Are you a K-Drama addict? Have you heard of or even caught the second lead syndrome? If so, here’s a list of the top 10 Korean drama second leads of all time. We wish we could hug them because they deserved so much more *insert single tear emoji*
1. Ji Dwi (Park Hyung Sik)
Park Hyung Sik plays the role of Ji Dwi in Hwarang and is the best second lead in K-Drama history. He falls in love with Go Ara, played by Kim Ah-Ro, and conveys his feelings. He is even ready to give up on the throne for her, which is a LOT. His longing eyes and broken heart had fans swooning over him.
2. Han Seo-Jun (Hwang In-Youp)
Han Seo-Jun, played by Hwang In-Youp, and his love for Lim Ju Kyung had fans rooting for the pair seriously. He loves his best friends, Ju Kyung and Su Ho. And comforts and cheers them up. Dream supporter, secret keeper, unconditional love giver, joy bringer, and an all-rounder. He is one of the best K-Drama second leads of all time, without a doubt.
3. Han Ji-Pyeong (Kim Seon Ho)
Han Ji-Pyeong, played by Kim Seon Ho in Start-up, gave fans unwavering second-lead syndrome. He loves and supports her unconditionally and always cares about her happiness. Not to forget, he is Dal Mi’s first love and was there for her through the hard times in her life. They have the most compatible and special relationship ever.
4. Seo Yul (Hwang Min-Hyun)
Though he joined the list of second lead syndrome recently, we can vouch that he will stay for a long time. Hwang Min-Hyun perfectly carries the role of Seo Yul in Alchemy of Souls. In this soul-swapping drama, Seo Yul’s soul longs for his first and childhood love Cho Yeong. He’s always there, protecting her. In the end, they preserve their friendship through highs and lows.
5. Go Chung-Myung (Lee Do-Hyun)
Lee Do-Hyun elegantly plays the role of Go Chung-Myung in Hotel del Luna. He is the only man in the K-Drama world who waited 1300 years for his first love. From sacrificing his love and life to save Jang Man-Wol, played by IU, to lingering as a tiny firefly for forgiveness, one would say that he deserved a happy ending.
6. Kim Jung Hwan (Ryu Jun Yeol)
Kim Jung Hwan, played by Ryu Jun Yeol, is the perfect epitome of soft loving second lead in K-dramas. His unable to confess his feelings while expressing his love in the most subtle ways had fans rooting for him to end up with Sung Deok Sun, played by Hyeri. From having a childhood crush on Deok Sun to stepping back for his friend, the internal conflict of Deok Sun pulls heartstrings.
7. Yoon Ji-hoo (Kim Hyun-Joong)
Yoon Ji-hoo, played by Kim Hyun-Joong in Boys over Flowers, broke and won many K-Drama fans’ hearts. Ji-hoo carries a complex personality. He looks cold to strangers, but to friends, he is a big softie. He loves and protects Jan-di, played by Ku Hye-Sun. He is Jan-Di’s first dance partner, first kiss, and not to forget her first love. In an alternate universe, I bet they end up together.
8. Ji Seo-Joon (Wi Ha-Joon)
Ji Seo-Joon, played by Wi Ha-Joon, is the perfect second lead to ship with and root for. In Romance is a Bonus book, he falls in love with Kang Dan-I, played by Lee Na-Young. He is a soft, thoughtful, and kind-hearted person. He shows his love and supports subtly. Ji Seo-Joon has our hearts for always being there and understanding Kang Dan-I for who she is.
9. Baek Kyung (Lee Jae Wook)
Lee Jae Wook smartly pulls off the complex character of Baek Kyung in Extraordinary You. Baek Kyung gives off bad-boy energy and doesn’t reciprocate the feelings of Eun Dan Oh, played by Kim Hye Yoon. After noticing Eun Dan Oh’s behaviour change towards him, Baek Kyung opens his heart to her. He supports her in discovering herself while knowing who he is as well.
10. Kim Yoon-Sung (Jung Jin-Young)
Kim Yoon-Sung, played by Jung Jin-Young in Love in the Moonlight, silently steals viewers’ hearts. Although he knows the secret of Ra-On, played by Kim Yoo-Jung the first day, he keeps silent. He loves her but always from a distance. He protects her with his life, her best friend and the one she can count on anytime. He deserved a happy ending!
