Webtoons are the comics of the future. From eye-popping colors to impressive world-building, these South Korean digital comics are conquering the world one scroll at a time. The popularity of webtoons stems from their ability to give readers an engaging reading experience. These comics are also guilty of creating epic characters with equally epic art styles.
Romance webtoons make up a chunk of the population of these digital comics where strong, assertive, and handsome men protect their precious ladies from danger. But what if the ladies are no damsels in distress? Gone are the days of prince-saves-princess—in place of them are stories of confident females who seize their destinies like a boss. Here are 10 webtoons where these leading ladies take center stage!
10. It’s Just Business
Love is not even in Eunho’s vocabulary. Her mission to rise to the top of the employee ladder with her impressive arsenal of skills at work garnered her respect from bosses and clients alike. However, not everything goes as planned. Eunho finds herself entangled in love once more with a fresh-faced colleague and a familiar past flame.
The title of this webtoon says it all. It is just business for hardworking maiden Eunho. Her talents at work are something all fans can admire and respect—maybe even emulate in real life. Not everything is given on a silver platter, so might as well showcase your skills to the world!
The story averaged a 9.5/10 from over a million readers and deservingly so. The intertwining of love, comedy, and just pure female badassery makes It’s Just Business the perfect webtoon for rom-com lovers. One Reddit user wrote, “I read the first few chapters, and it’s really funny so far! The male lead is such a failure but also so entertaining.”
9. She Would Never Know
She Would Never Know showcases a talented top assistant brand manager named Songa. Flourishing in Klar Cosmetics, she unexpectedly clashes with a junior colleague who warns her about something rather peculiar. And from that point on, everything changes!
If there’s a reason to love She Would Never Know, it would be Songa. After being mistreated in a relationship early in the story, she vows to bare her teeth and plans for revenge. Readers have enjoyed seeing this side of a female lead—one that stands up for herself even after facing the wreckage of a collapsed relationship. Songa might look gentle, but she is the kind of badass nobody would want to mess with. Fearless and independent, she is the perfect female boss to look up to.
8. For the Third Time
What happens when a girl boss is blessed with time-looping abilities? Apparently, zero relationships. As Dohee makes quick work of climbing the corporate ladder, she consistently faces the issue of having the ability to randomly time loop. Though she was thriving at work because of this power, her efforts in relationships remained minimal. But that was until she met Joonwon—her new boss and, surprisingly, a fellow time looper.
For Dohee to even think of using this ability to pursue work in different time loops is a testament to how much of a badass female boss she is. For the Third Time is loved for its unique storyline elements. Readers have also appreciated how it touched on the psychological impact of time loops, making what could’ve been a convenient tool to change plots into one of the most in-depth abilities in romance webtoons.
7. The Hip Guy
The Hip Guy is about the enchanting Ga-eun Seong who wants to take her athleisure company to the top. Her business is in dire need of a model for men’s leggings, and Chan Gwak is the man (and b*tt) for the job. While Chan is not Ga-eun’s type, social media thinks otherwise. But is she going to second-guess herself now? Absolutely.
Young, beautiful, and rich, Ga-eun Seong might just be the final evolution of a badass female boss. Not to mention owning an athleisure company when she’s just a 27-year-old is definitely a big deal. But more than her money and beauty, her charisma and dedication cemented her success. If rom-com webtoons are more up your alley, this is what you are looking for. Annie from Evening Tea Musings wrote, “The Hip Guy is funny. As you read it, you’ll find the plot ridiculous but unique.“
6. My Exes Fell For Me
Keep the workplace professional, or so they say. What happens when you come across not one, but two of your ex-boyfriends during business hours? Nabom Han is bossing her way through her father’s struggling business when Chajun and Tae-o, two of her exes, reappear in her life once again.
Nothing says “female boss” more than two of your exes falling in love with you again. If trying to manage a business out of the brink of extinction and entertaining past suitors were on your to-do lists today, you deserve a pat on the back. Because it sure is tiring! My Exes Fell For Me is the perfect webtoon for those looking for inspiration to move things aside and put themselves first.
5. The Runway
Moving on from finding out about your ex-fiance’s affair is difficult. For famed fashion magazine The Runway‘s editor, Jian, all it took was one impulsive ticket to Paris. There, a handsome man intervened and prevented her from being robbed and eventually, it’s straight under the sheets they go. But little did she know, their paths would cross again under different circumstances – he would be her new boss.
Jian was robbed of a happily married life in The Runway. For most, it would be a deeply traumatic experience, but not for Jian. She will recover from this loss no matter the cost—even if it takes a trip to the capital of France. Just for her sheer mental fortitude and confidence, she may be the girl boss of all girl bosses in Webtoon!
4. The Nuna At Our Office
Manager Son’s professional life is not the brightest of them all. After being switched to a different team, he awaits every office day as if it is his last. But all that changes when he meets Manager Ahn, an older member of the office. Literally a girl boss, Manager Ahn is a combination of charm and professionalism—a combo any man would swoon for.
However, Ahn is not your typical badass female boss. She is also striving to move forward as she carries the weight of her past. The Nuna At Our Office is not just about office crushes, it’s a deep drama webtoon that teaches you a thing or two about selflessness and hope as well.
3. Iseop’s Romance
Mingyeong Kang’s road to the top of the TK Group was not necessarily friendly. With the help of her corporate talents, she became a senior manager with time left to spare. After a decade at the top, she became the secretary of the successor to the company, Iseop Tae. However, the gap between Mingyeong and Iseop grew immense in training, and this is why he isn’t that fond of her.
If it’s overpowering female badassery you want, then it’s Iseop’s Romance you will get. Mingyeong Kang gets the better of Iseop Tae in everything—stepping on the successor’s big ego. That should be enough evidence of how much of a boss she is. But the icing on top? He cannot seem to get her out of his head.
2. No Office Romance!
Yunji and Saebom were each other’s first loves. After leaving their relationship open-ended for 10 years, they reconnect as adults and, conveniently, coworkers. Maybe destiny has other plans, but the main focus here is Yunji—the ray of sunshine in No Office Romance!
Yunji sets the pace for No Office Romance! as a whole. Her cute and funny demeanor makes for a great female lead. Frequently, female bosses are portrayed with indifference. As for the case of this romantic webtoon, our girl boss comes in the form of love and kindness—a refreshing sight to see in this list of hard-battling women.
1. ‘Til Debt Do Us Part
Money really does make the world go round, but it could also set you up with your parter-for-life. ‘Til Debt Do Us Part stars Shin Subin, a restaurant manager who lives one paycheck at a time. The money she earns either goes to her parents or in paying off the debt she owes to Ji Yejun, an old schoolmate. Yejun, however, has different plans—a proposition, if you will. If Subin agrees to take Yejun’s hand in marriage for a year, all debt would be cleared and her parents’ future would be secured.
After agreeing, ‘Til Debt Do Us Part takes the lid off of Subin. Throughout this new lifestyle, she leaves Yejun with a lasting impression that pulls him out of his usually reserved demeanor. Despite cultural differences, Subin’s unwavering care for her in-laws shines a light on her compassionate heart, eventually making Yejun fall for her.
Riya Hotchandani