Because romance bring more audience and as someone who wrote stories, MC usually have bit of pieces of self insert from writer for easier understanding of the stories also romance bring happiness to the heart
Also, i saw few stories which the MC didn't choose anyone and as romance enjoyer (which majority reader) it left bitter feeling.
if you desperately want something with no romance then maybe you're in the wrong genre, try shonen or comedy if you want more no romance or stories that specifically exclude romance.
I didn't say I didn't want romance. Narratively, it would have worked WAY better if Yayul was treated or shown as family instead of romantic interest. Especially with both of them being linked to the Heavenly Demon somehow. Their mothers were connected to that sect. MC, avoiding spoilers and all, has a lot of ties with them in the past and it would have worked so wonderfully with Yayul playing as a big brother figure. Instead, two guys yet again will be vying for MC like all the common tropes out there.
Tbh, i agree that i rather have the mc have designated love interest from the beginning, letting the romance simmer in non ambiguous way, but unfortunately that's also a way for the author to bring more audience, the anticipation that create debate between readers ;-;
And imo, i rather MC ended up with Yayul, while Ryu Chung is all fine and dandy, i want him to stay with his original lover Haryeong and make that Reincarnated MC doesn't always need to ended ip with the original story main character, MC and Yayul's interaction also felt more matural.... Just opinion though since it seems the author more lean towards Ryuchung
Oh also, in case you want story with Romance that didn't ended up with love triangle i recommended this :
SSS-Class Suicide Hunter
How to Get My Husband on My Side -> (this one a bit angsty so be careful)
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto
Another Typical Fantasy Romance
I already read those
...I wish they'd normalize friendship. Why does it always have to segue to romantic love? Forgot the title but the MC who owns a stationary store. The legendary hero there has no romantic feelings for her. They're more like siblings! Why can't more authors do that???