Tender is the new tough for leading men in K-dramas

India Today

14 hours ago

In the past decade, K-dramas have seen a significant shift in how male protagonists are portrayed. They were commonly seen as emotionally distant and domineering, but now we have witnessed a change in the depiction. The male leads are now shown as emotionally intelligent and supportive partners.This evolution reflects not only changing audience expectations but also broader cultural conversations around gender roles, mental health, and respectful relationships. In today's K-Fix, let's explore how men in K-dramas have moved from toxicity to being more tender and thoughtful.advertisementIn 2009, 'Boys Over Flowers' introduced viewers to the classic 'alpha male' archetype. Goo Jun-pyo, played by Lee Min-ho, was wealthy, temperamental, and possessive. While his character eventually undergoes a redemption arc, much of his behaviour, from bullying to emotional manipulation, was glamourised as romantic rather than viewed as problematic. His charm lay in his dominance, which at the time was seen as compelling, if not ideal.
A year later, 'Secret Garden' continued this pattern. Hyun Bin's portrayal of Kim Joo-won gave us another emotionally stunted chaebol. His arrogance and condescension were framed as quirky, and his dismissive attitude toward the female lead was often mistaken for affection. While the drama was a massive hit, his character's controlling behaviour would likely be challenged or critiqued by today's viewers.By 2014, the tides began to shift with 'Healer'. Ji Chang-wook, Seo Jung-hoo, though still the strong and silent type, broke away from previous norms. He respected boundaries, remained loyal, and never used his power or emotions to manipulate people. His strength came not from control, but from integrity and emotional growth. Vulnerability was no longer a flaw; it was a feature. advertisementThen came It's 'Okay to Not Be Okay' in 2020, which redefined the emotional depth of male leads. Kim Soo-hyun's Moon Gang-tae was empathetic and trauma-aware. His character prioritised healing for himself and others, challenging the notion that male characters must always carry emotional burdens in silence. His approach to love was not performative but grounded in kindness, patience, and understanding. 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo', released in 2022, took this evolution a step further. Kang Tae-oh's Lee Jun-ho stood out as the ideal modern male lead. His respect for Woo Young-woo's individuality was unwavering. He never sought to change or rescue her but supported her growth and independence with sincerity. His character offered a blueprint for healthy, respectful romantic dynamics. Finally, in 2024, 'Queen of Tears' offered one of the most mature portrayals of masculinity to date. Kim Soo-hyun's Baek Hyun-woo was quiet, introspective, and emotionally honest. As he navigated a troubled marriage, his responses were rooted in vulnerability, not ego. He communicated thoughtfully, showing that emotional maturity can be just as compelling as drama-driven passion. The evolution of male leads in K-dramas mirrors larger societal shifts. Today's audiences, especially younger, global, and more gender-conscious viewers, seek characters who embody mutual respect, emotional availability, and psychological depth. Writers and producers have taken note, gradually abandoning outdated romantic ideals in favour of characters who feel more relatable.The modern K-drama male lead is no longer defined by dominance or aloof charm. Instead, he listens, evolves, and nurtures. This transformation not only provides healthier role models for viewers but also reflects a broader cultural move towards compassion, consent, and genuine connection in storytelling.