15 Best Manhwa Male Leads

Key Takeaways

• Male leads in Manhwas are portrayed as handsome with different personalities tied to their looks.
• Resilience is a common trait among male leads, willing to sacrifice everything to reach their goals.
• Some male leads like Eun-Hyuk from Operation: True Love defies typical character molds, making them relatable.

Almost all the male leads in Manhwas are arguably some of the most handsome protagonists and antagonists. The way they are portrayed is deeply related to their character, whether it’s mischievous and roguish or innocent and cute.

The most common trait among most male leads in Manhwas is definitely their unending resilience to achieve their goals, the good and the bad. It’s not an exaggeration to say that they are willing to sacrifice everything in their way to complete their goals, and that’s what makes them the best male leads of all time.

Updated on November 1, 2024, by Nahda Nabiilah: It’s not surprising that most readers, if not all, start reading a Manhwa simply because the male lead is very handsome. But after getting into the story and discovering how the male protagonist reacts to certain situations or treats those around him, most of the fans fall even more in love with the male lead, especially if the character is introduced at a very young age, and readers are with him on the journey every step of the way.

Some of the mentioned Manhwas may mention or contain heavy subjects such as emotional/sexual abuse, self-harm, bullying, mental illness, and gore scenes.

15 Go Eun-Hyuk

Rude Prick

Go Eun-Hyuk is the male lead of Operation: True Love. He stands out by defying the typical flawless protagonist mold. Even though he was a victim of past traumas due to his father’s ‘faithful’ life, he doesn’t allow these struggles to interfere with his interactions with Su-Ae or his friends.

Unlike the common trope of most Manhwa leads, Eun-Hyuk doesn’t treat Su-Ae as a mere savior for his troubled childhood nor lets himself interfere with her life choices unless she asks him to. Instead, he is a protagonist who is both relatable and likable, navigating his flaws on his own terms. This fusion of realism and likability makes Eun-Hyuk one of the most loved male leads in the Manhwa realm.

14 Emperor Kahir

The ‘Tyrant’ Emperor

In the beginning of I’m the Tyrant’s Secretary, Emperor Kahir is introduced as the tyrant emperor who punishes and kills all of his incompetent secretaries. He is also portrayed as cruel and impossible to get along with. However, the reincarnated female lead, Rosalyn, manages to shine a light on his most prominent characteristics after working as his secretary for five years. For example, he is loyal, cares deeply about his kingdom and its people, and is willing to make any sacrifice to ensure his followers’ safety.

Kahir has an icy attitude and doesn’t tolerate mistakes. But, after the guidance of the female protagonist, he becomes more patient and lenient when handling punishments and death executions, and readers can witness this change of personality little by little.

13 Callisto Regulus

The Strongest Man In The Empire

Callisto Regulus is the main character in the Villains Are Destined to Die Manhwa and a love interest in the Daughter of the Duke – Love Project! Otome game. He has the stereotypical blonde royal hair as he is the Crown Prince of the Eorka Empire and a descendant of the golden dragon.

Callisto is hostile toward anyone he perceives as a threat, especially with the queen’s unending assassination attempts. However, he is the kindest and most easygoing person to his loved ones. Callisto is adored and highly regarded by his fellow soldiers, who view him as their honest, intelligent, and persistent Crown Prince.

12 Doo-Joon Kang

A Proper Gentleman

Doo-Joon Kang, the male lead in Positively Yours, seems cold outside and aloof, executing a dashing and stoic charm that hides the warmth and kindness within. He is a master strategist, who navigates life with a calculated approach that never undermines his gentleness, especially towards those he cherishes.

When confronted with Hee-Won’s unexpected pregnancy, Doo-Joon’s responsible nature shines through as he asks for her hand in marriage. Even in the face of Hee-Won’s refusal, he remains supportive, respecting her boundaries while enveloping her in care and tenderness. This balance of strength and softness ensures Hee-Won of his growing feelings, making Doo-Joon a captivating presence in the Manhwa.

11 Rayburn Espelindo

Falsely Accused Prince

Rayburn Espelindo is among the most loved male leads in the Manhwa realm as he is known as the direct, honest, conscious, and considerate prince in I Stan The Prince. His evolving relationship with Angela, the female lead, embodies the “best friends to lovers” dynamic, warming readers’ hearts with every interaction.

In the Manhwa, Rayburn undergoes significant emotional growth, learning to break free from the cage that was customized for him by the royal family, with Angela’s support. This transformation turns him from someone who habitually suppresses his emotions and actions to a more vulnerable and cool-headed person.

10 Cedric Hayworth

“Cosmopolitan Man”

Cedric Hayworth, the male lead of For Better or For Worse, has a composed demeanor and sophistication, masking a gentle and loving nature beneath the surface. Unlike many typical male leads, Cedric possesses a realistic personality that is grounded and relatable, rather than overly-powered or idealized. His hardworking, loyal, and respectful traits make him a refreshing character who resonates with the audience.

The chemistry and tension he shares with Dillon, the female lead, is undeniable. Their relationship evolves organically, providing a fulfilling narrative as both Cedric and Dillon confront their flaws and grow individually. Readers are drawn to the authenticity of their connection since it highlights the importance of mutual support and understanding in a romantic relationship.

9 Ditrian

King Of Communication

Ditrian, the King of the Genos Kingdom in Saving My Sweetheart Manhwa, endured unimaginable suffering. His entire family fell victim to the so-called saintess of the Holy Empire, who not only took their lives but also subjected Ditrian to endless torment. To protect his people and subordinates, he chose to endure all of this.

Rather than allowing his grim and traumatic past to give him a reason to become a jerk, Ditrian used it as a catalyst for growth. His experience deepened his empathy and strengthened his resolve to care for his loved ones, his kingdom, and those under his command. This self-restraint and growth laid the foundation for a genuine and loving relationship with Leticia in both timelines, breaking through any kind of prejudices, regardless of her tarnished reputation.

8 Rupert Edgar Laspe Vellelum

The Genius Alchemist

Rupert Edgar Laspe Vellelum has one of the most tragic childhoods in the history of Manhwa. He learned from a young age that he was alone in this world since his mother’s only wish and goal was for him to become an emperor. Sadly for Rupert, his escape from reality became his punishment. As the current emperor slowly starts to become obsessed with the empress, she kills herself, which angers the emperor. Therefore, young and powerless Rupert is forced under the emperor’s orders to use his immense talent of Alchemy and preserve the empress’s body, his mother, so the emperor may still ‘use’ her whenever he wishes.

Driven by an insane thirst for revenge and to fulfill his mother’s final wish in Your Majesty, Please Spare Me, Rupert disguises himself as a woman and stays undercover inside the castle until he finally kills the emperor and sits on the throne. Rupert’s journey is a rollercoaster of emotions as readers will read about his suffering and discover how twisted his mind can become if he wants to achieve his goals.

7 Seunghyeon Kang

Greenest Flag

Seunghyeon Kang is widely regarded as one of the greenest flag male leads to exist in the Manhwa realm. As a dedicated, kind-hearted, and hardworking actor, he offers Yura Hwang unwavering support, encouragement, and assistance, so she can achieve her aspirations without using his celebrity status or overstepping her boundaries.

He lets her go at her own pace and is proud of every little achievement she accomplishes, no matter how trivial they may seem. Furthermore, his honesty with his emotions is refreshing, as he never fails to express his love and devotion, making him the standard of sincerity and dedication in Daytime Star.

6 Charteris Kartazen

The “Blessed” Kartazen Empire’s Second Prince

Charteris Kartazen is the blessed Kartazen Empire’s second prince in Secret Lady. His royal family is marked by a curse that blesses one son and curses the other. While he is bestowed with health and power, his royal brother suffers from a curse that deteriorates his body and soul. However, Charteris’ selfless and family-oriented nature makes him determined to give whatever in his power to save his brother from this dreadful fate, even if it means that the curse will become his.

Moreover, his love and devotion to the female lead is one of the most tender and passionate in the Manhwa realm. Upon realizing that his affection could doom her, Charteris’ prayers become a daily routine, so he could lose all feelings to ensure her safety and well-being. This sacrificial aspect of his love adds layers of depth to his character, making him a remarkable male lead in Manhwa.

5 Cale Henituse

A Great Character Development

After getting reincarnated into the world of the novel he read, Kim Roksu should have been happy, but fate decided to mess with him. The male lead wakes up in the body of Cale Henituse from the Lout of Count’s Family, a filthy rich noble known for his drunkard habits. This led to him being beaten up by the novel’s male lead, Choi Han.

However, Cale refused to live such a life and decided to do everything in his power to protect himself from the male lead. Readers will be taken on a journey as Cale uses his knowledge and money to go on various adventures, assembling allies and discovering hidden mysteries. The male lead is shrewd and knows how to get himself out of a sticky situation.

4 Carcel Escalante De Esposa

The Son Of The Most Noble Family In Ortega

Carcel Escalante De Esposa is the son of Ortega’s most noble family in The Broken Ring: This Marriage Will Fail Anyway. He is the cousin of the soon-to-be emperor, who abused him and drove him to death numerous times. Since Carcel is very family-oriented, he wouldn’t fight back to keep his family safe from the royal schemes.

Furthermore, having Ines as his wife didn’t help his case, as Oscar the emperor always thrived on adding her to his ‘collection.’ Carcel can give up anything except for Ines as he loves, cherishes, and protects her through all of their lifetimes. Whether they are together or apart, seeing her happy, even if not by his side, is enough to make him feel at ease.

3 Nora Von Neuremberg

Starving Wolf

Nora Von Neuremberg is the Neuremberg noble family’s only son and Crown Prince Theodore’s cousin in A Stepmother’s Märchen. Nora had been neglected by his parents since childhood for his cousin’s sake, rolling in the mud and waiting for his grim death. In his first life, he was drowned in solitude until he met Shuli, the kind-hearted ‘mother.’ As he grew up, fate pulled him toward her again when he was tasked by the emperor to keep an eye on her, transforming him into a being who could not be revealed to her and a man who yearned for her from afar.

This narrative reveals Nora’s eternal love for Shuli during all their lifetimes, even when she doesn’t remember meeting him. After Shuli’s reincarnation, she meets the Brave Little Knight under better conditions and gets saved by him. Their relationship grows as they come across various situations together alongside her ‘kids.’ Shuli’s kind spirit and affection inspire Nora to grow and become someone who can stand proudly by her side.

2 Dokja Kim

Yoo Joonghyuk Companion

Dokja Kim is the sole reader of the Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse Novel and the main protagonist of Omniscient Reader. Before his life got intertwined with his favorite Novel characters and events, Dokja used to be a contractor employee at a subsidiary of a large corporation.

He is a selfless, rational, and devoted protagonist, willing to sacrifice himself for loved ones. Despite his made-up put-together image, he struggles to deal with his insecurities and perceives himself as the forever-alone type. Later, he learns to express and understand his feelings alongside Yoo Joonghyuk and his other party members. Dokja’s Exclusive Skill “The Fourth Wall” makes him stand out as a protagonist in the Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse Novel and the Omniscient Reader Manhwa series.

1 Jin-Woo Sung

World’s Weakest Hunter

Jin-Woo Sung is the sole owner of a special system that grants him the power to raise his rank in the world of Solo Leveling Manhwa. This system was earned after Sung was almost at the door of death within the treacherous confines of a Double Dungeon.

This brush with death grants Jin-Woo the chance to transform from the world’s weakest hunter to the strongest in the span of months. Yet, Sung’s strength is accompanied by profound character growth, as each new and unique ability the system offers comes with its own sacrifices and rules.