Cover Deeply protective and endlessly patient, the romantic K-drama lead in ‘Crash Landing on You’ is what women want. (Photo: tvN)
Deeply protective and endlessly patient, the romantic K-drama lead in ‘Crash Landing on You’ is what women want. (Photo: tvN)
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These romantic K-drama heroes were written by female screenwriters who know exactly what women need and want
Among women, there is a growing consensus that the only good men left are fictional characters written by women, and nowhere is this more evident than in K-dramas, where the current trend has seen a shift from cold tsundere types to romantic male leads who are softer, warmer and more emotionally fluent. Created by female screenwriters who understand what women actually want, these romantic K-drama characters set the bar high. Written with empathy and intention, female audiences are introduced to male characters who prove that the female gaze makes all the difference.
Don’t miss: 9 romantic K-dramas where the male lead fell in love first—and fell the hardest
Ri Jeong-hyeok from ‘Crash Landing on You’
Above Written by Park Ji-eun, Ri Jeong-hyeok is what a romantic K-drama male lead looks like through the lens of a woman. (Photo: tvN)
Written by Park Ji-eun, Ri Jeong-hyeok is what a romantic K-drama male lead looks like through the lens of a woman. (Photo: tvN)
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Screenwriter: Park Ji-eun (My Love from the Star, Legend of the Blue Sea, Queen of Tears)
Tall, dark and willing to cross the DMZ for love, Crash Landing on You’s Ri Jeong-hyeok (Hyun Bin) is the kind of romantic K-drama male lead who could only have come from a woman’s imagination. He is stoic yet soulful, prickly but principled, deeply protective and endlessly patient with Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin).
Raising the bar as effortlessly as he lifted that scented candle for Se-ri in the marketplace, his quiet acts of service sent the hearts of the K-drama’s North Korean aunties—and viewers around the world—racing. But more than the homemade noodles, the body wash or scented candle, it is the way he sees and accepts Se-ri completely, embracing and celebrating her boldness, that makes him swoon-worthy.
See also: 7 Romantic K-Drama Shows On Netflix To Binge-Watch: CLOY, Start-Up, And More
Yang Gwan-sik and Park Chung-seob from ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’
Above Gwan-sik would swim across the ocean for Ae-sun. (Photo: IMDb)
Gwan-sik would swim across the ocean for Ae-sun. (Photo: IMDb)
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Screenwriter: Lim Sang-choon (Fight for My Way, When the Camellia Blooms)
Lim Sang-choon gave us not one, but two of K-drama’s best husbands in a single series. Yang Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum) is peak husband material—steadfast and supportive. He was in Oh Ae-sun’s (IU) corner from the very beginning, holding her up, cheering her on and never once getting in her way. With zero ego, he found joy in simply watching her shine, devoted almost solely to her happiness.
Like his father-in-law, Park Chung-seob (Kim Seon-ho) loved Yang Geum-myeong (IU) with the same quiet, unwavering loyalty. He was never showy in his affections, but was also not above a grand gesture or two. He respected her choices, gave her space and made her feel safe to be all that she was and could be.
See also: 5 life lessons from ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’
Hwang Yong-sik from ‘When the Camellia Blooms’
Above The tenderhearted small-town police officer who falls for Dong-baek (Photo: IMDb)
The tenderhearted small-town police officer who falls for Dong-baek (Photo: IMDb)
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Screenwriter: Lim Sang-choon (Fight for My Way, When Life Gives You Tangerines)
The moment Hwang Yong-sik (Kang Ha-neul) set eyes on Dong-baek (Gong Hyo-jin), it was game over for the tenderhearted small-town police officer. Unapologetically earnest and unshakably devoted, he falls for single mum and bar owner Dong-baek and never once wavers—not when the neighbourhood gossips, not when her ex reappears and not even when a serial killer enters the picture.
In a K-drama landscape full of alpha males and cold chaebols, Yong-sik is a breath of fresh air: he wears his heart on his sleeve, is not afraid to be vulnerable and is disarmingly sincere—someone you’d feel safe leaving your drink with. Screenwriter Lim Sang-choon reminds viewers that what women really want are emotionally available men who are true allies.
Lee Jun-ho from ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’
Above Attorney Woo’s closest ally and most ardent admirer (Photo: IMDb)
Attorney Woo’s closest ally and most ardent admirer (Photo: IMDb)
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Screenwriter: Moon Ji-won
Screenwriter Moon Ji-won definitely wrote Lee Jun-ho (Kang Tae-oh) with women in mind. Compassionate and empathetic, he treats Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin), a brilliant attorney on the autism spectrum, with dignity and respect. He sees her as an equal, neither diminishing nor underestimating her, but uplifting and empowering her instead. Whether helping her navigate office politics or cheering her on from the sidelines, he is always ready to help her overcome challenges, without being condescending or over-solicitous.
Choi Taek from ‘Reply 1988’
Above There’s no doubt about how Taek feels about Deok-sun. (Photo: IMDb)
There’s no doubt about how Taek feels about Deok-sun. (Photo: IMDb)
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Screenwriter: Lee Woo-jung (Reply series, Hospital Playlist Seasons 1 and 2)
In the K-drama, Choi Taek (Park Bo-gum) eventually wins the heart of Sung Deok-sun (Lee Hye-ri)—and the audience—with his consistency and patience. He never plays it cool or keeps her guessing; instead, he expresses his affection honestly and openly, leaving no room for doubt. There’s something attractive about a man who knows what he wants and goes after it confidently.
Thoughtful, gentle and deeply attuned to Deok-sun’s emotions, he proves that love is in the details, in the little things he notices and remembers.
Lee Ik-joon from ‘Hospital Playlist’
Above Ik-joon navigates the transition from best friend to boyfriend with grace. (Photo: tvN)
Ik-joon navigates the transition from best friend to boyfriend with grace. (Photo: tvN)
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Screenwriter: Lee Woo-jung (Reply series)
He’s smart, playful, funny and completely unproblematic. In Hospital Playlist, Lee Ik-joon (Jo Jung-suk) and Seong-hwa (Jeon Mi-do) start as best friends until feelings begin to surface that neither can ignore. Ik-joon’s warmth and genuine care shine through as he navigates this delicate transition with humour, sincerity and grace. He leads with honesty but isn’t pushy, making sure to respect Seong-hwa’s feelings and give her the space she needs. His ability to balance friendship and budding romance shows emotional maturity, making him a refreshingly relatable and endearing male lead.
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