Cover The Grim Reaper from ‘Goblin’ is a fan-favourite K-drama character. (Photo: tvN)
The Grim Reaper from ‘Goblin’ is a fan-favourite K-drama character. (Photo: tvN)
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From mysterious rebels to fan-favourite love interests, these unforgettable K-drama side characters were so compelling, they deserve a spotlight of their own
K-dramas are renowned for their intricate characters, compelling relationships and storylines that extend far beyond the main leads. While the central arcs often dominate, there are countless side characters and subplots that strike a chord with audiences. These figures, with their rich backstories and untold stories, deserve to take centre stage. The fandom is more than ready to follow them on their own journeys, proving that sometimes, it’s the supporting cast that leaves the most lasting impression.
From second-lead couples yearning for their own love stories to enigmatic figures with origin tales waiting to be uncovered, here are 9 K-drama side characters who deserve spin-offs.
Also read: 11 new K-dramas to binge-watch this month: Watch for these thrillers, rom-coms and star comebacks
The Grim Reaper in ‘Goblin’ (‘Guardian: The Lonely and Great God’)
Above Lee Dong-wook’s Grim Reaper deserves his own K-drama spin-off. (Photo: tvN)
Lee Dong-wook’s Grim Reaper deserves his own K-drama spin-off. (Photo: tvN)
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We got a glimpse into the Grim Reaper’s (Lee Dong-wook) tragic past in Goblin, but there’s still so much story left to tell. A spin-off could delve deeper into the inner workings of the afterlife’s bureaucratic system—complete with co-worker dynamics, spiritual red tape and maybe even an ominous boss.
And while he first appeared as an enigmatic, even fearsome figure in Goblin, it didn’t take long for audiences to see his softer, more humorous side. Lee Dong-wook infused the role with surprising warmth and offbeat comedy, making the character irresistibly lovable. Add to that his unforgettable bromance with Gong Yoo’s goblin, and it’s no wonder fans are still clamouring for more. If a spin-off could rope in cameos from Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun and Yoo In-na, all the better.
Kim Tae-sung from ‘Lovely Runner’
Above The second male lead from the K-drama ‘Lovely Runner’ could have his own detective series. (Photo: tvN)
The second male lead from the K-drama ‘Lovely Runner’ could have his own detective series. (Photo: tvN)
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In a K-drama where the leads’ chemistry is so strong, it’s hard to steal the show, and yet Song Geon-hee’s Kim Tae-sung managed to leave an indelible mark and was a clear fan favourite, making him an ideal candidate for a spin-off. What’s more, he already comes with an opening theme song.
A romantic comedy detective thriller would be the perfect vehicle for Tae-sung, where he solves quirky, small-town cases while navigating the chaos of unexpected love. Of course, a brief appearance from newlyweds Ryu Sun-jae (Byeon Woo-seok) and Im Sol (Kim Hye-yoon) would be more than welcome.
See also: K-drama love language: How characters say ‘I love you’ without ever saying it
Pyo Mi-seon and Choi Eun-cheol from ‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’
Above The second lead couple from the K-drama hit ‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’ (Photo: tvN)
Above (Photo: tvN)
The second lead couple from the K-drama hit ‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’ (Photo: tvN)
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There’s no question that the romance between irrepressible dental hygienist Pyo Mi-seon (Gong Min-jung) and earnest local police officer Choi Eun-cheol (Kang Hyung-seok) charmed audiences of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha. A spin-off would be a welcome treat, offering more of the secondary couple’s lively banter as they navigate hilarious misunderstandings, small-town gossip and the quirks of rural life. It would also give fans a chance to revisit Gongjin’s lovable residents and maybe even check in on Yoon Hye-jin (Shin Min-a) and Hong Du-sik (Kim Seon-ho).
Kang Hae-joon and Yoon Jung-Jae from ‘Family By Choice’
Above Someone make a father-and-son K-drama spin-off for these two. (Photo: JTBC)
Someone make a father-and-son K-drama spin-off for these two. (Photo: JTBC)
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The father-son bond between Kang Hae-joon (Bae Hyun-sung) and Yoon Jung-jae (Choi Won-young) in Family By Choice showcased some of the show’s most powerful emotional moments and is arguably one of the most compelling story arcs of the K-drama. Their relationship underscored the impact of chosen family bonds, and the touching and layered performances of the actors gave the storyline depth and resonance.
A spin-off could dive deeper into the themes of family and explore how they would continue to navigate their relationship, especially with the return of Hae-joon’s biological mother. If nothing else, it would be a comfort to reconnect with our favourite father-son duo and just watch their heartwarming—and hilarious—dynamic continue to unfold.
Don’t miss: Family curses: 9 K-dramas that untangle multigenerational trauma
Jun Hyun-ju from ‘Light Shop’
Above A spin-off would answer plenty of lingering questions. (Photo: IMDb)
A spin-off would answer plenty of lingering questions. (Photo: IMDb)
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As the only other character to return from the brink of death with her memories of the afterlife fully intact, Jun Hyun-ju (played by Shin Eun-soo) is a figure brimming with narrative potential. By the end of the K-drama, it’s revealed that one of the spirits she encountered beyond the veil has followed her back into the living world—an eerie twist that opens more doors than it closes.
With no second season confirmed and no guarantee she’ll reappear in Kang Full’s future dramas, a spin-off centred on Hyun-ju could explore the many unanswered questions that linger: does she now see other spirits—or only this one? What will she do with her knowledge of the afterlife? Is the ghost that followed her truly benign? And has her brush with death left her tethered to the realm beyond?
Park Geon-yeob from ‘Study Group’
Above Give us Park Geon-yeob’s origin story. (Photo: IMDb)
Give us Park Geon-yeob’s origin story. (Photo: IMDb)
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Park Geon-yeob (Hong Min-gi) pops in and out of Study Group, but audiences never truly get a full sense of who he is or what shaped him. While the series offers glimpses into his painful past and hints at why he’s so consumed by revenge, much of his story remains untold.
As one of the more intriguing characters in the K-drama, a prequel spin-off could trace Geon-yeob’s origin story in greater depth, explore the emotional weight of his mother’s legacy and unpack his first confrontation with Pi Wan-hool and the Yeonbaek Gang. It would help audiences understand his motivations more and give a clearer picture of the circumstances that shaped his character.
Seo Dan from ‘Crash Landing on You’
Above Fans would love to see what the future has in store for Seo Dan. (Photo: tvN)
Fans would love to see what the future has in store for Seo Dan. (Photo: tvN)
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Seo Dan (Seo Ji-hye) was the effortlessly chic and icy-cool second female lead in Crash Landing on You. Jilted by Captain Ri (Hyun Bin) and left devastated by the tragic death of Gu Seung-jun (Kim Jung-hyun), her story could have ended there. Instead, the K-drama closes with her stepping into her power and poised to take on life on her own and in her own terms. It was a quietly triumphant moment that lingered with fans long after the final episode.
It’s the perfect segue to a spin-off that focuses on second chances, and sees her healing from heartbreak, returning to Europe to pursue a career in music and carving out her place in the world.
