Yang Can't Live Alone Is Moving Away From Square Enix
sooncha’s manga Yang Can't Live Alone is no longer staying under Square Enix’s publishing setup, following an already-public fallout between the creator and Manga UP!.
According to Anime News Network, Square Enix will stop publishing physical copies of the manga in Japan. Existing books are not being immediately pulled from shelves, though — they will continue to be sold until current stock is gone.
The bigger deadline is for digital readers: Square Enix’s digital distribution ends on August 31 at 11:59 p.m. JST. Manga UP! Global will also stop English digital distribution at that same time. Readers who already bought chapters will still be able to view those purchases.
What Happens To English And Translated Editions?
sooncha said translated versions of the manga will remain on sale until their individual publishing agreements expire. That means availability may differ depending on the language edition and publisher arrangement.
As of Anime News Network’s report, the Square Enix Manga & Books page for the title was showing an error. ANN said it contacted Square Enix to clarify the English release status.
Square Enix Manga & Books had previously licensed the manga and had announced an English first volume release for September 15. Based on the current situation, that release now looks uncertain unless Square Enix confirms otherwise.
Why The Manga Ended On Manga UP!
This development follows sooncha’s earlier statement that Yang Can't Live Alone was cancelled because of a breakdown in their relationship with Manga UP!.
The manga ended on the service with the third part of chapter 15 on August 13. At the time, sooncha said they were speaking with the editorial department about getting Square Enix to withdraw the copyright.
The third compiled volume shipped in Japan on August 6, but sooncha had also told readers they could cancel pre-orders if they felt uncomfortable continuing with the volume.
What Is Yang Can't Live Alone About?
The series follows Yuu, a hardworking college student whose serious personality can make romance complicated. Then Yang, a Chinese exchange student with a soft, puppy-like vibe, enters her life after she helps him out of trouble.
He asks Yuu to act as his bodyguard, which starts as a strange professional arrangement before the two begin developing deeper feelings.
sooncha launched the manga on Manga UP! in December 2024.
Why This Matters For Malaysia And SEA Readers
Analysis/inference: For Malaysia and SEA manga fans who read legally through global digital platforms, this is the kind of publisher dispute that can suddenly affect access. The source does not mention Malaysia-specific availability, pricing, retailers, or launch plans, so don’t assume a local release is locked in.
But if you were following the English digital version through Manga UP! Global, the practical takeaway is simple: distribution ends on August 31 at 11:59 p.m. JST, while already purchased chapters remain viewable. Physical and translated editions depend on stock levels and contract timelines.
No drama speculation needed — but yes, this is one of those creator-publisher situations worth watching closely.