In this episode of Manga With Josh, I talk about Did Someone Force You To Become The Heavenly Demon?, a newer Korean manhwa that approaches the Murim genre from an unexpected angle. Rather than following a protagonist driven by ambition or revenge, this story centers on someone who simply wanted to survive and live a normal life — and ends up becoming a disciple of the Heavenly Demon because there was no other choice.

The series blends martial arts, cultivation, and comedy, but what makes it stand out is its focus on consequences. Power here isn’t free, and every technique comes with a psychological cost that the story refuses to ignore.

What We Talk About

The Murim world and the divide between orthodox and unorthodox factions

Who the Heavenly Demon is and why that title carries so much weight

A reluctant protagonist forced into discipleship to survive

Martial arts styles that come with emotional and mental drawbacks

Disciples shaped by anger, detachment, obsession, and anxiety

Humor as a way to explore darker themes without losing balance

The early training arc and the transition into the academy storyline

Why This Manhwa Stood Out

What makes this series interesting isn’t just its premise, but how seriously it takes the idea that power changes people. Each discipline taught by the Heavenly Demon introduces a flaw alongside its strength, and the story explores what it means to live with those consequences instead of overcoming them instantly. The protagonist’s response isn’t dominance or rebellion, but structure — introducing routine, rules, and even therapy into a world that doesn’t normally make space for any of that.

It’s a Murim story that understands the genre well enough to play with it, using humor and character dynamics to say something a little quieter and more grounded.

Final Thoughts

With only a few dozen chapters released so far, Did Someone Force You To Become The Heavenly Demon? is easy to catch up on and clearly still finding its footing. It may never become a massive, animated franchise, but it doesn’t need to. There’s room here for steady growth, deeper character exploration, and a long-term arc that feels earned rather than rushed.

If you enjoy Murim stories that aren’t built around power fantasies, this is one worth keeping an eye on.

About the Show

Manga With Josh is a podcast where we explore manga you may not have heard of, but probably should have.

As always, this is Manga With Josh — where we explore manga you may not have heard of, but probably should have.