Second Lead Syndrome Strikes Again! 5 K-Dramas That Will Make You Root for the Underdog
- IMDb
Gaya Hidup, VIVA Banyuwangi – Have you ever watched a K-drama and found yourself falling for the second male lead? This phenomenon, known as "second lead syndrome," occurs when viewers find themselves rooting for the supporting male character over the main lead. Often, the second lead possesses endearing qualities like kindness, loyalty, and unwavering support, making viewers swoon and wish for a different ending. This article recommends 5 romantic K-dramas known for inducing the strongest cases of second lead syndrome!
1. Start-Up (2020)
Start-Up tells the story of Seo Dal-mi (Bae Suzy) who dreams of becoming a successful CEO. She finds herself in a love triangle with Nam Do-san (Nam Joo-hyuk), the founder of Samsan Tech, and Han Ji-pyeong (Kim Seon-ho), an investor who has secretly loved her for a long time. Han Ji-pyeong's mature, caring, and supportive nature has caused many viewers to experience second lead syndrome.
2. True Beauty (2020)
This drama follows Lim Ju-kyung (Moon Ga-young), a high school student who is insecure about her appearance. She gets caught in a love triangle with Lee Su-ho (Cha Eun-woo), a popular and handsome student, and Han Seo-jun (Hwang In-yeop), a "bad boy" who secretly harbors feelings for her. Han Seo-jun's cool, caring, and selfless personality makes him a fan favorite.
3. Reply 1988 (2015)
Reply 1988 tells the story of five friends in 1988, including a love triangle between Sung Deok-sun (Lee Hyeri), Choi Taek (Park Bo-gum), and Kim Jung-hwan (Ryu Jun-yeol). Kim Jung-hwan is a seemingly indifferent character who deeply cares for Deok-sun. Unfortunately, he takes too long to express his feelings, leaving viewers heartbroken and frustrated.
