Cover The enduring charm, emotional rollercoaster, and why the “second-lead syndrome” in K-dramas steal the spotlight from the mains (Photo: tvN)
The enduring charm, emotional rollercoaster, and why the “second-lead syndrome” in K-dramas steal the spotlight from the mains (Photo: tvN)
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Exploring what makes the “second-lead syndrome” so impactful for K-drama fans
Have you ever found yourself rooting for the charming, loyal, and often heartbroken character who doesn’t get the girl (or guy) in a K-drama? You’re not alone. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as “second-lead syndrome”, is a bittersweet experience that evokes empathy, frustration, and sometimes, the nagging thought that maybe the main lead doesn’t deserve the protagonist after all.
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But what makes second leads so relatable? Here, we explore some memorable second leads in popular K-dramas that have captured fans’ hearts.
Above The iconic parcel scene from 2016’s ‘Descendants of the Sun’
The second-lead syndrome occurs when fans develop a strong emotional attachment to the secondary love interest in a K-drama. These “underdog” characters, often destined for heartbreak despite their unrequited love, tend to be the ultimate “what if” or “what could’ve been” of the narrative, especially when it involves a love triangle.
Boys Over Flowers (2009)
In Boys Over Flowers, Kim Hyun-joong plays the musically talented Yoon Ji-hoo, the epitome of the kind and supportive second lead. Despite his feelings for Geum Jan-di (played by Koo Hye-sun), who also seems to like and have a crush on him initially, he steps aside from his best friend Gu Jun-pyo (played by Lee Min-ho), who falls in love with her and does everything to protect her. Ji-hoo’s quiet moments of care, like playing the guitar to cheer Geum Jan-di up or silently watching over her, cement his place in fans’ hearts.
Reply 1994 (2013)
Chilbong (played by Yoo Yeon-seok) in Reply 1994, the second instalment of the Reply K-drama series develops a crush which later becomes an unrequited love for the spunky and smart Sung Na-jung (played by Go Ara). A slow burn that tugged at viewers’ emotions and tortured them with hollow hope, Chilbong’s unwavering devotion and patience despite the circumstances, paired with his soft-spoken nature, made him unforgettable.
Above Koo Hye-sun as Geum Jan-di and Kim Hyun-joong as Yoon Ji-hoo in 2009’s ‘Boys Over Flowers’ (Photo: KBS2)
Above Yoo Yeon-seok as Chilbong and Go Ara as Sung Na-jung in 2013’s ‘Reply 1994’ (Photo: tvN)
Koo Hye-sun as Geum Jan-di and Kim Hyun-joong as Yoon Ji-hoo in 2009’s ‘Boys Over Flowers’ (Photo: KBS2)
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Reply 1988 (2015)
In Reply 1988, Kim Jung-hwan (played by Ryu Jun-yeol) is stoic and sarcastic on the outside and uses his attitude as a shield but deep down, he’s secretly a sweetheart. It’s this tsundere (someone who switches between two moods: one is cold, hostile, and impolite, while the other is warm, affectionate, and caring) charm that had fans rallying for him. He develops feelings for the bright and compassionate Sung Deok-sun (played by Lee Hye-ri) but is reluctant to admit it, grapples with complicated emotions, and lets the right timing slip away, leaving fans in tears.
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Cheese in the Trap (2016)
Baek In-ho’s (played by Seo Kang-joon) fiery personality and tough exterior in Cheese in the Trap hide a vulnerable side that he only shows to Hong Seol (Kim Go-eun) when he develops feelings for her though he never acts on it. Fans appreciated his heartfelt attempts to protect and support her, even if he knew she wouldn’t choose him.
Above Lee Hye-ri as Sung Deok-sun and Ryu Jun-yeol as Kim Jung-hwan in 2015’s ‘Reply 1988’ (Photo: tvN)
Above Seo Kang-joon as Baek In-ho and Kim Go-eun as Hong Seol in 2016’s ‘Cheese in the Trap’ (Photo: tvN)
Lee Hye-ri as Sung Deok-sun and Ryu Jun-yeol as Kim Jung-hwan in 2015’s ‘Reply 1988’ (Photo: tvN)
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Descendants of the Sun (2016)
In Descendants of the Sun, the no-nonsense character Master Sergeant Seo Dae-young’s (played by Jin Goo) complicated relationship with First Lieutenant Yoon Myung-joo (played by Kim Ji-won captivated viewers. For much of the series, he struggles with expressing his true feelings for Myung-joo due to the objection of her father who wanted Yoo Si-jin (played by Song Joong-ki) as his son-in-law. Kim and Jin Goo won the Best Couple Award at the 2016 KBS Drama Awards for their performances.
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Guardian: The Lonely and Great God aka Goblin (2016)
Grim Reaper / Wang Yeo (played by Lee Dong-wook) Guardian: The Lonely and Great God aka Goblin is a good-looking and cynical yet humorous ‘Angel of Death’ who prefers to be detached and alone because of his social awkwardness. He falls in love with Sunny (played by Yoo In-na) who eventually reciprocates his feelings but his complex backstory as young king Wang Yeo in his past life who kills his wife (Sunny or Kim Sun / Queen Sun-Hee in her past life) complicates their relationship. The second lead’s chemistry was so solid that it spun off another K-drama, Touch Your Heart (2019).
Above Jin Goo as Seo Dae-young and Kim Ji-won as Yoon Myung-joo in 2016’s ‘Descendants of the Sun’ (Photo: KBS2)
Above Lee Dong-wook as Grim Reaper / Wang Yeo and Yoon In-na as Sunny in 2016’s ‘Guardian: The Lonely and Great God’ aka ‘Goblin’ (Photo: tvN)
Jin Goo as Seo Dae-young and Kim Ji-won as Yoon Myung-joo in 2016’s ‘Descendants of the Sun’ (Photo: KBS2)
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Start-Up (2020)
Kim Seon-ho plays SH Venture Capital team leader Han Ji-pyeong in Start-Up, whose wit, intellect, and emotional depth make him a standout character. His heartfelt letters to Seo Dal-mi (played by Bae Suzy), written under a false identity, and his constant support for her dreams earned him a legion of fans. Though ultimately, Seo Dal-mi ends up with Nam Do-san (played by Nam Joo-hyuk). Kim won Character of the Year at the 2021 Seoul International Drama Awards for his portrayal of Han Ji-pyeong.
Above Kim Seon-ho as Han Ji-pyeong and Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi in 2020’s ‘Start-Up’ (Photo: tvN)
Kim Seon-ho as Han Ji-pyeong and Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi in 2020’s ‘Start-Up’ (Photo: tvN)
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The “second-lead syndrome” isn’t just a trope; it’s an emotional journey that reflects the highs and lows of human relationships. Whether you’re cheering for Ji-hoo’s silent love or shedding tears over Jung-hwan’s unspoken devotion, the second lead’s story always leaves a lasting impression.
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