Summary

  • Soo Jiwoo, Dan Yuuseong, and Seojoon prove that hard work surpasses cheating abilities.
  • These hardworking MCs lead by example, sacrifice for the greater good, and show that no pain means no gain in their journey.
  • Characters like Arian and Doctor Elise exemplify dedication, determination, and the importance of effort over privilege in manhwa storytelling.

Hardworking characters in manhwa can be hard to come by. In many cases, the MC of these stories has some kind of cheating ability that solves everything for them. This is frequent in the shonen and isekai genres, and in most fantasy tropes readers find nowadays.

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But these characters are proof that hard work is the winner's way. They lead by example, they make others want to be like them, and most importantly, they are willing to sacrifice their time and needs for a greater goal. These MCs know that if there is no pain, there's no gain.

1 Soo Jiwoo (Eleceed)

No Matter What The Challenge Is, He Will Beat It Through Sheer Effort

Eleceed
  • Genre: Shonen, Action, Comedy
  • Author: Jeho Son
  • Artist: ZHENA
  • Number of chapters: 289
  • Status: Ongoing

Soo Jiwoo had to grow up segregated from his peers, in constant fear of his powers being revealed. But when he met Kayden Break, an Awakener who had turned into a street cat, his life changed forever. Now he is a hardworking and honest apprentice of one of the most powerful Awakeners in the world, capable of beating every challenge just to prove that he will do anything to protect his friends.

His crew members are the most valuable thing in the world for Jiwoo, and he is willing to sacrifice his health (both physical and mental) to protect them. He is one of the most responsible and hardworking MCs fans will ever see in a shonen manhwa and a perfect example of great character development throughout the plot.

2 Dan Yuuseong (Infinite Leveling: Murim)

He Was Given A Second Chance, And He Will Break His Back This Time

Dan Yuseong Infinite Leveling-1
  • Genre: Martial Arts, Adventure, Action
  • Author: Gonbung
  • Artist: Jinwoo Kim
  • Number of chapters: 202
  • Status: Ongoing

After finding an artifact that allows him to turn back time, Dan Yuuseong begins his journey to change history. To avoid the total destruction of the Murim Alliance, he will work himself to the bone. His hardworking attitude quickly rewards him with more power, the acceptance of his peers and masters, and a group of trustworthy friends.

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But perhaps what paved his way to defeat the Pirate Trio of the East Sea and become a hero is his unbreakable will. No matter how much pain, or how hard and dangerous his fights are, he will not back down. Even when facing the powerful Miyamoto Mamoru, he proved that his hard work is his strongest weapon.

3 Seojoon (Transcension Academy)

When Money Is Not On The Table, His Effort Is The Main Currency

Seojoon Transcension Academy
  • Genre: Martial Arts, Adventure, Action, Shounen, Dystopian
  • Author: Dupacitapa, Eojjeoda
  • Artist: KyuJeanne
  • Number of chapters: 116
  • Status: Ongoing

When Seojoon gains access to the Transcension Academy E-Learning App, he is surprised by the sheer amount of information on how to improve his Awakened skills. But even after spending hundreds of dollars (Wons) on virtual classes, it is up to him to make all that precious knowledge work in his favor. Throughout the main plot, he paves the way for others' growth, serving as an example.

Overcoming every trial, exam, and challenge, Seojoon proves again and again that he is the true heir to the Heroes Of Cataclysm. With a "no pain, no gain" attitude, he has spent countless hours training with the most exotic and painful of methods, and even when others consider him weird or "obsessed about money" he pays no attention and keeps going. A truly remarkable MC with a winner mentality.

4 Arian (Infinite Mage)

He's A Tryharder Mage, Able To Break The Limits Of Magic

Arian Shirone Infinite Mage
  • Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Comedy, Action
  • Author: Kim Chiwoo
  • Artist: REDICE Studio
  • Number of chapters: 74
  • Status: Ongoing

Arian Shirone is a capable and wholesome character, having lived a life of hardship and constantly in fear of not being worthy enough. But when he is selected to join the prestigious Academy of Magic, he soon understands that learning the arcane arts will require his absolute attention. Not only is Shirone able to commune with the strongest mystery of magic (The Immortal Equation) but he has proven that being of commoner origin is not a disadvantage for any mage.

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His efforts are commendable, and his exploits are the stuff of legend. Slowly but steadily, and supported by a group of loyal friends, Shirone has become one of the top students in the Academy. The best part? He did it without sponsorship, leverage, or the need to ask for favors from anyone. All he has accomplished is the fruit of his efforts.

5 Doctor Elise

Proving Everyone That She Is The True Jewel Of The Empire

Elise in the manhwa Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp
  • Genre: Isekai, Drama, Comedy, Romance
  • Author: Mini
  • Artist: Kidarient, Yui
  • No. Of Chapters: 143
  • Status: Ongoing

Elise is one of those genius characters who are also the best at what they do because of their hard work and commitment to helping others. She has made herself known as a kindhearted and smart woman, capable of great feats, and a revolutionary physician. Even her husband has to admit that she's a force to be reckoned with.

No matter the challenge, or the evil plot that is set in motion, she will overcome it all. Her efforts are commendable not only because she managed to clear the poor image everyone in the Empire had of her, but because she started a renovation of the medical system, consistently improving the quality of life of those in need. She truly is a great and hardworking character.

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