In today’s world, true love is rare, and rarer are the kind of people who believe in it. In this list, we are exploring the best modern romance manhwa recommendations. Some characters found their love in childhood, like in In Between, and some are trying not to fall in love, like enemies-to-lovers webtoon Love Bites. Most of the webtoons in this recommendation article are ongoing, and we are waiting for some to begin again, hello Operation: True Love.
1. Selfish Romance
Love is never pure. In Selfish Romance, a modern romance webtoon by Gyogyo Park, old lovers refrain from penning each other long letters for forgiveness, dramatically confessing their true love in a sentimental revelation, or frolicking into a schmaltzy happily ever after. No, instead modern adults meticulously scheme and plot the best way to reunite with their ex, including fake dating, manipulation, and forced interactions- in the midst of an entangled mess of toxic relationships.
The main characters, Yumin, a rising CEO, and Hyeondo, a talented chef, selfishly strike up a fake relationship to inspire envy and win their exes back (whom they broke up with). But they aren’t the worst of it. Their equally Machiavellian ex-lovers are. Even when a small spark between Yumin and Hyeondo fansigns into a flame, the damage they left in the wake of their plans starts to catch up to them. Why would they be left alone by their provoked exes now? In this fake-to-real lovers trope, things are not so straightforward as they are inside out, upside down, and completely topsy-turvy.
2. Tears on a Withered Flower
Tears on a Withered Flower, created by GAE, paints a bona fide picture of modern poverty, loveless marriages, and abusive relationships. Haesu, a hardworking woman in poverty who works several part-time jobs to climb out of debt, finds herself in a dreary and unfulfilling marriage with her insensitive and avaricious husband, Mincheol.
Tears on a Withered Flower explores the sadly common reality of two young people in love once the responsibilities of adulthood kick in. Where a whirlwind romance had first promised smiles and fresh blossoms, the only thing that remained were the tears and dried petals. But when Taeha enters Haesu’s life with a strange connection to her, he refuses to let her suffer alone. Beyond Mincheol’s cheating and the tower of unpaid bills, a silver lining gleams through the gloom of her situation. There’s always a second chance for everyone- even withered flowers.
3. My Bias Gets on the Last Train
These five words sealed the destiny of two perfect strangers who took the same train home daily and coincidentally harboured the same obsession with rock and indie bands. My Bias Gets on the Last Train, created by JIXKSEE (also known for Ultra-Alternate Character), follows the story of Hae-in, a quick-witted and talented musician, and Yeo-un, a hardworking and kind college student, as the strings of their fates interwine and harmonize to the same melody.
No relationship ever comes easy. When Yeo-un’s favourite band, an underground artist called Long Afternoon, starts to gain popularity, the megafan couldn’t be any happier to discover that Hae-in had heard of them too. But little did he know, his mysterious purple-haired friend had a closer connection to the band than he could imagine. Hae-in was Long Afternoon. But slowly, Yeo-un unknowingly teaches her to open up and let her talent shine bright enough for the world to see. Check… 1, 2, 3. Undoubtedly, strangers-to-lovers has never sounded better.
4. My Clueless Love Diary
My Clueless Love Diary, created by Yonghyun and Solar, is a hilarious and adorable webtoon centered around a young girl, who- despite her background as the granddaughter of a major gangster- desires a normal life. Cho-eun, a bubbly and spirited girl (with unbelievable martial arts skills), attends college with one objective in mind: to make friends. However, her quest for normalcy soon becomes an impossible mission as life-threatening danger- in the form of obvious peril and hidden threats- makes itself an integral part of Cho-eun’s college life.
My Clueless Love Diary narrates the story of a college romance between Miro, Seok-Ho, Yuhyeon, and Wonyeong, and Cho-Eun finds herself caught in a complicated maze of concealed identities and layered emotions. In this love triangle- or rather, love rectangle- stolen glances, deep conversations, and unexpectedly romantic situations create a suspense that keeps you guessing: who is Cho-eun’s endgame? But always remember- despite her enthusiastic personality, underestimating Cho-eun is always a grave mistake. Just to give you an idea- she can crush through cement.
5. Ugly Duckling Complex
Ugly Duckling Complex, created by Jamond, Sayosae, and Eunwoo, follows a sweet high school romance. No one batted an eye at Ajin. With her sloppy, over-optimistic attitude and braces, she embodied the sentiment of an ‘ugly duckling,’ especially among the other pretty girls, including her gorgeous best friend.
But just like the classic fairytale, time revealed a different story for her. Ajin soon catches the attention of Junu, the school heartthrob and top student, and finds herself embarking on a journey through drama and love to find her place as a beautiful swan amidst the ducks. Junu, once completely absorbed by his studies and nothing else, slowly finds himself falling for Ajin’s charmingly clumsy antics and unbridled enthusiasm about everything.
6. Operation: True Love
In Operation: True Love, created by Kkokkalee and Dledumb, Su-ae finds an old flip phone, which starts to take a strange interest in her love life. from the beginning, she’d been virtually ‘unlovable’ and the mysterious phone proved it. Compared to the love points of every other person, Su-ae was the most unlovable person ever. When she realizes that her boyfriend, Minu, had never been attracted to her and had started falling for her beautiful foster sister, Ra-im, she decides to take matters into her own hands. Su-ae enlists the help of Eunhyeok, Minu’s handsome friend, to make the pair jealous and gain more points.
But, instead of Minu, her relationship with Eunhyeok starts to fill the empty hole in her life. As she spends more time with him, her points begin increasing (a big triumph for this ‘unlovable’ girl). Meanwhile, Su-ae grows closer to Dohwa, a popular student, who turns out to be the frontrunner in love points. It’s safe to say that the ensuing love triangle is enough to make any heart flutter. But when Ra-im starts to meddle in her life, desiring ruin, Su-ae’s love out of a deep-rooted insecurity, things get even more complicated than before. Will Operation: True Love be a success, or will it all go down in flames?
7. Love 4 A Walk
What’s better than a romance between two next-door neighbors? Answer: a romance between two next-door neighbors that involves dogs. In Love 4 A Walk, by , a paw-some love story unfolds between two dog-loving neighbors who, after a series of dog-related incidents, begin to find themselves drawn to each other (who needs Cupid when we have puppies?). Just like taking care of a pet, love isn’t easy. Instead, it takes dedication, effort, and a little bit of extra affection to work. Pam and Tyler’s initial sparks draw into a slow blaze of passion and love, and with their dogs- who always seem to interrupt at the worst time possible- they let go of the past and focus on their future together.
8. Golden Hour
Golden Hour, created by stephattyy (also known for Reunion), highlights the reality of modern relationships and preaches that often even the most perfect-on-paper couple can have their problems. When successful photographer, Lydia, entrusts her boyfriend to walk her golden retriever, Simba, the situation ends in tragedy. What happens, you ask? Well, her careless partner lets Simba run away and refuses to help look for him, leading to their eventual breakup. Men, these days.
Inexplicably, the friendly dog bonds with Remi, a young bachelor. Simba follows him around the city until the defeated man has no choice but to take the stubborn retriever in. By coincidence, Simba (fate, is that you?) brings Lydia and Remi together…. and then there’s no looking back for the duo. This addictive slice-of-life romance between roommates leaves readers reeling with a wholesome feeling- reminiscent of the warmth of the sun on skin or a long cuddle with an oversized dog- for days. Golden Hour has all of us puppy-eyed and tail-wagging for more!
9. Ex-Love Review
Ex-Love Review is a modern romance webtoon by Pyeonggang and La Hee, sheds light on the violence, manipulation, and dark secrets hidden behind the most unexpected people. With happiness and mental stability on the line, love isn’t just a fun game anymore. It’s an endeavour.
Despite her natural aptitude for pretty much everything, Giju had drawn the short stick when it came to love. After miserably dating multiple toxic and abusive exes, her misfortune finally crescendoed into a tragic accident. It’s said that life flashes before your eyes right before death. But for Giju, that happened after she recovered. And it wasn’t her life that she reviewed; it was the love lives of everyone else.
Now Giju could keep tabs on every human being- whether they were a five-star green flag or a two-star warning sign- and shield herself from the pain of failed relationships. When she runs into Haeil, the popularly faultless senior who possesses both looks and intelligence, her whole world is thrown into confusion again. Why did the flawless man have a one-star rating?!
10. Iseop’s Romance
Alert! Ladies and gentlemen, may we announce an office romance? Iseop’s Romance, a story centered around a brilliant business mind and her boss, was originally created by Anna Kim. Mingyeong, a hardworking (and a little dense) woman, only has eyes for work. After paving her way to the top of the company, Mingyeong starts work as Iseop’s secretary. But suddenly, the company’s successor starts to stir up some new feelings within the otherwise professional worker. Following her heart’s desire could mean compromising her entire life’s work. Was the seemingly arrogant and annoyingly privileged man worth the risk?
Iseop had initially struggled when a young woman began to beat him in every aspect of business possible. But ten years after they joined the company together, Mingyeong- though admittedly overqualified- arrives to work for him. And unexpectedly, Iseop finds himself sinking- faster than a bankrupt corporation- deeper and deeper in love. With Mingyeong by Iseop’s side every day, happiness is so near yet, excruciatingly, so far.
11. Couple Breaker
Tune in for the most cutthroat variety dating show: Couple Breaker! A single meeting derails the bright future of two loving couples, causing it all to come crashing down into a hot mess of relationship chaos and mixed feelings. Taerin, a confident, independent, and fashionable college student, does everything for her influencer boyfriend, Gyeongmo. Meanwhile, Yoonsik, a music student, puts his best efforts into making his chronically insecure girlfriend, Ju-a, feel better about herself.
And it all ends with the world’s greatest switcharoo. On the TV show, Couple Breaker, Taerin and Yoonsik, and Gyeongmo and Ju-a star together as partners. The college romance webtoon emphasizes ambition, emotional intelligence, and the jarring reality of hidden red flags amongst the modern dating scene. In the Couple Breaker, created by Maenggi Ki (also known for ‘My ID is Gagnam Beauty!’, ‘No Longer a Heroine’, and ‘Sisters at War’) and Taegeon (also known for ‘To Love Your Enemy’), all hell breaks loose.
12. Maybe Meant To Be
By Honeyskein and Damcho, Maybe Meant To Be is a humorous, adorable romance manhwa following the story of Jia and Mincheol’s marriage of convenience. The childhood best friends reunite in their 30s, after many long years, linked by one common thread: the constant nagging from their parents to find love. Unlike most couples, it isn’t attraction and love that drive them into each other’s arms. It’s the need to escape the pressure of societal expectations and a secret pit of growing loneliness.
When Jia suggests that they enter a fake marriage to get everyone off their backs, a chaotic, awkward, and utterly hilarious story unfolds. Between Mincheol’s reserved nature and Jia’s untamed personality, the plan seems destined for failure. But slowly and surely, both of them start to develop feelings. One clumsy step at a time (Jia taking a few shaky steps with Mincheol in tow), the two adults- well, sort of- fall in love and transform their contractual engagement into something tangible. In this webtoon, romance isn’t a slow dance in the dark; it’s an uncoordinated waltz across the messy living room. And maybe that’s just how true love is meant to be.
13. My Lucky Strike
My Lucky Strike, created by bakSSdam, follows the hilarious love triangle between three college students: Siru, Gibaek, and Cheong. Like all good romances, My Lucky Strike begins with an over-the-top incident that draws the main leads together: Siru drunkenly kisses one of her classmates, and wakes up with no memory of it; but when she arrives at college the next day, not one, but two boys have swollen lips. Did she kiss her long-time crush and friend, Gibaek? Or… was it the mysteriously private Cheong?
From that incident onwards, Siru’s life dramatically takes a turn for the more chaotic, embarrassing, and romantic. She navigates stressful college drama, financial issues, and her messy love life, all while establishing her reputation as someone you shouldn’t mess with (she’s not called the ‘Garbage Truck’ for no reason!). In this on-campus college romance, Siru’s uneventful world transforms into a romcom worth binging all night!
14. Star Catcher
All Lucas wanted was to make an impact on someone’s life. Then maybe, just maybe, his own existence would have some meaning. Star Catcher, by , tells the wholesome tale of two college students falling in love at Star Valley University. Lucas hadn’t always been so depressed and reticent; in fact, he used to be the embodiment of happiness. But somewhere along his harsh journey to college, he’d lost the will to live for himself. When a storm finally clouded over the last ray of starlight in his mind, Lucas had even attempted to take his life.
All that changed when Lucas met Thomas on a normal day at the university. Slowly, Lucas learned to trust the open and friendly student, quietly falling for him like an unnoticed meteorite in the night sky. Star Catcher shines a light on the consequences of teenage self-hate and depression, and the importance of meaningful friendships. What may be simple kindness to one may be life-changing for another. And in truth, sometimes you don’t have to reach for the stars, you just have to let some of their light in.
15. Marry My Husband
Marry My Husband, a short modern romance webtoon, is created by Sungsojak and Studio LICO (which is also known for ‘To Whom It No Longer Concerns’, ‘Holding You Close’, ‘The Empress’s Two Wolves’, ‘What Death Taught Me’, ‘Castaway Marriage’, ‘My Beloved Oppressor’, ‘My Avatars’ Path to Greatness’, ‘A Martial Master Wakes Up as a Concubine’, ‘The Worst Villainess’, ‘Taming the Corrupted’, ‘The Genius Spirited Streamer’ and ‘The Barbarian of Seoul Station’).
Jiwon, a dying cancer patient, has only a few months to live. So one day, she leaves her hospital room in hopes of going home one last time. But instead of one last bittersweet memory, Jiwon returns to find her husband lying in bed with another woman. Her best friend. When she vows to use the remainder of her time on Earth to ruin their lives, her husband hits her, resulting in an unintentional murder. But Jiwon’s story hadn’t finished yet; it had just begun. Ten years in the past, Jiwon was reincarnated into her own body with the power to change her fate and wreak vengeance on her unremorseful murderer. Her plan? Make sure that her best friend marries her husband.
16. Singles’ Royale
A three-in-one love story combo! Welcome to the Singles’ Royale, a grand competition between a trio of chronically single friends for five hundred million won! Our first contestant, Seona, a strikingly beautiful teacher with an unfortunate taste in men, tries to look beyond her ‘type’ (the careless, indifferent, and apathetic men she was drawn to) when a chance meeting with one of her old students sparks something adorable and new.
Second up… It’s Chayeul! Despite the fact that Chayeul’s religious values always seemed to clash with the men she dated, luck finally comes knocking at her door when her best friend introduces her to the perfect boyfriend. But where do Chayeul’s feelings really lie?
Finally, introducing Jurim, who falls in love with a too-good-to-be-true man over the internet… only to find out that he was, in fact, too good to be true. After an embarrassing catfishing episode, who should Jurim run into but the handsome man she thought she was dating? Slowly, she begins to fall for the mysterious man all over again (and his three cute puppies!). From a tenatively sweet teacher and ex-student romance to a passionate childhood-best-friends-to-lovers trope, this manhwa, by JINJA and JeongSaeng, follows each woman on her own romantic adventure.
17. Rules for Dating Trash
Rules for Dating Trash, created by Seo Yeon, is a college romance manhwa centered around Ihyeon, a sunshine girl with a stormy past, and Chanu, a certified bad boy. After a messy, public breakup with her manipulative ex-boyfriend, Ihyeon takes a three-year-long break from school. When she finally returns, her fun-loving reputation eroded into that of a clingy and pathetic lover, Ihyeon decides on one thing: no more trashy boyfriends.
But soon enough, she garners the interest of Chanu, who seems determined to befriend her. And between all the coincidental (and intensely awkward) run-ins, Ihyeon starts to become grateful for his company. While she tries to manage her obsessive ex-boyfriend’s reappearance in her life, Chanu’s steady warmth begins to finally heal Ihyeon’s old scars. Rules for dating trash? Here’s our advice: don’t. Unless the ‘trash’ in question is Chanu, of course.
18. In Between
Eunseo, an athletic girl with a soft spot for all things pretty, finds herself crushing hard on her childhood best friend, Sihwa (something pretty), in high school. When confessing her feelings ends disastrously, Eunseo decides to never, ever bring it up again- yet her love persists. Years later, the once inseparable (well, only because their mothers were inseparable) friends lose touch after Sihwa leaves the country abruptly to study abroad without telling Eunseo. And though she tries to forget the beautiful boy that once lit up her whole world… she can’t.
So, when the Sihwa returns- more attractive, intelligent, and admired than ever- will Eunseo get her second chance? Or will Sihwa’s flaws prove to be too much for her? In Between by HBCUL8ER explores themes of abuse, emotional manipulation, and redemption in between the comfort of a classic best friends to lovers romance.
19. The Kiss Bet
The Kiss Bet is a high school modern romance manhwa, created by Ingrid Ochoa, that centers around Sara Lin, a short gingerhead with a bright future but a nonexistent love life. After turning eighteen years old- and having never kissed a boy- Sara’s friend, Patrick, dares her to kiss a boy on the subway.
From the catastrophe of that first meeting with the blonde subway boy with headphones, Oliver, begins a journey like no other. Sara Lin finds herself thrust into a new world of first loves, bittersweet moments, and young romance as she becomes entangled in a love triangle. Between Patrick, her frustrating childhood friend, Joe, the handsome new kid at school, to Oliver, the smart junior student, Sara finds herself promoted from zero prospects to three. On this emotional rollercoaster ride, Sara faces conflicting feelings along the way to the one she was meant for all along- and to finally win her bet and kiss him.
20. Our Walk Home
Akihiko and Harumi are bitter rivals. Or at least that’s what everyone likes to think. With impeccable grades, multiple extracurriculars, and a winsome personality, Akihiko Shiraishi was the golden boy of his school. They didn’t just love him; they worshipped him. So when the rival school produces Harumi, a cold and cruel “Ice Prince” with flawless grades, he neatly fits the mantle of archnemesis to their own “Bright Knight”. But little does anyone know, Akihiko and Harumi had no interest in playing along with their fantasies.
When a chance meeting between them forges a bond deeper than all the seven seas, the two begin accompanying each other on the way home from school- and their walk home becomes a place of comfort and safety. No, they were not rivals; they were inseparable friends. But with his school and beloved older brother looking over his shoulder, Akihiko faces an increasing burden to be not just the best version of himself possible- perfect. The pressure starts to build up until Akihiko’s ever-optimistic and infinitely enthusiastic outer facade begins to show cracks in it. Only the warmth from Harumi’s steady friendship keeps him going. Our Walk Home is one of the best modern romance webtoon recommendations, especially if you are looking for innocent BL.
21. Swolemates
In Swolemates, created by LummyPix (also known for ‘Do You Like Tomboys?‘), two opposites- Alex, the geeky gamer, and Braydin, the self-absorbed social media influencer- bond over their time at the same gym together. They navigate the nuances of friendship and their own insecurities of self-image, while burning calories… and igniting sparks in the process too.
Although Braydin’s cocky attitude initially rubs Alex the wrong way (and her exceptional strength threatens his ego), she begins to see past his arrogant Playboy appearance. At the same time, Braydin begins to work on himself- body and mind- with Alex’s resolute determination to fulfil her goals as an inspiration. Slowly learning the value of a true friend in comparison to a million fake ones, he finds a companion in the gaming nerd. Through blood, sweat, and tears, they support each other both inside and outside the gym. And if that doesn’t make them swolemates, what does? (Well, aside from their matching physiques…) If you are looking for the best modern romance webtoon recommendations like Swolemates, you must read Do You Like Tomboys?
22. Electrifying Confession
Zap!
When Hari, a high schooler with a heart condition, thinks about her crush, her heart rate rises, and she ends up accidentally electrocuting the vicinity.
In Electrifying Confession, a high school modern romance webtoon by Sonchayang and Nyangji, Hari starts high school with the excitement of meeting Jeong-Won, her only friend, after finally undergoing surgery. Knowing that he had a girlfriend, she repressed (terribly) her feelings for him. And despite her strong feelings for Jeong-Won, a national-level swimmer with devastatingly good looks, he remained oblivious to Hari’s attraction.
When she begins to electrocute her fellow students at school, one person notices: Yura. Audaciously impertinent and tardy, Hari’s first impression of Yura was his ‘delinquent’ behaviour. But when he figures out Hari’s curse, she’s forced to work with him to control her electricity. Every time her heart starts racing, she holds his hand– but there’s a catch: Yura gets to use her powers instead.
23. Date A Ranker
Date A Ranker, created by CHYA, is a high school modern romance manhwa centered around Seong-a, a gamer with zero interest in anything except her virtual life and the belief that reality wasn’t worth living when everything could be found on a screen anyway.
When Seong-a humiliates a popular streamer, Hanjun, in a bitter defeat, she later runs into him at her school (or actually, hides with him in a closet before running away). While keeping her identity a secret from the internet personality, she also runs into (this time, literally) a boy who, when without glasses, exactly resembles her handsome online avatar. Between trying to become closer to Tae-ui, her character’s doppleganger, and living a double life- a lazy school student by day and a professional-level gamer by night- in front of Hanjun, Seong-a tries to manage her hectic school days. Definitely not a recipe for a big, fat mess.
24. Age Matters
Rose, a twenty-something (she’s thirty) year old with a fear of growing older, faces an existential crisis every time she sees Daniel Yoon, a twenty-three-year-old CEO of a billion-dollar company on the news. What had she achieved in the three decades of her existence?
But when she takes a job from her best friend to work for a mysterious, wealthy man, he coincidentally turns out to be the one and only Daniel Yoon. Between Rose’s growing insecurity and desire for success, and the young billionaire’s own issues with striking a work-life balance, they seem to make an odd pair. However, slowly Daniel starts to fall for Rose’s unfettered courage (and exceptional cooking skills) while she learns to open her heart to the man on television she once envied. Age Matters is certainly one of the best modern romance webtoon recommendations you ought to explore!
25. The Egg Project
Ladies and gentle-yolk, presenting: ‘The Egg Project’, created by ‘amyahue!’Â follows two high school teenagers- Riku and Cherry– in their egg-cellent enemies-to-lovers story.
Riku, a conscientious student with perfect grades and a bright future, had always been at loggerheads with Cherry, a tardy mess of a student. Ever since birth, they’d been forced to become friends by their over-enthusiastic mothers… but it’d never happened. But in the last year of high school, when Riku and Cherry are assigned to parent an egg together, something finally blooms out from the shell of their frenemy-ship. As they care for their little white ovaloid, Riku and Cherry plunge into the deep end filled with new sparks, feelings, and hidden emotions.
There you go, a complete list of the best modern romance webtoon recommendations encompassing several themes. What is your favorite modern romance manhwa? Subscribe to AnimeMangaToon to read more recommendations!
