The Escapism Nature of Isekai
Prologue: Isekai, in general
Nowadays, I find myself immersed in the Isekai genre. The prompt of this story, to be honest, is very cliche stuff that I can even guess the stereotypical aspect that will appear in the manhwa: A reliable and loyal maid that devotes herself to the main character, “I will run away from this house and life my live freely without getting involved with the plot and the original MC” (Which usually they failed to do so), the part where the male lead said “Interesting”, or maybe the part where they either have a wholesome family or the severe form of dysfunctional relationship due to the father hate MC for being born since it cause the death of his beloved wife (Which is kinda ridiculous like you take part on making your wife pregnant, why blame your child?).
However, even when I’m able to guess these usual cliches in this genre, I can’t lie that I will keep reading every single series if it piques my interest. Some of them are good, while some of them are quite… ridiculous in general retrospect. But in the end, I tried to appreciate every part of the creativity it took to create such stories. World-building in general isn’t an easy job, and to manifest such lush stories along with complex writing when it comes to character is surely even harder.
But today, I will talk about this specific genre due to some aspects subtly mentioned in this specific genre. In general, the rise of Isekai manhwa generally started around the 2010s, and the latest pandemic that locks us within the confinement of our rooms also becomes the part that affects the blossoming rise of this series. Since real-life traveling isn’t possible, people might start looking for another way to explore the unseen world; thus, the Isekai genre came in the clutch to save the day.
The majority of the manhwa usually revolve around two sub-genres that become integral to the story: Regression or Transmigration, in which the character gets transported into a different world after reading that one novel before they die or suddenly turn back into certain points in their life after they died in the previous time.
Another aspect of these stories usually came from the sudden death that happened to them (All thanks to the Truck-kun, for the majority of the time), or the sheer regret that hit them of not living properly (Not loving the ML, or their kids, or living up for themselves), and lastly, they just got accidentally transmigrated after falling asleep due to reading the specific novel/games where the plot will take place.
My Mind, Diving into this Genre
Those two aspects are something that I analyze during the brazen train of thought that knocks up my brain whenever boredom lingers in my mind. From my perspective, I think the main reason why so many people like this genre is the sense of relatable they feel, and the lack of satisfaction they might have in real life, which projects into a sense of longing for a second chance or to turn back time and reshape life into something that suits them more perfectly.
In addition, the “regressing” aspect that exists within the genre can reflect the wish that there would be “another chance” that could be given to them. Life is all about choice, and it is important for us to thoroughly reflect on everything before making one. Some people might end up regretting their choices, and to think that they could be given a “Second chance” or even live another life that might suit them better might present as a form of “escape” from the harsh, cold reality of the real world.
Sometimes, it starts from the “What if” question, which grows into something deeper and complex about the kind of life they yearn for. Maybe the sheer thought of escaping the real world is indeed tempting for some people, as manhwa might give the sense of a glistening world filled with gorgeous characters (For real, some of them are indeed drawn in a very delicate manner which makes me feel some kind of way).
It is sad if you think about it because life itself is a complex tale that forces us to thrive in it, dancing between delight and sadness that come around the corner. The manhwa seems to provide some solace, portraying a world where everything appears perfect, accompanied by someone capable of loving unconditionally. It indeed offers the utmost comfort imaginable for anyone. Nevertheless, wanting something that we didn’t have is a very humane thought at the end of the day, and I think this specific genre in general can serve as a part of the coping mechanism that one could have during certain times in life.
Funny enough, I find it ironic that while capable of contemplating such a thought, I’m one of such individuals who delve into the depths of the rabbit hole within this genre. Maybe, some part of me also longs for a different journey, a simpler life that seems “Perfect” in certain aspects. Nonetheless, I’m a reader in the first place, therefore, aside from those self-deprecating analyses formed from an unexpected deep contemplation, I was more invested in the plot and how the story will revolve in the very first place. A thrilling experience, filled with a much more complex emotion that filled my heart due to the emotion evoked from such stories, or even the knock of reality that hit me due to the author who managed to let out a mind-blowing dialogue that hit close to the home.
Nevertheless, after so much reading and contemplation, I started to question myself: Am I enjoying this genre due to the narrative and plot, or does it reflect an unconscious longing for the remark I previously made?? For now, I can’t even give the proper answer to this. But time is the ultimate passage that will answer all things in life. I might find the answer or maybe I will never know.
