18 Best Manhwa Male Leads

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.

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By  Nahda Nabiilah

Updated on June 1, 2025, by Nahda Nabiilah: It's always fascinating to read a Manhwa and figure out immediately who is the male lead out of all the other characters. Their actions and mannerisms are always different from the rest, which is what makes them the male lead and not a side character. It could be their looks, their fighting abilities, or their strategic thinking that make the male leads stand out from the rest. It also doesn't hurt that most Manhwa male leads have all of these qualities combined, which is what makes them the best.

18 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.

17 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.

16 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.

15 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.

14 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.

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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.

13 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.

12 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.

11 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.

10 Riftan Calypse

Commander Of The Remdragon Knights

Riftan Calypse is often seen as a cold and strategic commander who prefers the company of his soldiers and friends to the obnoxious nobility in Under The Oak Tree. He doesn't care about formality nor is he interested in social events, since he despises the rich who treat the weak poorly. Tristan learned from a young age to never trust anyone easily and to take care of himself, which is why he's now the Commander of the Remdragon Knights and has achieved many feats.

With all this tough exterior, his weakness comes in the form of his wife, Maximilian Calypse. It's almost impossible for Tristan to get mad at his wife as he's willing to go to a great extent to please her, like giving up his land and title as Lord Calypse. Other than his brutish strength, calculating mind, and soft heart for his wife, Tristan is generally a great leader who values those who earned his respect and will never treat the poor and the innocent wrongly.

9 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.