Must-Read Boy's Love Manhwa For BL Fans (2024)

LGBTQ+ representation has always struggled to find a place within mainstream media, but emerging genres like BL have managed to take over the industry. From BL manga and anime to K-dramas and webtoons, Boys Love fiction has become one of the most in-demand media of the last few years.

BL manhwa uses a large variety of genres and art styles to illustrate some of the most compelling stories out there. Whether it's a sweet rom-com, a delightful coming-of-age story, or a steamy adventure, there is a must-read BL manhwa for every webtoon reader looking for their next favorite.

Updated on August 18, 2024 by Mayra Garcia: Since manhwa became such a demanded genre, BL romance has topped the popularity lists. Many of these series offer beautiful love stories, sometimes dressed with other subgenres, like action or fantasy. This list includes the best BL manhwa recommendations and has been updated to comply with CBR's current standards.

35 Love Is An Illusion Is A Dramatic Romance With An Omegaverse Angle

Love Is An Illusion Rating Scores

• MyAnimeList: 6.88/10
• Anime-Planet: 4.09/5

Created by popular illustrator Fargo, Love Is An Illusion follows the turbulent, drama-filled romance between the stubborn and materialistic Hyesung and Dojin, a second-generation chaebol moonlighting as a musician. The story takes place in an Omegaverse, where all characters have a secondary sex that mostly rules over their biology.

Love Is An Illusion is known for its beautiful black-and-white art, hilarious characters, and incredibly steamy scenes. The original story ran for forty-three chapters, but the creator has also produced several side stories and even a spin-off focusing on other fan-favorite characters.

34 At The End Of The Road Is A Soul Transferring Romance

At the End of the Road Rating Scores

• MyAnimeList: 7.73/10
• Anime-Planet: 4.20/5

After a car accident, Taemin resurrects in the body of Siwon, a weak high schooler dealing with bullying at his school and even inside his own family. When he begins to stand up for himself, Taemin/Siwon attracts the attention of Woojin -- an old Taemin's friend who definitely remembers him.

At the End of the Road follows Taemin/Siwon and Woojin's romance, which is tarnished by their shared past experiences, which the reader learns chapter by chapter. This narrative structure hooks At The End Of The Road's audience from the very beginning.

33 Fantasy Fans Will Love To Take An Enemy's Heart

To Take An Enemy's Heart Rating Scores

• Anime-Planet: 4.16/5

Fans of historical fantasy will loveTo Take an Enemy's Heart. This series focuses on Kassan, the sole survivor of his clan's massacre, who is now a servant of Master Igen. Unaware that Igen himself ordered his family's murders, Kassan starts to fall in love with him. Things take a turn for the worse when Kassan's brother appears ready to take revenge on his brother's lover.

To Take an Enemy's Heart is a dramatic love story. Kassan and Igen's love is a forbidden one because they simply share too much baggage, but this doesn't stop the feelings, which makes for a super angsty reading. This manhwa gives off Romeo and Juliet vibes from page one.

32 Yours to Claim Follows A Love Triangle

Lim Jooin, a mild-mannered architecture student has a pretty ordinary life until Go Yahwi and Cain show up. The first one is a mean but handsome senior and classmate while the other one is a mysterious but incredibly kind man who claims to know him from a past life.

These three characters end up in a complicated love triangle in Yours to Claim, with Jooin having to decide if he wants to be with the broody hunk or the golden retriever guy. As Jooin tries to decide who he wants to date, readers will have a choice of their own.

31 Hyperventilation Follows A Re-Kindled Old Romance

When they were only 18, Myongi and Sunho fell in love, but their romance died soon enough. Now, 10 years later, they meet again at a high school reunion where they confirm that their feelings haven't really changed since the last time they saw each other when they were teenagers.

Hyperventilation is both a manhwa and a great animated short film. This series focuses primarily on the tension between Myongi and Sunho and, with each page, readers will notice how it grows more and more palpable until it is resolved. Hyperventilation is a perfect series for anyone who wants something full of fluff but still pretty steamy.

30 Killing Stalking Is Far From A Romance

Killing Stalking Rating Scores

• MyAnimeList: 7.41/10
• Anime-Planet: 3.98/5

Most Boys' Love manhwa follow a romance between two young men, but Killing Stalking is quite different. This series, written by Koogi, delves into the complicated relationship between Bum and Sangwoo, but it isn't wholesome at all. Instead, Bum is a stalker, obsessed with Sangwoo, who is revealed to be a serial killer.

Sangwoo and Bum have a toxic relationship that makes this psychological thriller an enthralling read. Manhwa lovers looking for something beyond fluff will find Killing Stalking has great character development and a plot that raises many questions on morality.

29 Out Of Control Follows An Unlikely Romance Between Two Very Different Students

Out Of Control Rating Scores

• MyAnimeList: 7.71/10
• Anime-Planet: 4.21/5

Bbong's Out of Control tells the uncommon love story between Yuri, the most popular and handsome guy at his school, and Jaerim, the shy accountant of the student council who everyone considers to be ugly. After starting to work together, a wholesome romance blossoms between them.

Out of Control is a highly underrated BL manhwa. Anyone willing to give it a chance will find one of the most wholesome romances in manhwa ever. Although the idea that Jaerim doesn't deserve Yuri due to his physical appearance is problematic, the series is much more than that. It's emotional, it's wholesome, and it's full of smart jokes.

28 (BL)ACK Follows Two Childhood Friends As They Fall In Love

B(L)ACK Rating Scores

• Webtoons: 9.17/10

(BL)ACK is a very straightforward BL manhwa. This series follows the budding romance between Seto and Kido, two childhood friends who have had tension between them their whole lives. However, they mask it by teasing each other, which makes their dynamic hilarious.

Created by Aho Hanse, (BL)ACK is adorable, funny, and incredibly steamy. Seto and Kido's romance goes through every stage possible and even now, over 144 episodes later, things are still as entertaining as they were in the beginning. (BL)ACK is a great manhwa BL recommendation for mature audiences who want more than high school romance.

27 Semantic Error Is An "Opposites Attract" Romance Between Two College Students

Semantic Error Rating Scores

• MyAnimeList: 7.08/10
• Anime-Planet: 4.33/5

First released in 2018, Semantic Error focuses on two university students — the studious and strict Sangwoo, and his carefree senior, Jaeyoung — as they develop a project together. The two initially clash due to their opposite personalities, but as they learn more about each other, they become friends and eventually fall in love.

Semantic Error was written by J. Soori and illustrated by Angy Kim and recently came to an end in 2023 after 93 chapters. In 2022, the story was adapted into an eight-episode live-action web drama starring Park Seoham as Jaeyoung and DKZ's Park Jaechan as Sangwoo. This series is a classic soft enemies-to-lovers, so anyone who enjoys seeing tension become attraction will love it.

26 From Points Of Three Is A Rare Polyamory Romance

From Points Of Three Rating Scores

• MyAnimeList: 6.68/10
• Anime-Planet: 3.79/5

A complete manhwa with 56 chapters, From Points of Three revolves around Kim Jisuh, an introverted boy who carries his camera everywhere. When he urgently needs to pay a debt, he ends up working with Heejae, who offers to pay him for filming him and Sunyool having intimate relations.

Despite its steamy premise, From Points of Three features plenty of adorable panels and wholesome situations. The manhwa is a great balance between sensual moments and cute characters. It also stands out as one of the few BL stories involving a throuple, making it a groundbreaking addition to the genre.

25 A Guy Like You Is A Supernatural Story Featuring BL Romance

A Guy Like You Rating Scores

• MyAnimeList: 6.32/10
• Anime-Planet: 3.89/5

Go Siwon keeps dreaming about an attractive man, Kang Jinha. In these dreams, Jinha refers to an "incident" between them, but Siwon can't remember anything, which torments him. The two men develop a strong bond over time, but once Siwon remembers the incident between them, he starts doubting Jinha.

A Guy Like You is definitely for mature readers. However, it's far from pure fan service. This series keeps its audience wondering about the secrets between Siwon and Jinha while also making them fall in love with their relationship. This combination of fantasy and gay love makes A Guy Like You one of the best BL manhwa ever.

24 Walk On Water Features A More Mature Premise Than Most

Walk On Water Rating Scores

• Goodreads: 4.04/5
• Anime-Planet: 4.22/5

In 2014, writer Jang Mokdan began publishing Walk On Water, a series of novels centering on a Korean-American character finding work in adult entertainment and falling in love with a fellow actor and director. Four years later, it was adapted into a 62 chapter BL manhwa illustrated by Jaxx.

Also known by its acronym WOW, Walk On Water not only dives into the pros and cons of such a controversial industry but also explores the lives of Asians in the United States. The BL series is beautifully illustrated and presents a more mature story than others in the genre.

23 Wolf In The House Is A Controversial Romance That Follows The Animal Transformation Trope

Wolf In The House Rating Scores

• MyAnimeList: 7.71/10
• Anime-Planet: 4.21/5

After a difficult break-up, Yeo Minsuk decides to adopt a Siberian husky, Bexan. His plan is for this pet to become his new companion, stopping him from getting involved in toxic relationships. However, things take a weird turn when Minsuk discovers that Bexan is not a regular dog. Instead, he's a changeling who transforms into a handsome man at night.

When it comes to BL manhwa recommendations, Wolf in the House is one of the steamiest options out there. The dynamic between Minsuk and human Bexan is romantic, but very physical, too. Readers who want something more mature should read this series immediately.

22 For Your Love Is A Dramatic Story Of Unrequited Love

For Your Love Rating Scores

• Anime-Planet: 4.24/5

For Your Love follows Yohan, a laid-back high school student in the travel planning club. After noticing that Moogyeong, one of his seniors, has a one-sided crush on a male club member, Yohan decides to help him woo his crush lest he ends up like Yohan's older brother — alone and heartbroken.

Created by Park Nodeok, For Your Love is a sweet, slow-burn love story that also examines high school friendships and unrequited love. The manhwa started being serialized in 2017 and ended two years later after 85 chapters. Anyone who loves angsty, emotional stories, should check it out.

21 Fools Is A Wholesome & Lighthearted Love Slice-Of-Life Romance

Fools Rating Scores

• MyAnimeList: 7.95/10
• Anime-Planet: 4.26/5

Someone looking for pure fluff and a wholesome love story should totally read Fools (or the 2020 remastered version). Eungi, an introvert who spends most of his time alone after quickly getting bored of the big city, meets Jungwoo, a lively freshman who breaks through Eungi's walls.

Fools is a sweet Yaoi that will melt readers’ hearts. This slow story has plenty of wholesome moments and cute interactions. Since Fools focuses on the emotional aspect of Eungi and Jungwoo's relationship, this manhwa is particularly great for readers who aren’t such big fans of particularly steamy manhwa but prefer adorable stories.

20 Let Dai Is An Emotional Psychological Romance

Let Dai Rating Scores

• MyAnimeList: 8.06/10
• Anime-Planet: 4.09/5

In a dystopic Seoul ruled by hedonistic punks, Jaehee strikes a complicated friendship with Dai, a gang leader. Their bond becomes something more romantic as time passes. However, things aren't that simple for them, especially due to Dai's dubious moral alignment.

Let Dai is a profound story with complex characters that sometimes make morally ambiguous decisions. It is a beautifully drawn series that deals with mature topics, such as betrayal, prohibited love, and social violence. Even though one of the main characters starts with a girlfriend, Let Dai is among the best BL manhwa out there.

19 Hell & High Water Combines Romance With Action, Sci-Fi, & The Supernatural

Hell & High Water Rating Scores

• Goodreads: 4.33/5
• Anime-Planet: 4.17/5

After Dexter J. Daley helps send his partner to jail for murder, his reputation takes a hit. Fortunately for him, his father asks for some favors and gets him a new job at the Therian-Human Intelligence Recon Defense Squadron (THIRDS). Together with his new partner, Sloan Brodie, he begins a serious investigation into a series of murders. At the same time, their bond becomes something else.

Hell & High Water is the perfect series for readers who want to read a yaoi manhwa, but also want the series to be more than a love story. This manhwa is full of action-packed scenes and comedy, and the dynamic between Dexter and Sloan is very entertaining.

Hell & High Water

Hell & High Water is a sci-fi romance between Dexter J. Daley and Sloan Brodie.

Author

Charlie Cochet

Artist

Son Gae Pi

Release Date

2017-00-00

Genre

Manhwa , Science Fiction , Romance

Where to Read

Webtoon

Chapters

28

Sign Rating Scores

• MyAnimeList: 8.0/10
• Anime-Planet: 4.38/5

Sign focuses on Soohwa, an older university student struggling to make ends meet. When he eventually finds a job as a part-timer at Café Goyo, a strange coffee shop known for its terrible coffee, he begins learning sign language in order to interact better with the deaf manager, Yohan.

Created by KER, Sign is a romantic comedy à la K-Drama with enough drama, mature content, and plot to keep BL readers invested. The series also gives insight into the experiences of hearing-impaired people and how they navigate the world around them, so it's an interesting essay on hearing disabilities.

Sign

In Sign, Soonhwa gets a job at the GoYo cafe and falls in love with the owner, Yohan Go, who is deaf.

Author

Ker

Artist

Ker

Release Date

2017-00-00

Genre

Manhwa , Romance

Chapters

115

17 Love Or Hate Delves Into The Emotional Complexities Of Love

Love Or Hate Rating Scores

• MyAnimeList: 7.42/10
• Anime-Planet: 4.008/5

Written by Yeong-ha, the same author behind Fools, Love or Hate is a steamy story about two former stepbrothers, Haesoo and Joowon. However, they keep in contact as they've known each other for a long time. The story follows these two characters as they try to figure out their feelings for each other in the middle of a pseudo-incestuous relationship.

Love or Hate is an angsty, dramatic story. This emotional manhwa explores complex feelings, especially since the two main characters are still considered family. Given their relationship, everything is confusing and intense for both Haesoo and Joowon, so reading this manhwa is a rollercoaster.

16 Love Shuttle Is A Guilty Pleasure Romance Based On Omegaverse Tropes

Love Shuttle Rating Scores

• MyAnimeList: 7.39/10
• Anime-Planet: 4.22/5

Following the rising popularity of Omegaverse webtoons, Korean creator Aeju began publishing their own story called Love Shuttle. First released on Lezhin, the BL series follows the relationship between Doyun, a "late bloomer" Omega who doesn't seem to present any traits related to his sex, and Taehan, his Alpha coworker.

Love Shuttlebreaks some of the stereotypes of the Omegaverse subgenre, presenting readers with a fresh take on these types of stories. Though these types of stories aren't for everyone, Love Shuttle's swoon-worthy romance is a definite guilty pleasure read. The webtoon comprises 90 chapters and a 10-chapter special focusing on a side couple.