong I like OP mc's but omg I think it's a bit much, almost all of the problems get fixed in like a couple of chapters.

Well I think my main criticism is how the ending is; it's too rush and it gets really confusing in the end, we can still get it using brain power but I felt like the author just throw any "smart" science fiction thing they can think of and hope the reader would understand.

There's plot twist in this too lol, it's kinda predictable but I feel like there could be something more but it's alright and doesn't seem so out of the box and thrown in and stuff.

I recommend this novel for anyone searching for a novel to read in their spare time

oh and If you're here to read only idol activities, this is not for you, the idol focus stuff ends at like the middle of chapter 150-ish and in the end we get more lore and none idol stuff. But in the end its still good so go ahead and read it lol.

Update: GUYS IT HAVE A MANHWA, I REPEAT, IT HAVE A MANHWA. I'M SO EXCITED FEELS LIKE THE HOLES FROM COMPLETING THIS IS FILLED. THEY ALL LOOK SO COOL, I'M HAPPY THIS GOOD A PRETTY GOOD ART <<less
7 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
mynameiskimdokjafan
mynameiskimd
May 19, 2024
Status: c160
I liked the survival show part the first 100 chapters are my favorite MC is good I like him his the type to only care about his people ig? his bandmates has clinch personalities and they were annoying at some points (except for dunjun he never annoyed me) MC is not the popular member his not even the most talented which is quiet unusual for idol genre MCs (he grows in the story and I love his charecter development as an idol)... it some times felt like his band mates... more>> are MC rather than him which also annoyed me specially everyone were like yeon hoon this yeon hoon that :/ OK WE GET IT EVERYONE IN THE BAND IS MASTER OF SMTH EXCEPT MC OK??!?!? STOP MENTIONING THAT NOW PLS ?!?!??! MC loves his members so much like so so so so much their relationship was wholesome BUT the best relationship award goes to kang hyun sung and MC !!!! loved their dynamic so much !!! and Kang Hyun sung is literally the mvp idc what u think he's GOAT !! anyways I got sad when survival show part ended cause we saw Kang Hyun sung less : ( ( ( (he's my pookie bear and I would stan him if he was a real person... anyways I feel like the story needs more focus on MC ?kinda felt like he was shadowbaned in his own story which I kinda understand since the story was from his pov and my man has nothing except his members on his head but still... 2 things I hate in web novels are 1) when side charecters are just some mere extras with no depth and it's all just about op MC 2) when side charecters are average and less interesting than MCs but get the most screen time even more than MC ! which this novel was in 2nd category for me !! tbh the most interesting side (main to me idc) charecter was Kang Hyun sung which he didn't appear much after chapter 100 (I still haven't finished the story tho I hope to see more of him later).... #let_mc_mcing_author oh oh oh before I finish let me say one part that pissed me off
Spoiler

OK Kang Hyun sung is only friend ? (Enemies?soulmate?) with MC in siren and it was one of the members birthday and kanghyun sung called MC on that day and the members were like WHY IS HE CALLING U IS IT BECAUSE DOSUNG BDAY WHY WHY WHY and I was like stfu stop making everything about urselves

[collapse]
)

anyways I recommend reading this for my 🐐s Kang Hyun sung, MC and whatever goes between them + the mystery behind the regression cause these are the only reasons I read the novel for...

UPDATE now im in ch 207 and the story is more fucosed on MC and the plot become more intresting ? the members also grew more on me and I like them all better now cant wait for more chapters I wanna know the mystery behind the system sooooo baaaad <<less
6 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
swarine
swarine
Oct 03, 2024
Status: Completed
If you've read Debut or Die, you'll notice many similarities. Though there are core differences between the two novels, a lot of events overlap, which makes this feel like a worse copy of DOD.

They share similarities and plot points as in certain scandals, the incompetent director, the set up of a company that is delving into kpop for the first time, MC being an orphan, and many other plot points, though the results may differ.

The problem with this author is that this novel had great potential, but the author couldn't... more>> achieve it. There were numerous plot holes and illogical events. The MC's personality was also not well explored, while his past before regression was only lightly touched upon, and the author didn't employ it well. A person who seemingly had depression and longed for death prior to regression would not suddenly be trauma free after regression, his personality is inconsistent. The MC also seems to be quite rude, while prioritising his team members is understandable, he often makes decisions on his own without consulting them and lies for no good reason. He is also quite rude to the rival character Kang Hyun Sung even though he received a lot of help from him, yet he treats him with enmity and seems to hate him for no reason, which brings to mind DOD's MC who hated the rival character and treated him rudely, but for good reason.

The characters feel more flat and the plot is more lacking in comparison to DOD. If you haven't read DOD yet, you will enjoy this. If you read DOD, you will find yourself constantly making comparisons due to all the similar events though the system, missions, and characters are completely different. <<less
5 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
ria.green
ria.green
Jan 31, 2024
Status: c106
Excellent! I wasn't expecting much since there are many generic idol KR novels out there, and most of them are pretty mediocre. Also the art cover looks a little old-fashioned. However, this reminds me a lot of Debut or Die, which is one of my favorite novels. The MC Taeyoon is very practical, loves his members, and has a tragic backstory. He's quite cute in a tsundere maknae way. MC has system benefits but it's not super overdone and annoying. Regression mystery is intriguing. I love me a good supporting... more>> character cast - here, only half of the idol group has significant characterization about a third into the story, but it's made up for with a very interesting rival/friend character. <<less
5 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Goodreadsonly
Goodreadsonl
Apr 14, 2024
Status: c172
I like that this doesn't end with the MC debuting. There's a deeper plot happening in the background, which adds a lot of intrigue and suspense.

I'm so confused by whats happening with the system. It's not as straightforward like other system novels, but it makes it more interesting.

10/10 I need more chapters.
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Str4wberidoll
Str4wberidol
Mar 03, 2024
Status: c136
I’m really in love with this novel! It’s premise is like debut or die but give it a significant change. Tae-Yoon is so cute, I really felt like a fan rooting for him. The chemistry with the members are also all great, they didn’t really feel flat but have their own personalities, the side characters makes you want too root for them too!

The MC, Tae-Yoon have a system like any other idol MC do, but his is quite different. The system doesn’t show something like a status window, so it’s... more>> quite nice to see a change of pace. He’s not op too, we see him struggling a lot but the solution doesn’t feel that crazy or far fetched.

The story is quite a slow burn though. But very chapter makes you want to know more about it. I recommend this novel to anyone who is craving for more idol novels like me, it’s really a fun read with slight angst in it. <<less
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
notsebby
notsebby
Dec 18, 2023
Status: c54
So far, I'm loving the novel. It's kind of wholesome, and I love their friendship; it's so genuine. I'm still waiting for more chapters.
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
MrScruffy
MrScruffy
Feb 12, 2025
Status: Completed
Interesting concept and backstory. I did enjoy the whole novel, but the pacing felt a bit awkward. I can't tell if the lead-up is kind of slow or the ending is a little rushed. Not perfect, but the world building is fairly unique and fleshed out.

Perhaps the main drawback is that the character concepts feel a bit all over the place and rather 2D? They're either singular stereotypes (think "gym rat", "nice person", "rich kid") and have nothing deeper than that, or they're some weird guy who seems written to... more>> be misunderstood and his character never made sense to me even to the end. <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
PannaPoter
PannaPoter
Aug 27, 2024
Status: Completed
I enjoyed this novel more than I expected.

... more>>
Spoiler

Especially considering the fact that the system became more complicated over time, and because of that the plot drifted away from my expectations. It wasn't bad, but a bit unexpected, as I was hoping the Sirens would go a bit further. The debut and semi-return is pretty early in their possible career. But that's what makes it a little more unique.

[collapse]

MC had a really likable personality. I like that he did things out of love, and that even when he was so stressed, he still acted kindly. In addition, the fact that he was a writer added to his charm.

Spoiler

I was surprised that he didn't turn this situation with the rabbits into a marketing stunt - a symbol for each member.

[collapse]

My only regret is that

Spoiler

that we didn't see more of them together and that his relationship with Only One Kang Hyun-Sung could have been explored a bit more, as their dynamic was very entertaining.

[collapse]
<<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
haonovio
haonovio
Jun 25, 2024
Status: c244
I love the relationship between all of them, I really like the mc!! Also the little bromances haha
Spoiler

every time MC interacted with a regressor it made me sad and that yeonhoon really did everything to save them made my heart break aaaa, His mind seemed the weakest but he endured thousands of regressions 💔

[collapse]
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
AlthaKhalee
AlthaKhalee
Apr 20, 2024
Status: c175
This novel is good and quite entertaining. I like the part where the main character doesn't just seem to go back in time (?) for no reason or because a trivial reason, but there's something more to it, and there are a few surprises that I found it refreshing. For someone who is used to reading novels with a lot of chapters, I think the chapters in this novel are a bit short, so some scenes that I thought would be exciting to explain further are summarized by the author,... more>> such as when the main character does the elements related to becoming an idol. This is not a bad thing, but it's just a shame because it could add to the excitement of reading this novel. <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
acmangalover
acmangalover
Sep 12, 2024
Status: Completed
I really like this one! Similar to debut or die, but definitely not the same.

The regression is way different, and the power is different.

I love all the characters interactions. Especially our MC and his rival.

I do feel like debut or die was a bit better though..... there was just... More? More character bonding, more trials, and more cohesiveness. Sometimes I feel like this author forgot some things, and made things too convenient.

... more>>
Spoiler

like when our MC gets into a life or death struggle, and is strangled. You see his emotional struggle after, but like, where are the strangulation hand marks? Why can’t his members tell he got into a fight after?

[collapse]

Spoiler

also since the stakes are so high, and this is not a tragedy, he never fails his missions, and they always go way too smoothly?

[collapse]
<<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
MxMeravellos
MxMeravellos
Aug 17, 2024
Status: Completed
One of my all-time favorite idol novels!

This one has a lot of up and downs and our maknae really puts in the work and scheming. I adore his relationship with his members, they're all so cute and they love him so much!

As far as the idol content goes, this one is pretty average. It really stands out with how it handles it's system and characters. I wouldn't say there's much character growth happening, but the way they explore the extremes of everyone's personalities is so fun.

As for the system.... phew.... more>> There's a lot. It gets a bit philosphical and grand at times, but it's one of the most thorough explorations and resolutions from any system I've seen in any novel, not just idol ones. You ever been frustrated with a nebulous 'system' in your novel that just seems to do whatever? This one is for you. It's very cathartic lol.

All in all, a 10/10 experience. I can't wait for the webcomic to be uploaded and translated, I'll faithfully cheer on our maknae a second time! ☆*:.｡.o (≧▽≦) o.｡.:*☆ <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
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