The biggest issue for me is that the MC is too perfect.

He's an unprecedented musical genius, manages to build connections and see through people's intentions perfectly, can win both in clean and underhanded methods, and to top it off he's also better looking than everyone else.

And while he's technically supposed to have a tragic backstory, there's barely any detail and the plot basically covers the part of his life after he already got over it.

While some of the arcs have antagonists, the novel is missing a character or force that... more>> could actually challenge the protagonist and provide real suspense.

All things considered it's still relatively well-written despite success in all things being an inevitability. I won't go as far as calling the characters complex, but they're entertaining.

It's fun to follow his career and see the steps he goes through to eventually achieve his dream, even if he goes through them unnaturally fast with no significant setbacks. <<less

I'm 43 chapters in, and honestly... I think I like this novel? I mean, I keep up with it. I even wrote a review — which I never do — so that's saying something, right?

I've read a fair share of entertainment industry stories, but Star Maker hits different. It's the first time I've seen a main character start from the actual bottom — like, "sleeping on a borrowed office couch" bottom. Han Seon-ho wants to be a music producer, but he's grinding it out as a road manager first. That... more>> alone made me raise an eyebrow and stick around.

There's no golden cheat code here. No magical talent that shoots him to the top in three chapters. Just grit, baby. And that's what makes it cool. You're watching him build experience, manage talent, give advice, and produce tracks — four so far. He's not just aiming high, he's earning it.

His backstory is rough — orphaned, had a past with gangsters, a pickpocket phase — but there's heart too. He's doing all of this for a dead friend who once told him he had a gift. That little spark of belief fuels everything. It's cliché, sure, but it works.

The side characters? They're alright. They've got their own stories, and not everyone's out here just to serve the MC — which is refreshing. One character in particular pissed me off at first for not helping the MC more, but then I had to check myself. He's got his own responsibilities, his own job. This ain't a fairy tale where everyone drops their lives to worship the protagonist. Realistic? Hell yeah. Conditioned by overpowered MCs? Also yes.

One thing I hope the author leans into more is Seon-ho's supposed genius mind. We're told he's sharp, calculating — but I want to see it. Give me the clever moves, the strategic plays, the industry chess. It's hinted at, but hasn't fully landed yet.

Also, the politics side of the industry? A little shallow so far, but it makes sense. MC's not high up enough to be tangled in that web yet. It'll probably unfold more later, and I'm curious to see how deep it gets.

Oh, and this is showbiz, baby. The novel reminds you constantly. Glitz, pressure, backstabbing, hustle — and none of it feels sugarcoated. Love that.

Nitpick corner: Can we chill a bit on how hot the MC is? I mean, he's apparently gorgeous and every new character has a mini heart attack when they meet him. It's funny, not annoying — but once you notice it, you notice it.

All in all, Star Maker is a slow burn that respects the hustle. It's not about instant glory or unstoppable plot armor — it's about growth, struggle, and navigating an industry that eats people alive. And that's what makes it so damn interesting.

Rating: 4/5 stars.

Here's hoping it sticks the landing and doesn't nosedive halfway through — but for now, I'm strapped in. <<less

Still too early to really tell, but it has potential? MC has musical talent similar to Jun Hyuk from God's Song, and basically wants to be a music producer.

Since the story is taking place within the idol/music industry, there's naturally going to be all those showbiz politics and whatnot that the MC has to maneuver while protecting the talents that he is in charge of and all that. Important characters are being fleshed out so they don't feel one dimensional as well.

If you are a fan of these kind of... more>> stories like Top Management, I would say to give this a chance. I really did enjoy the 20 chapters I read. Ah, but the MC doesn't have any system or supernatural abilities so don't expect those, yeah? Just his musical ability and calculating wit.

Edit: now at ch 75 and still loving it. Definitely give it a read. <<less