Introduction
The Second Male Lead Is Actually a Girl stands out as an original and engaging series in the vibrant world of webtoons.Authored by Kim Mi-sol, this webtoon has captured a wide audience with its compelling blend of fantasy, romance, and otome isekai elements. At its heart, the story follows Rosa, a woman reborn into a novel’s universe as Rozenta Estella, the second male lead who is secretly female. Using magical artifacts to maintain her disguise, Rosa navigates a world filled with unexpected twists. This article dives deep into the plot, characters, themes, art, and reception of The Second Male Lead Is Actually a Girl, offering insights for both new readers and dedicated fans. Additionally, we’ll address the “baka” reference and explore why this series has become a beloved gem in the webtoon community.
Plot Summary
The Second Male Lead Is Actually a Girl centers on Rosa, who recalls her past life on Earth, where she read a novel about the Helios Empire. After a tragic accident, she is reborn as Rosa Veronica, a commoner struggling to survive. Her life changes dramatically when she is summoned to the Duke of Estella’s estate and revealed as Rozenta Estella, the duke’s sole heir and presumed son. To fulfill this role, Rosa uses magical artifacts to disguise herself as a man, stepping into the life of a supporting male character from the novel she once read.
As Rozenta, Rosa interacts with key characters like Theodore, the crown prince, and Vivian, the female lead. Surprisingly, neither matches their original novel counterparts. Theodore, described as a tyrant in the book, is kind and approachable, while Vivian, the supposed villainess, is gentle and affectionate, often trailing Rozenta. This divergence creates a dynamic narrative filled with political intrigue, romantic tension, and personal challenges. Rosa must balance her knowledge of the novel’s plot with the unpredictable reality, making The Second Male Lead Is Actually a Girl a captivating read for fans of fantasy and romance.
Characters
Rosa/Rozenta Estella
Rosa is the heart of The Second Male Lead Is Actually a Girl, a resilient and clever protagonist navigating a complex double life. Reborn as Rozenta Estella, she faces the challenge of posing as the male heir to the Duke of Estella. Her internal struggle with gender identity, coupled with her determination to protect those she loves, makes her deeply relatable. Rosa’s resourcefulness shines as she uses her knowledge of the novel to influence events, forging meaningful bonds with Theodore and Vivian. Her journey of self-discovery and adaptation adds emotional depth, resonating with readers who admire her strength and authenticity.
Theodore
Theodore, the crown prince, subverts expectations in The Second Male Lead Is Actually a Girl. Originally a tyrant in the novel Rosa read, he grows into a compassionate and charismatic figure. His evolving relationship with Rozenta is a highlight, blending friendship with subtle romantic undertones. Theodore’s shift from his predetermined role challenges the idea of fate, showing how choices can reshape destiny. His interactions with Rozenta are filled with warmth and tension, making him a fan-favorite character who adds complexity to the story’s dynamics.
Vivian
Vivian, the novel’s supposed villainess, surprises Rosa with her sweet and loyal personality. Far from the wicked character in the book, she becomes a devoted companion to Rozenta, sparking curiosity about her altered role. Their relationship explores themes of friendship and potential romance, adding layers to the narrative. Vivian’s transformation from antagonist to ally keeps readers guessing, as her gentle demeanor contrasts with the novel’s original plot, making her a pivotal figure in The Second Male Lead Is Actually a Girl.
Duke of Estella
The Duke of Estella is a stern, traditional figure who imposes high expectations on Rozenta. Unaware of her true identity, he creates tension as Rosa strives to meet his demands while concealing her secret. However, moments of vulnerability reveal a softer side, particularly when he interacts with Rosa outside her disguise. The duke’s complex relationship with Rozenta adds depth to the story, highlighting the challenges of familial duty and societal norms in the Helios Empire.
Themes and Tropes
The Second Male Lead Is Actually a Girl excels in the otome isekai genre, where protagonists are transported into romance novels or games. However, it stands out by placing Rosa in the role of a male character, exploring gender identity and societal expectations.A key theme is the contrast between expectation and reality. Rosa’s assumptions about the novel’s plot are challenged as characters like Theodore and Vivian defy their original roles, mirroring her own struggle to reconcile her true self with her public persona as Rozenta.
Identity is another central theme. Rosa’s journey as a woman living as a man raises questions about authenticity and self-acceptance, resonating with readers who value stories of personal growth. Additionally, the webtoon subverts the “second male lead” trope, typically a tragic figure overshadowed by the main lead. By revealing Rozenta as female, the story redefines love, relationships, and destiny, offering a fresh perspective that captivates fans of the genre.
Art and Style
The visual appeal of The Second Male Lead Is Actually a Girl has been a significant draw, particularly with its recent artist change. Initially illustrated by E ang E, the webtoon featured cute, expressive designs that charmed readers. In Season 2, launched on February 12, 2025, artist OROSHI took over, introducing a more mature and detailed style . OROSHI’s detailed backgrounds and emotive character expressions enhance the immersive quality of the Helios Empire, making the art a perfect complement to the story’s depth.
Reception and Impact
The Second Male Lead Is Actually a Girl has built a strong following since its debut, particularly within the otome isekai community. Fans on platforms like Reddit’s r/OtomeIsekai praise its unique premise and Rozenta’s compelling character .
Related Works and Recommendations
Fans of The Second Male Lead Is Actually a Girl may enjoy these webtoons with similar themes:
| Title | Description | Why You’ll Like It |
| Who Made Me a Princess | A woman reborn as a princess in a novel navigates her new life. | Shares reincarnation and romance elements. |
| The Abandoned Empress | A reborn protagonist changes her fate in a royal setting. | Features political intrigue and strong female leads. |
| Surviving Romance | A woman trapped in a romance novel faces unexpected challenges. | Blends humor and narrative twists. |
| Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp | A reincarnated doctor uses her skills in a royal court. | Combines medical knowledge with fantasy. |
| The Motive Behind Raeliana’s Stay at the Duke’s Mansion | A woman uses her novel knowledge to survive. | Offers wit and romance in a familiar world. |
These series provide a mix of fantasy, romance, and clever protagonists, perfect for fans of The Second Male Lead Is Actually a Girl.
The “Baka” Reference Explained
The keyword “the second male lead is actually a girl baka” likely includes “baka” (Japanese for “fool”) due to fan discussions or a possible typo, as it’s absent from the official title. On platforms like Reddit, fans use playful terms when discussing the series, which may explain the reference . Alternatively, “baka” could stem from a niche fan translation or a character moment not widely documented. Regardless, the webtoon’s core appeal lies in its storytelling, not the “baka” term, which seems peripheral to its official narrative.
Conclusion
The Second Male Lead Is Actually a Girl is a standout webtoon that blends romance, fantasy, and thought-provoking themes. Its unique premise, engaging characters, and recent artistic evolution have solidified its place in the otome isekai genre. Whether you’re drawn to Rosa’s journey, the subversion of tropes, or the stunning visuals, this series offers something for everyone. Dive into the Helios Empire and experience the magic of The Second Male Lead Is Actually a Girl. Start reading today on PocketComics and join the vibrant fan community sharing their love for this captivating story!
FAQs
Who is the author of The Second Male Lead Is Actually a Girl?
The author is Kim Mi-sol .
What is the genre of this webtoon?
It’s a fantasy, romance, and otome isekai webtoon.
Has the webtoon’s artist changed?
Yes, Season 2 features OROSHI, replacing E ang E .
Where can I read it in English?
It’s available on PocketComics.
Is the webtoon completed?
It’s ongoing with 68 chapters as of June 2025