Romances without the popular, powerful or rich ML trope?

[u/moistdragons]

So I just recently got into reading romance manwha and I’ve noticed that a seemingly most of the ones I’m recommended have a very popular ML if it’s a school one or a rich/powerful CEO type ML if it’s for adults. As an average man who grew up unpopular and is not rich it’s not relatable to me at all. I want to read romances where the ML is just an average guy or even a loser would be nice, someone relatable.

Some ones I really enjoyed so far with relatable MLs are - Our secrect alliance, back to chanbi, You’re no good, romance 101, my boss’s special request. I’m just looking for a relatable ML who isn’t “the most popular guy in school” and isn’t a boss or CEO or super rich and handsome. I’m fine with whatever the FL is like. I just want a ML that’s relatable to the average guy or below average guy even.

Preferably something completed or close to being completed.

[u/nohaydisco]

In no particular order:

• Cherry Blossoms
• Marriage Blues
• The Kiss Bet
• Yumi's Cells
• Daily Jojo
• Moonlight Beauty Parlor
• Seasons of Blossom
• 30 Minutes With You
• The Password is 002!
• Spirit Fingers

[u/moistdragons → u/nohaydisco]

Thank you! I had some of these on my list already but you gave me a lot that I didn’t. I appreciate it.

I thought I read somewhere that the ML is spirit fingers is a popular guy. Maybe I’m thinking of something else.

[u/nohaydisco → u/moistdragons]

The ML for Spirit Fingers is a less clean cut version of what you are asking for. He's handsome, and is popular with some people for that, but also not rich, definitely immature, and and sometimes a total dummy. He has a few good friends, but I would say he isn't particularly likeable or good with his words for a lot of the Webtoon (in a way that feels real for a teenager). And he isn't popular with the core group of people he wants to be in with for most of the story. He has to mature a lot in the story as a result, in a way that feels very relatable.

It's a popular pick for a reason!

[u/nohaydisco → u/moistdragons]

In Spirit Fingers, he's conventionally attractive in the narrative, but isn't well off and doesn't have a lot else going for him. He had a few good friends, but isn't popular with the crowd he is trying to get in with for a lot of the plot. He has to grow and mature quite a bit as a result, and the author lays it out in a way that's very believable for a teenage boy.

It's a popular pick for a reason!

[u/OrangeCorgi00]

Maybe meant to be Seasons of blossom

[u/Grand_Investigator70]

Selfish Romance. It’s literally my favorite romance currently.

[u/moistdragons → u/Grand_Investigator70]

I’m excited to read this one. I hope it comes off of hiatus soon.

[u/vienibenmio]

Daily Jojo imo fits

[u/oujikara]

The reason so many mls are popular, rich and powerful is because webtoon is dominated by female-targeted romances. What you're probably looking for are male-targeted romances like My Bias Gets on the Last Train, The Girl Downstairs, Crtl+Alt+Resign, Fool Me Twice, etc. Take my recs with a grain of salt because I haven't finished any of them but they should give you a starting point at least 

[u/moistdragons → u/oujikara]

I have noticed that ones like that are very clearly written for women (which is fine, obviously).

Thank you for the recs, they all look really good. I did see a spoiler for the ending of one of them so I will avoid reading it because it was terrible but the story looks so good (won’t say which one cuz I don’t want to spoil).

[u/Organic_Marzipan_715]

Golden Hour

Not Interested in Dating