Best CEO Male Leads In Manhwa

Best CEO Male Leads In Manhwa

Key Takeaways

  • CEO male leads in manhwa are charming stereotypes like Gunho Yoo, Seongjun Ma, and Doojoon Kang.
  • Male leads like Wooseok Jung and Taemu Kang bring emotional vulnerability and sweetness to the CEO trope.
  • Kyungwoo Kang and Taejoon Kim offer unique twists with soft-spoken sincerity and revenge-driven complexity.

As a devoted reader of these engaging webtoons, I must say that each male lead presents a unique and captivating narrative. Secretary Out-Of-Order’s CEO character is indeed surprising and wholesome, with his rigid exterior slowly melting under Ha-ri’s quirky charm.


In a simple and engaging style, here’s how I would rephrase your text: Readers adore well-crafted characters that can captivate them deeply. The classic romance tropes found in manhwa often become unforgettable due to their skillful writing. These archetypes, although predictable, have the power to leave a lasting impact on readers. When the protagonists embody the perfect partner ideal, it makes an indelible mark.

One specific trope is the billionaire CEO male lead and the ordinary female lead. It depicts the perfect transition from rags to riches, or cold to hot, as the female lead tries to navigate what it means to date the “unapproachable and powerful” CEO. These male leads are a longing fantasy and can only be accurately brought to life through certain manhwa. So, take a look at some of these CEO male leads who are bound to turn heads and flip hearts with their cliché backgrounds and undying devotion to their partners.

8 Gunho Yoo

The Man’s Games

CreatorLee Chae Young (Story) One universe (Art)
Release DateOctober 2022
Chapters45
StatusCompleted

Since childhood, Yeena Yoon has harbored feelings for her neighbor, Juhyung. One day, she gathers the nerve to confess her affection, opting to pen a love letter instead. Upon sending it, she eagerly awaits his response. Alas, the one who arrives isn’t Juhyung but his elder brother, Gunho. Unwillingly, Yeena finds herself drawn into Gunho’s kind gestures and pretends to reciprocate his long-desired affections towards her.

In the narrative of “The Gentleman’s Game,” Gunho stands out as an exemplar of patience. He’s harbored affection for Yeena since their childhood days. It wasn’t until her misstep opened a door for him to be near her that he seized the moment to demonstrate his worth. Gunho exudes charm, but it’s a bumbling sort that leaves Yeena puzzled about whether she’s drawn to the right sibling or not.

7 Seongjun Ma

His Devilish New Hire

CreatorEonjeong (Story) Kimsiot (Art)
Release Date2020
Chapters80
StatusCompleted

On an intoxicated evening, Jieun blurted out her feelings to her boss, Seongjun Ma, unintentionally. This act left her feeling as if the earth might open and consume her. Known for his icy disposition and harsh behavior, Seongjun’s gaze is reminiscent of a black widow spider, capable of striking terror with a single glance. However, Jieun was taken aback when her impulsive confession managed to capture Seongjun’s interest in an unexpected manner.

In a charming manner, Seongjun’s amusement arises from Jieun’s responses, and it’s heartwarming to witness his usually stern demeanor soften in her presence. His endearing quirkiness, often referred to as ‘gap-moe,’ is evident when it comes to expressing his emotions, despite his cold exterior. Readers are sure to find themselves smiling at the sight of Seongjun’s adorable and attentive behavior towards His Devilish New Hire, making him an irresistibly attractive male lead.

6 Wooseok Jung

Acquainted: Encounter Spin-Off

CreatorPerilla (Story) Pamba (Art)
Release DateMarch 2021
Chapters50
StatusCompleted

Initially, a casual encounter between the stern CEO Wooseok Jung and the easygoing architect Yujin Han took place in Spain. However, when they reconnected in Korea, their relationship began to flourish romantically. It seemed almost destined that Yujin was the victor of a contest organized by Wooseok’s company. A mysterious attraction between them grew stronger, yet their societal norms posed challenges to their feelings.

In their partnership, Yujin and Wooseok exhibit maturity and constant communication. “Spin-Off: Encounter Acquaintances” is a follow-up to the Korean drama “Encounter,” though it’s not essential for readers to have watched it prior. Wooseok stands out among male leads for his emotional openness, particularly considering his background as a chaebol. He is considerate, compassionate, proactive, and consistently striving to bring joy to Yujin. This manhwa would resonate deeply with older readers seeking a straightforward romance that evokes nostalgia for their past love stories.

5 Doojoon Kang

Positively Yours

CreatorLee jung (Story) Kang ki (Art)
Release DateJune 2020
Chapters89
StatusCompleted

When I discover my childhood crush has started dating my best friend, I’m so upset I feel like tossing all caution aside. Feeling reckless, I decide to have a one-night stand to numb the pain, but things take an unexpected turn when I find myself pregnant just a few weeks later. The man responsible for my child and partner of that night is none other than Doojoon Kang, the chairman of my company. To make matters even more surprising, he’s willing to step up as a father, marry me, and accept this sudden change in his life.

In Positively Yours, we encounter a common trope of opposite personalities: Doojoon, who is typically aloof and serious, much like a typical male lead in manhwa. However, this tough exterior crumbles when he meets Hee-won, whose vibrant personality brings about change in him. The story beautifully portrays how Doojoon goes the extra mile to ensure Hee-won’s happiness. Readers will undoubtedly find themselves envious and captivated by the stark contrast between Doojoon’s professional demeanor and his affectionate persona at home.

4 Kyungwoo Kang

The Wicked Wife Of The Scheming CEO

CreatorYoon Soda (Story) Mo Yeon (Art)
Release DateAugust 2022
Chapters65
StatusCompleted

In my perspective, I find myself resonating deeply with Eunsung Hahm and Kyungwoo Kang – two individuals who, despite their unique personalities, find themselves ensnared in strikingly similar predicaments. Eunsung, my heart aches for her as she learns her boyfriend has been unfaithful, while Kyungwoo, far from the stereotypical CEO character you’d expect in a romance novel, is engaged to someone he doesn’t share true feelings for. We both yearn for peace and tranquility, seeking solace in an unconventional solution: a pretend relationship. Intriguingly, Kyungwoo isn’t the typical cut-and-dried CEO that one might expect to see in this romantic scenario, making our shared predicament all the more captivating.

In a different phrasing: Kyungwoo, the protagonist from “The Wicked Wife Of The Scheming CEO”, is generally quiet and sincere. Although he’s rumored to have a cunning side, this trait only surfaces when he interacts playfully with Eunsung. However, it’s important to note that his scheming nature isn’t his defining characteristic. Instead, Kyungwoo is known for being soft-spoken yet attractive due to his vulnerability under the weight of his family obligations. Despite trying to project a tough exterior, he’s actually quite fragile, which adds to his charm.

3 Dohyeok Chae

Secretary Out-Of-Order

CreatorParand (Story) QuornQuorn (Art)
Release DateJanuary 2022
Chapters55
StatusCompleted

In her highly accomplished profession, Yu-eun Gam finds herself constantly challenged by her demanding CEO, Dohyeok Chae. Overwhelmed by his unyielding demands and excessive workload, she one day spontaneously purchases a lottery ticket and miraculously wins a substantial sum. With the wealth beyond her dreams at hand, Yu-eun contemplates leaving her position – but Dohyeok Chae is not the type to simply let someone of her caliber walk away.

Dohyeok, the CEO of a robot company, often comes off as emotionally detached in work situations. He’s not very aware of social cues and usually keeps people at arm’s length due to his past experiences. Despite being wealthy, handsome, and having numerous admirers, he’s really just an innocent and virtuous character. This unexpected contrast between his professional demeanor and personal innocence is quite heartwarming, making “Secretary Out-Of-Order ” a delightful choice for readers who appreciate a dashing CEO male lead with the power to melt hearts.

2 Taemu Kang

A Business Proposal

CreatorHaehwa, Perilla, Guava Farm (Story) Narak (Art)
Release DateSeptember 2020
Chapters130
StatusCompleted

In a turn of events, Ha-ri found herself needing only to perform a minor favor for her dearest friend by feigning an uptight demeanor on a casual date. However, she wasn’t prepared that her date would be none other than Taemu, the newly appointed CEO of her very own company. Taemu, in contrast, was merely seeking a temporary truce to escape the persistent marriage proposals from his family. This story unfolds as Ha-ri navigates dating her superior while maintaining the pretense of being her friend, all the while concealing their true relationship.

Beyond the popular novel A Business Proposal, Taemu stands out as a male protagonist who leaves a deep impression on numerous readers. He embodies the stereotypical billionaire CEO, complete with his luxurious abode, sleek automobile, and aloof demeanor. More than just an attractive figure, he is self-disciplined to a fault. However, it’s when he encounters Ha-ri and her quirks that his icy facade starts to crack, revealing a tender side to him. Taemu is certain to capture attention and quicken hearts with his endearing sweetness.

1 Taejoon Kim

Can’t Get Enough Of You

CreatorVODAUVEU (Story) QuornQuorn (Art)
Release DateApril 2024
Chapters59
StatusOngoing

Ever since I lost my parents in that devastating car accident years ago, I’ve been haunted by a deep desire for vengeance. The driver responsible was none other than So-eun Han’s father. Now, as an accomplished CEO back in Korea, the stars seem to have aligned, placing So-eun in my professional orbit. Initially, I wanted merely a taste of satisfaction, intending to wield my power against her at work. But life seldom unfolds as we plan, and before long, the boundary between my resentment and growing admiration for her had blurred beyond recognition.

In the drama “Can’t Get Enough Of You“, Taejoon’s initial character portrayal might seem less than favorable. He’s primarily motivated by his desire for revenge, and ironically, he can be quite rude despite being the most good-looking man in any given setting. However, beneath this tough exterior lies a heart as vast as the ocean, rivaled only by So-eun’s. He’s devoted, playful, and exceptionally attentive to her feelings, qualities that make him a compelling character who can effortlessly tug at a reader’s heartstrings.

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2024-09-29 08:05