Best Manhwa Where The Hero Is A Delinquent

Highlights

Delinquents in manhwa can be heroes when they resist corruption and fight against the status quo.
Some delinquents in manhwa transition from troublemakers to fighting for justice and positive change.
Stories like “Weak Hero” show that delinquency can be a result of circumstances, not innate behavior.

As a devoted fan of manhwa, I’ve noticed a common theme: delinquents often serve as the story’s adversaries, bullying and terrorizing our shy protagonist until they reach their limit. They frequently initiate physical confrontations to settle disputes, which only strengthens their negative image. Yet, it’s essential to remember that delinquency is more than just brawls.

Delinquents, as main characters, frequently represent challenges to established order or discrepancies within a rigid system. Despite their notoriety for disregarding rules and defying authority figures, they gain heroic status when they use their rebellion to uncover corruption or challenge the prevailing norms.

8 Hectopascal

MyAnimeList Score: 7.17

Best Manhwa Where The Hero Is A Delinquent

Published: 2022 to Present
Genres/Themes: Action
Author: Buffering
Illustrator: Seonggeun Gil

In numerous manhwa, delinquency and gangs often intertwine, leading many school miscreants to join criminal organizations upon graduation. Consequently, stories exploring these themes exhibit significant similarities or are even considered one and the same. Hectopascal serves as an excellent illustration of this connection.

The tale centers around Park Hanjun’s quest for vengeance. An exceptionally proficient fighter, he had previously taken down a band of tormentors named Nexus. However, unbeknownst to him, this group was part of a larger entity. Due to his actions, Hanjun and his family were targeted with lawsuits, causing them significant hardships. Subsequently, a benefactor reached out to Hanjun, urging him to resume his battle against Nexus.

7 Second Life Of A Gangster

MyAnimeList Score: N/A

Chapters: 136
Published: 2018 to 2021
Genres/Themes: Action, Drama, School
Author: SaYeol
Illustrator: YeRang

Some manhwa present a unique twist: delinquents don’t necessarily remain on their problematic paths. These characters may encounter a pivotal moment, such as meeting the main character or suffering a significant loss, which motivates them to change course. In Jeoong Seok’s instance, an encounter with an angel and the opportunity for a time reset led him to make amends and live a virtuous life, avoiding causing harm to others.

In contrast to numerous time-travel tales that follow a predictable pattern, this story stands out as unique because the protagonist, Jeoong Seok, doesn’t seek vengeance or strive for greater strength. Instead, his primary motivation is self-improvement. Witnessing his transformation is an immensely satisfying experience. While there are still elements of conflict such as fighting and gangs in the story, they primarily serve to illustrate the extent of Jeoong Seok’s personal growth.

6 Designated Bully

MyAnimeList Score: 7.25

Published: 2022 to Present
Genres/Themes: Action, Delinquents, School
Author: Grimzo
Illustrator: Grimzo

In contrast to typical delinquents who clash with the law, this tale introduces a former notorious school bully, Kwon Daegun, who instead finds employment within the legal system due to his exceptional abilities. Having left school behind, he no longer felt compelled to engage in physical confrontations. When approached by the authorities for his unique talents, he readily cooperated.

The school’s leadership falls on Kwon Daegun’s shoulders, and he doesn’t shy away from using force if necessary, keeping other bullies in check. The action-packed fights add excitement, but it’s the main character’s impressive coolness and exceptional strength that draws readers to this manhwa. Kwon Daegun stands out as one of the most formidable protagonists within this genre.

5 Juvenile Offender

MyAnimeList Score: 7.30

Published: 2023 to Present
Genres/Themes: Action, Delinquents
Author: Namja-ui Iyagi
Illustrator: Jongtaek Jeong

As a dedicated gamer, I can tell you that school-set revenge stories often feature protagonists who once walked the halls as ordinary students. However, their lives took a drastic turn when they were subjected to incessant bullying and harassment, causing immense physical, financial, and emotional pain for both them and their families. In this manhwa, I, Lee Yunseong, was once just another face in the crowd. But after years of relentless torment, my spirit was broken, and I vowed to make those who wronged me pay. Now, I’m on a mission to seek retribution against every person who played a role in my suffering.

Yunseong teeters on the brink of criminality, his actions surpassing common delinquent behavior. He yearns for retribution, intending to inflict tenfold the harm he’s suffered, which unfortunately manifests in severe and unlawful activities such as drug dealing, trafficking, and homicide. These transgressions far exceed the realm of being merely a schoolyard bully.

4 An Eye For An Eye

MyAnimeList Score: 7.45

Published: 2014 to 2016
Genres/Themes: Action, Drama, School
Author: Byeongjang
Illustrator: Byeongjang

When Lee Yongjin’s brother narrowly escapes death at the hands of school bullies, he becomes resolved to bring the perpetrators to account. Frustrated by the inaction of the educational institution, he embarks on a personal quest to track down each bully and mete out justice himself. His unwavering commitment drives him to take drastic measures to make them face the consequences of their actions.

Yongjin wasn’t particularly mischievous during his school days, nor was he an academic standout. He had a predilection for solitude and possessed a quick temper, yet managed to avoid major confrontations. However, the shackles that once held him back have been shed. This manhwa may not appeal to every reader, but it is a skillfully crafted and emotionally resonant tale.

3 To Not Die

MyAnimeList Score: 7.53

Published: 2021 to Present
Genres/Themes: Action, Drama
Author: Parae
Illustrator: Jinguk Lim

As a fan, I’d rephrase it as follows: I, Dajun, began as an ordinary student in the story. However, due to intense bullying and specific events, my family disowned me, leaving me to fend for myself. Fortunately, with the assistance of other runaways, I managed to survive.

This tale explores themes of resilience and desperation. Once a powerless victim, Dajun yearned for strength to protect himself against the numerous hazards that now threatened him on the streets. The combats may draw readers in, but this manhwa offers remarkable character growth and narrative depth.

2 Dokgo

MyAnimeList Score: 7.74

Chapters: 90
Published: 2012 to 2014
Genres/Themes: Action, Drama, Delinquents, School
Author: Meen
Illustrator: Seung Hoon Baek

In the realm of delinquent manhwa, “Dokgo” holds a distinguished reputation as a timeless piece. The character Kang Hyuk embodies the very essence of delinquency in this captivating narrative. The plot unfolds following the tragic demise of Hyuk’s elder brother, Kang Hu, who was brutally killed by an elite gang of school bullies. In an attempt to seek revenge and bring down their leader, Hyuk assumes his brother’s identity and re-enters the treacherous halls of his former school.

Despite not putting in much effort to disguise himself, and attending school primarily to engage in fights and make new adversaries, Hyuk cannot be dismissed as a negative influence. On the contrary, his actions have resulted in a positive transformation within the school environment, albeit unwittingly.

1 Weak Hero

MyAnimeList Score: 7.97

Chapters: 267
Published: 2018 to 2023
Genres/Themes: Action, Drama, School
Author: Seopass
Illustrator: RAZEN

Gray Yeon stands in stark contrast to a troublemaker. He diligently studies, earns excellent grades, and keeps a low profile all day long. Moreover, he has an untarnished record of law-abiding behavior. Yet, upon enrolling at Eunjang High School – an institution for delinquents – it was almost unavoidable for him to associate with the unsavory crowd. The same holds true for the other major characters.

In the storyline, it is their roles as participants in an extortion ring spread throughout multiple school districts that classify them as delinquents. However, Eunjang chooses to abstain from such activities. To ensure their own safety, Gray and his companions are compelled to engage in conflicts with other schools instead.

2024-07-14 03:06