서브 남주와 결혼은 곤란하다 (Marriage with the Sub Male Lead Is Troublesome), written by 우유삥 (Uyupping), is serialized on Naver Series as an exclusive [독점] edition under the 라곰 (Ragom) label. The novel is currently ongoing with a total of 80 episodes and holds a reader rating of 8.4 on the platform.
The story follows Cassia (카시아), who — exactly as the original novel's plot dictates — marries Imperial Prince Theodore (시어도어), the "regret-type sub male lead" (후회남주) who is supposed to divorce her someday. But her plan to quietly enjoy her alimony falls apart when Theodore actually falls for her and becomes possessive.
Quick Summary
- Korean title: 서브 남주와 결혼은 곤란하다
- Romanized title: Seobeu Namjuwa Gyeolhoneun Gonranhada
- Unofficial English title: Marriage with the Sub Male Lead Is Troublesome / It's Troublesome to Marry the Sub Male Lead
- Format: Web novel (full-length novel / 장편 소설)
- Status: Ongoing
- Chapter count: 80 episodes total (Naver Series)
- Reader rating: 8.4 (Naver Series)
- Author: Uyupping (우유삥)
- Label: Ragom (라곰)
- Official platform: Naver Series (exclusive [독점])
- Genre: Romance Fantasy (로판), Romantic Comedy, transmigration rofan (로판환생물)
- Female lead: Cassia (카시아)
- Male lead: Theodore (시어도어), imperial prince
- Main premise: marriage to the original novel's sub male lead who is supposed to divorce her
- Story elements: possessive/obsessive ML (소유욕/집착), straightforward ML (직진남), regret ML (후회남), misunderstanding comedy (착각계/오해)
- New material: official cover + official synopsis
- Reading scheme: episode 5 free; 1 cookie per paid episode; one free episode daily via the Series app
- Official English edition: not yet announced
- Official Indonesian edition: not yet announced
- Webtoon/anime adaptation: not yet announced
A New Ragom Label Title Built on "Transmigration Into a Novel" and Marriage to the Sub Male Lead
서브 남주와 결혼은 곤란하다 launched exclusively [독점] on Naver Series, with the launch and serialization notice (론칭 및 연재 안내) issued by the label 라곰 (Ragom). The official page lists 80 episodes, an 8.4 rating, and genre tags #NOVEL #로판 #로맨틱코미디 #로판환생물 #소유욕/집착 #직진남 #후회남.
The official synopsis teaser opens with the line "그는 다름 아닌, 원작 서브남주…" ("He is none other than the original novel's sub male lead…") — immediately establishing that the man the heroine marries is a supporting character from the "novel within the novel," not the main male lead.
A Heroine Calmly Waiting for Divorce, and a Husband Too Anxious to Sleep
According to the synopsis on ssn.so, following the original novel's progression, the female lead Cassia ends up marrying imperial prince Theodore. In the original story, Theodore holds the 후회남주 (regret male lead) position: a man who goes through a "denial phase" (입덕부정기) about his feelings for the original heroine before ultimately becoming her "doormat."
Cassia is fine with that. Since the original story hasn't begun yet, she is sure he will eventually break off the marriage for the true heroine — and she plans to sweetly collect her alimony ("I'll just enjoy my alimony, nice and sweet"). Reality diverges, however: Theodore stares at Cassia and swallows hard, '…Surely no one will snatch her away, right?' — growing so anxious he can barely sleep.
The Cover Features an Intimate Couple in a Warm, Elegant Atmosphere
The official cover illustration shows the two leads in an intimate pose. On the left sits a dark-haired man in a dark green suit and tie, gently playing with a strand of the woman's hair. On the right sits a long-haired blond woman with green eyes, wearing an elegant white-lavender lace dress and holding a letter.
The background of a large sunlit window with floral ornaments creates the warm, elegant atmosphere typical of aristocratic romance. The letter in the heroine's hand hints at an important plot element — such as a proposal or marriage document.
Misunderstanding Rom-Com with a Possessive, Obsessive Male Lead
The story's core lies in the contrast between the two leads: Cassia casually awaits divorce and alimony, while Theodore falls deeper in love, becoming possessive and anxious about losing his wife. This "misunderstanding" (착각계) dynamic is the main source of comedy.
Official tags on Naver Series and ssn.so confirm the tone: #로맨틱코미디 / #로코 (rom-com), #착각계・#오해 (misunderstanding), #소유욕/집착 (possessive/obsessive), #직진남 (straightforward ML), #후회남 (regret ML), plus #주책바가지남주, #입덕부정기남주, #또라이남주, and the warning #남주재수없음주의 (male lead is annoying at first).
Why This Matters
1) An inverted "regret male lead" premise
The heroine is the one waiting for divorce, while the husband is the one who regrets and fears losing her. This role reversal feels fresh within the transmigration rofan genre.
2) Consistent misunderstanding comedy (착각계)
The gap between Cassia's calculations (alimony, divorce, free life) and Theodore's anxiety ("someone might take her away") promises ongoing humor.
3) A possessive-obsessive yet straightforward male lead
The combination of #소유욕/집착 and #직진남 tags promises a male lead who starts off annoying but turns into a devoted husband — a favorite pattern for rofan readers.
4) A warm, elegant official cover
The illustration of the couple in front of a sunlit window, with a letter in the heroine's hand, instantly builds a romantic atmosphere and curiosity.
Novel Information
Key details currently known:
- Official Korean title is 서브 남주와 결혼은 곤란하다
- Written by Uyupping (우유삥)
- Exclusive [독점] on Naver Series under the Ragom (라곰) label
- Ongoing with 80 episodes total
- Reader rating of 8.4 on Naver Series
- Episode 5 free; paid episodes at 1 cookie; one free episode daily via the Series app
- Main characters: Cassia (FL) and Prince Theodore (ML)
- Premise: marriage to the regret-type sub male lead who should divorce her — but he falls in love and becomes possessive instead
- Official tags: 로판, 로맨틱코미디, 로판환생물, 소유욕/집착, 직진남, 후회남, 로코, 착각계, 오해, 또라이남주
- Official cover features an intimate couple before a warm sunlit window
- Official page available at Naver Series
- Additional synopsis available at ssn.so
- English and Indonesian editions have not been announced
- Webtoon or anime adaptations have not been announced
Closing
서브 남주와 결혼은 곤란하다 brings a fresh premise to Naver Series: a heroine who wants to be divorced as soon as possible is instead pursued by the "regret-position sub male lead," who turns possessive, anxious, and straightforward. Misunderstanding comedy, possessive/obsessive elements, and the inverted "regret" role form the core appeal of this rom-com rofan.
The series is ongoing and available legally on Naver Series. Further details about story progression, bonuses, or adaptations remain unannounced.
