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The Heirs To True Beauty: 10 Characters Who Gave Us Second Lead Syndrome
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Second lead syndrome is the bittersweet feeling when the "other" guy does everything right but still doesn't get the girl.
If you are a K-drama fan, then you must have felt the sting of the second lead syndrome. It is that bittersweet feeling when the 'other" guy falls head over heels in love with the leading lady, treats her like a queen and still doesn't end up with her. He is the quiet hero, the one who waits, sacrifices, hurts in silence and does everything right, and often becomes the character that fans love and remember more than the leading guy.
Have a look at 10 unforgettable male second leads who had fans cheering for them, crying with them, and secretly wishing for their happy ending in a K-drama.
Autumn In My Heart's Han Tae Sok
Actor Won Bin, as the beloved Han Tae Sok in Autumn In My Heart, is considered the OG second lead syndrome character. His love for the female lead, Eun Suh, played by Song Hye Kyo, was both pure and emotional. His expressive eyes and selflessness made him stand out in the drama.
Boys Over Flowers' Yoon Ji Ho
Kim Hyung Joong starred as the second lead Yoon Ji Ho in Boys Over Flowers, featuring Lee Min Ho and Koo Hye Sun, who made us all believe in soft love. Artistic, gentle, and always by Jan Di's side, fans of the show wished that she had chosen Ji Ho over the loud and proud Jun Pyo.
The Heirs' Choi Young Do
Tough on the outside but hurting inside, Choi Young Do, played by Kim Woo Bin, started off as a bully in The Heirs. Slowly, he falls for Eun Sang, and his transformation around her makes him one of the most iconic second leads of all time.
Even though his love was unrequited, the sweet baseball star Chilbong, portrayed by Yoo Yeon Seok, never gave up on loving Na Jung. His love was patient and kind, and he waited, hoped and cheered her on even though he knew he would never get Na Jung.
Who Are You: School 2015's Gong Tae Kwang
Gong Tae Kwang, portrayed by Yook Sung Jae, was the heartthrob in this romance mystery. Funny, loyal and full of hidden pain, Tae Kwang was deeply in love with Eun Bi. His friendship-turned-love for her left fans screaming, 'He's the one" for Eun Bi.
Kim Jung Hwan, played by Ryu Jun Yeol in Reply 1988, starring Lee Hyeri and Park Bo Gum, is perhaps the king of second-lead heartbreaks. He loved Deok Sun deeply but never confessed to her, letting go of her for the sake of their friendship. His near-confession still lives rent-free in fans' minds, leaving them to wonder what their story would be if he had told Deok Sun about his feelings.
Hwarang's Ji Dwi
A hidden king with a soft heart, Ji Dwi, played by Park Hyung Sik, was noble in every way. Because of his status, his love for Ah Ro remained unrequited, which led many to root for him and his caring nature and emotional depth.
True Beauty's Han Seo Jun
No such list will ever be complete without the mention of Han Seo Jun in True Beauty, played by Hwang In Youp. The classic bad boy with a good heart, Seo Jun was loyal, funny and quietly in love with Ju Kyung, played by Moon Ga Young. But she loved Cha Eun Woo's character Lee Su Ho. Seo Jun's selfless actions often left True Beauty fans wondering, what if she chose him instead of Su Ho?
Start-Up's Han Ji Pyeong
Han Ji Pyeon (Kim Seon Ho) in Start-Up was in love with Dal Mi (Bae Suzy). When he showed up in the drama, the internet went wild. His tender heart and smart advice led fans to root for him instead of the main lead.
Strong Girl Nam Soon's Ryu Shi Oh
Have you ever fallen for the villain just because of his caring nature towards the female lead? Well, in Strong Girl Nam Soon, Byeon Woo Seok plays the notorious antagonist Ryu Shi Oh. Despite his numerous flaws, viewers were drawn to him because of his love for Nam Soon, played by Lee Yoo Mi. Obviously, by the end, he met with a tragic fate.
First Published:
June 10, 2025, 12:59 IST
