Summary
BL, as the name implies, is known for its romantic storylines and steamy themes, but what many fans don’t realize is that there is an extremely abundant action and crime section to the genre. A good deal of crime and action BLs include romantic plots, or subplots, accompanied by fight scenes, gore, and mystery. While there is typically some romance or at least lust, these stories provide action and crime fans with what they want, while existing in an LGBTQ+ centered universe.
This subgenre features a lot of openly gay gang bosses, which seems to be a fan favorite judging from the amount of manhwas there are with this theme. Additionally, the audience can expect serial killers and spies that fall under the LGBTQ+ umbrella as well.
Updated July 08, 2025 by Ahmed Rehan Nasir:Romantic relationships between two men are already filled with all sorts of predicaments, but with action and crime added into the mix, it becomes an entirely new ordeal. While romance and action don’t exactly tend to go hand-in-hand, several BL manhwa have cracked the code with narratives that feature equal parts gripping action and heartwarming romantic sentiments. For those who have exhausted their libraries, this list has been updated with a few more manhwa laced with crime, action, and BL affairs.
51
Status
Completed
With an enemies to lovers trope and an undercover agent,Neck to Neckis bound to keep readers at the edge of their seats. After blowing his cover as a spy, Detective Yoo Jihan is left at the mercy of the second-in-command of the most dangerous cartel in Korea.
With a ton of steamy scenes packed into the narrative,Neck to Neckcan trend toward a few unpalatable themes, especially with its abusive and coercive elements. Nevertheless, fans of action and crime manhwa who want a touch ofboys love melodramaare sure to enjoy this enticing manhwa.
75
Bona Sortis an entirely novel manhwa, whether it’s the unique location of Menorca, Spain, or the oddball relationship between a gangster and a café owner. One takes refuge on this stunning island, while the other somehow ends up giving shelter to a criminal, leading to an interesting relationship.
Despite its criminal themes,Bona Sortkeeps its tonality rather lightweight. With a serene background of a Spanish island and aslow-paced storyline in a café, the manhwa is perfect for a lightweight read that mixes gangster themes with wholesome BL affairs.
95+
Ongoing
Contractors of Pandoracranks up the absurdities with a BL affair set in another world, and that too,between a detectiveand a priest-vampire. With the world coming under threat, a detective sets out to quell the threats that are set to destroy Pandora.
While the manhwa promises BL elements alongside its action themes, it fails to deliver the romance side of things. Still, the odd and dynamic duo of a detective and a vampire fighting alongside each other while bearing a spark of intimacy is certainly a first, makingContractors of Pandoraa worthwhile read.
44
Rivals to lovers is a common trope in BL narratives, thoughIntimate Instinctmanages to add a novel spin on this theme with its gripping premise and equally engaging characters. With two polar opposite detectives partnered together, the result is a series of squabbles that only bring the two closer.
Despite the manhwa’s action-centric premise and graphic content, the love affair between Haejoon and Seohun is rather wholesome and sweet. While an eventual pairing between the two might not be guaranteed, their journey of starting as hostile partners to heartstruck lovers is still well worth the read.
50
The BL landscape isbrimming with crime manhwa, yetStakeoutstands out largely due to its two playful primary characters. A gifted prodigy partnered with a free-spirited detective is the perfect recipe for a racy yet enticing narrative, and this manhwa banks on this very aspect.
While the manhwa can teeter toward the raunchy side of things, the action and crime narrative balances out any racy antics. The manhwa’s art style might be a let-down for some, though it more than makes up for it through its storyline.
When Hamin is kidnapped one day, the reality he has been hiding from begins to set in. He is the son of a well-known mafia boss, and although his attempts to get away from the family business were ernest, he gets pulled back in due to his father’s feuding with a rival gang. Now, Hamin is ordered by his father to let Kwon Sehyuk be his caretaker and bodyguard until the feud ends.
Mad Dogis an enemies-to-lovers, romantic action drama set during Hamin’s time after high school. It is available to read on Lezhin.
59
Killer Crushis the story of people in opposite industries, coming together to help one man achieve his goal of becoming a movie star that will be taken seriously. Kang Dahyeok is a celebrity known for being the male lead in romantic dramas. Joo Taeman is a killer for hire who instantly falls for Dahyeok. Dahyeok decides to go a little method and get Taeman to help him with his acting for a drama where he plays a killer so that he’ll be taken seriously by critics and fans alike.
This is an action romantic comedy that details Taeman and Dahyeok’s lives as they intersect. It is available to read on Lezhin.
64
Sixteen-year-old Love is often mistaken for a delinquent or gang member due to his appearance, but all he really wants to do is collect his favorite collectible items and live in peace. When he’s mistaken for robbing people in the wrong neighborhood, he’s taken in by a group of young gangsters led by Peach. How will Love clear up this misunderstanding?
This is an actionBL for older teens. It was created by Fujoking, a successful BL manhwa artist who typically writes mature works.Peach Loveis available to read on Lezhin.
0L, MUK_BU, and Sumnagi
90
When ghostwriter Shavonne starts noticing notes outside his door in the middle of a deadline, he gets fed up and goes to the police. Unfortunately, the police have their hands full with a series of murders and don’t take him seriously. That’s when Shavonne meets his mysterious neighbor, Lewellyn.
This historically setpsychological thrilleris as enticing as it is creepy. It follows Shavonne as he gets to know his neighbor, learning things he wished he’d never known. It is available to read on Lezhin.
53
When the Triage Killer is on the loose, one reporter finds an opportunity to get close to him, but at what cost? When Clark’s psychologist friend tells him that he has a serial killer as his client and that he’s more than willing to talk, Clark sees this as a once in a lifetime opportunity and agrees to hear him out. The only thing is that the serial killer wants something in return for his words.
This is an intense, psychological BL that features manipulative relationships and abuse. It is an 18+ title availableto read on Tapas.
