5 days ago
Romantic K-drama male leads who were created by female screenwriters
Yang Gwan-sik and Park Chung-seob from 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'
Above Gwan-sik would swim across the ocean for Ae-sun. (Photo: IMDb)
Screenwriter: Lim Sang-choon ( Fight for My Way , When the Camellia Blooms )
Lim Sang-choon gave us not one, but two of K-drama's best husbands in a single series. Yang Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum) is peak husband material—steadfast and supportive. He was in Oh Ae-sun's (IU) corner from the very beginning, holding her up, cheering her on and never once getting in her way. With zero ego, he found joy in simply watching her shine, devoted almost solely to her happiness.
Like his father-in-law, Park Chung-seob (Kim Seon-ho) loved Yang Geum-myeong (IU) with the same quiet, unwavering loyalty. He was never showy in his affections, but was also not above a grand gesture or two. He respected her choices, gave her space and made her feel safe to be all that she was and could be.
See also: 5 life lessons from 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' Hwang Yong-sik from 'When the Camellia Blooms'
Above The tenderhearted small-town police officer who falls for Dong-baek (Photo: IMDb)
Screenwriter: Lim Sang-choon ( Fight for My Way , When Life Gives You Tangerines )
The moment Hwang Yong-sik (Kang Ha-neul) set eyes on Dong-baek (Gong Hyo-jin), it was game over for the tenderhearted small-town police officer. Unapologetically earnest and unshakably devoted, he falls for single mum and bar owner Dong-baek and never once wavers—not when the neighbourhood gossips, not when her ex reappears and not even when a serial killer enters the picture.
In a K-drama landscape full of alpha males and cold chaebols, Yong-sik is a breath of fresh air: he wears his heart on his sleeve, is not afraid to be vulnerable and is disarmingly sincere—someone you'd feel safe leaving your drink with. Screenwriter Lim Sang-choon reminds viewers that what women really want are emotionally available men who are true allies. Lee Jun-ho from 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo'
Above Attorney Woo's closest ally and most ardent admirer (Photo: IMDb)
Screenwriter: Moon Ji-won
Screenwriter Moon Ji-won definitely wrote Lee Jun-ho (Kang Tae-oh) with women in mind. Compassionate and empathetic, he treats Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin), a brilliant attorney on the autism spectrum, with dignity and respect. He sees her as an equal, neither diminishing nor underestimating her, but uplifting and empowering her instead. Whether helping her navigate office politics or cheering her on from the sidelines, he is always ready to help her overcome challenges, without being condescending or over-solicitous. Choi Taek from 'Reply 1988'
Above There's no doubt about how Taek feels about Deok-sun. (Photo: IMDb)
Screenwriter: Lee Woo-jung ( Reply series, Hospital Playlist Seasons 1 and 2)
In the K-drama, Choi Taek (Park Bo-gum) eventually wins the heart of Sung Deok-sun (Lee Hye-ri)—and the audience—with his consistency and patience. He never plays it cool or keeps her guessing; instead, he expresses his affection honestly and openly, leaving no room for doubt. There's something attractive about a man who knows what he wants and goes after it confidently.
Thoughtful, gentle and deeply attuned to Deok-sun's emotions, he proves that love is in the details, in the little things he notices and remembers. Lee Ik-joon from 'Hospital Playlist'
Above Ik-joon navigates the transition from best friend to boyfriend with grace. (Photo: tvN)
Screenwriter: Lee Woo-jung ( Reply series)
He's smart, playful, funny and completely unproblematic. In Hospital Playlist , Lee Ik-joon (Jo Jung-suk) and Seong-hwa (Jeon Mi-do) start as best friends until feelings begin to surface that neither can ignore. Ik-joon's warmth and genuine care shine through as he navigates this delicate transition with humour, sincerity and grace. He leads with honesty but isn't pushy, making sure to respect Seong-hwa's feelings and give her the space she needs. His ability to balance friendship and budding romance shows emotional maturity, making him a refreshingly relatable and endearing male lead.
