Imagine a story where a young man feels unanchored and lost after a tragic childhood event. That’s the setup for A Tree Without Roots, a Korean BL (Boys’ Love) manhwa by artist Lapo. It debuted on Lezhin Comics in late 2022 (November 30, 2022). The plot follows 19-year-old Kwon Hee-seo, whose life is upended when his mother commits suicide by setting a church on fire. Left alone and taken in by a foster family, Hee-seo is driven by unanswered questions. In fact, the title reflects his situation – the story describes him as “unmoored like a tree without roots” in his search for truth. Early on, Hee-seo even sets his own home ablaze hoping to draw out the mysterious stranger who once saved him.
Genre/Tags: Boys’ Love (yaoi) psychological drama.
Creator: Written and illustrated by Lapo; published on the Lezhin Comics webtoon platform.
Release: First chapter on Nov 30, 2022. Season 1 ran into early 2024 (concluding with Chapter 51 on Feb. 3, 2024) and Season 2 began in mid-2024.
Chapters: 71 chapters across two seasons.
Content: Dark and mature themes – the story includes trauma, arson, abuse and an age-gap romance between the leads.
In A Tree Without Roots, Kwon Hee-seo’s past trauma drives the plot. After witnessing his mother’s suicide-by-arson, Hee-seo grows up abused and lonely, yet haunted by the memory of the man who briefly rescued him. He constantly wonders if that mysterious savior is secretly watching over him. The official synopsis asks exactly these questions and even quotes the tree metaphor: Hee-seo is “unmoored like a tree without roots” as he desperately searches for answers. In a reckless bid for clarity, Hee-seo sets fire to his foster home, hoping the blaze will force that stranger back into the open. This dangerous act kicks off a tense mystery: readers follow Hee-seo navigating suspicion, obsession, and the fallout of his actions.
The two main characters are Kwon Hee-seo and Cha Tae-kyung. Hee-seo is portrayed as young, sensitive, and impulsive – he starves for affection and is often insecure about being alone. Cha Tae-kyung, the other lead, is an older, disciplined businessman. (In Season 1, Hee-seo is 19 while Cha is 28.) Cha is serious, work-driven, and struggles with emotions, which contrasts sharply with Hee-seo’s emotional, erratic nature. As the story unfolds, the dynamic between them becomes more complex: Cha takes an interest in Hee-seo’s case and eventually becomes a protective figure. Their age gap and opposite personalities add tension to the romance. Fans often note the chemistry between the brooding older man and the impulsive younger teen, a hallmark of many BL dramas.
The tone of A Tree Without Roots is notably dark and suspenseful. It blends psychological drama with romance. You’ll find moments of emotional intensity (some sweet, some tragic) and plot twists as secrets from the past emerge. The artwork is stylized to match the mood – characters often appear in shadowy, dramatic panels. Be aware this manga is intended for mature readers: it includes graphic elements (the initial church fire, violence in the foster home, etc.), and themes like suicide and abuse are handled explicitly. If you enjoy slow-burning suspense and emotional stories that explore characters’ deep pain and longing, this series delivers.
In summary, A Tree Without Roots is a gripping BL manga (Korean manhwa) about healing from trauma and finding unexpected connections. It clearly answers the question “what is A Tree Without Roots?” by offering a high-stakes drama: the title itself hints that the hero must rediscover his own “roots” (family and self-worth) amid danger. Readers who like complex mysteries and intense romance will likely find it engaging. As always, your decision to read it depends on whether these dark themes appeal to you, but many fans praise its emotional depth and twists.
