I Mistook the Genre for a Dating Sim

My Thoughts on I Mistook the Genre for a Dating Sim

First Impressions

Okay, let me tell you, the title alone grabbed my attention. "I Mistook the Genre for a Dating Sim"? Genius! It promises a comedic trainwreck, and honestly, it delivers. The premise is simple: our protagonist, Kim Jin-woo, gets isekai'd and genuinely believes he's landed in a dating sim. He's tasked with managing a dilapidated motel and, armed with a management manual, sets out to woo the "heroines." The catch? This is not a dating sim. It's something far more sinister.

What Works Well

The humor is the absolute star of this show. It's derived almost entirely from the disconnect between Jin-woo's perception and the grim reality surrounding him. He's endearingly clueless, interpreting every creepy, unsettling event as a quirky dating sim trope. His interactions with the motel guests are comedic gold. He earnestly tries to raise their "favorability" using the manual's absurd instructions, leading to hilariously disastrous results. I particularly enjoyed how the author uses Jin-woo's denseness not just as a joke, but as a core part of his character. He's relentlessly optimistic, even when faced with terrifying situations, which makes him incredibly likeable. I found myself constantly rooting for him, despite wanting to shake him and scream, "Dude, run!" The pacing is also spot-on, keeping you hooked with each chapter as Jin-woo stumbles into new, bizarre challenges. The writing style is light and easy to read, perfectly complementing the story's comedic tone. The world is clearly a horror setting, but it's filtered through Jin-woo's naive perspective, creating a brilliant contrast.

Final Verdict

If you're looking for a novel that expertly blends horror and comedy, "I Mistook the Genre for a Dating Sim" is definitely worth checking out. The central premise is executed brilliantly, and the protagonist is genuinely unique and charming. I was constantly left wondering how Jin-woo would misinterpret the next terrifying situation as a romantic opportunity, and I'm eager to see where the story goes. It's a wild, hilarious ride that I highly recommend.