It's that feeling of not receiving love back from the person you treasure the most in your life. Frequently we get this pang of pity for that one character who gave everything but never received the same degree of affection in return. We constantly found ourselves tempted by the charms of the second lead, after the main male protagonists. And without helping it, fans ended up rooting for the second lead more than the main lead. No matter if we know it's not going to happen because of the unavoidable match in the dramas, it's hard not to support our beloved second lead. They have impressed our hearts with their actions, sweet gestures, and undeniable love for female leads. Below are the top 10 second male leads in Chinese drama that left our hearts shattered.
1. Hua Ze Lei (Meteor Garden)
Meteor Garden has many versions, and each version made us feel sorry for the second male lead. Hua Zelei was one of the most supportive friends one could ask for. He had feelings for the female protagonist yet backed her relationship with his friend. Zelei was even willing to leave the F4, the band, just for her. He was there by her side whenever he felt like she needed someone. Zelei's affection made her fall for him.
2. Wu Bosong (A Love So Beautiful)
Wu Bosong gave fans one of the most heart-breaking second lead syndromes. His competitive spirit as an athlete yet positive and lively side took away the audience's hearts. Who doesn't want someone like him, who, no matter what, would never leave you. And Chen Xiao Xi, the main female lead, needs exactly like Bosong in her life. But she chose the male protagonist over him. He put every effort to makes her happy and guarded her.
3. Li Yu (When We Were Young)
When the Chinese drama, When We Were Young dropped, it confused the audience to ship the leading female with the male protagonist or the supporting male. Li Yu was so whipped for her that he refused the other person. They were not merely neighbors but also best friends, which gave us closure to their relationship. Li Yu was delicate and always immensely helpful to Xanxi.
4. Simba In (I Cannot Hug You)
I feel that I Cannot Hug You and its popularity are well known to all C-Drama lovers. One of the reasons to watch this drama is the second male lead, Simba, who is a vampire. He was childhood friends with the female lead, who's a vampire as well. The only person Simba trusted and secretly loved was Li Shi Ya. That's the reason he didn't get along with the main lead. Since he's an idol, he is famous, easy-going, and has captivating charms. But as jealousy gets in his way, we can see changes in his behaviors. He hides his emotions and complex character because of his traumatic past.
5. Run Yu (Ashes Of Love)
Run Yu was a bit difficult to understand. But he was never as explicit as his sincere love for Jin Mi. Run Yu has sacrificed himself for her many times, which is undeniable. The only hurdle Run Yu had was the lack of self-assurance in his ability to bring Jin Mi joy. He did everything selflessly and put effort into her, but despite everything, she still chose the main lead, Xu Feng, over him.
6. Fuca Fuheng (Story Of Yanxi Palace)
The Story of Yanxi Palace is one of the most popular and massive hits in Chinese drama history. And every character in this drama is iconic. One of the main female leads, Yingluo's guardian angel, was Fuca Fuheng. Even though he knew she would never be able to reciprocate her feelings, he still loved her because it was hampering Yingluo in her motives to become the emperor’s concubine. After everything, Fuheng allows her to leave for her sake, even after loving her unconditionally.
7. Zhao Lan Zhi In (An Oriental Odyssey)
Zhao Lan Zhi from another bop drama made the audience fell for him. Lan Zhi was a law-abiding high-ranking officer. Viewers admired everything about his character. Lan Zhi's bond with the female protagonist, Ye Yuan An, was adored by everyone. The delicate way he treated and showed love to her was indeed praiseworthy.
8. Xu Xing Cheng In (Granting You A Dreamlike Life)
Isn't it difficult to reject pleasing looks and an endearing smile. Yes, that's what happened to Xu Xing Cheng, the second male lead of Granting You A Dreamlike Life. Xing Cheng was all about boldness and was full of a bright and blunt-speaking person. He was a person who never got scared by anything and always acted morally. Xing Cheng had the potential to be with the female lead, but he was a second lead, so that's pretty obvious there's no chance.
9. Tang Shan Hai In (Sparrow)
Tang Shan Hai's behavior made the audience swoon over him. He was like a coconut; tough from the outside but gentle from the inside. There's so much to know about him because he was very vague. As Shan Hai was a wise confidential agent, it's made him logical and steadfast. Everything about him was just perfect except the fact he was a second male lead.
10. Lu Xian (Use For My Talent)
Unlike the drama, the second lead, Lu Xian, was fascinating. But he was only thinking of pursuing the female lead and not winning her heart. He evolves friendly with her family and constantly looks out for them. Because of his feelings for Shuang Jiao, Lu Xian was too guards her fiercely.
