5 K-drama characters who’ll give you major second lead syndrome

Second lead syndrome is a real (and painful) part of the K-drama experience. The second lead is charming, supportive, and most often more emotionally mature than the lead character.

However, they always lose out on getting the love of the main character (even though a majority of viewers believe they deserve it more). These characters prompt us to consider everything. They make use question why the female lead overlooks the guy who was always there for her.

Whether it's their suave ability to step back with grace or how they carry hidden heartbreak, second leads carve out an important place in our hearts. So much so that they often end up more memorable than the primary couple.

Therefore, this list is dedicated to five K-drama second leads who made us feel heartbrokenly devastated, frustrated, and in love, sometimes all at the same time. If you've ever found yourself grieving over a romance that never came to fruition. Below are your characters that will help reignite that second lead syndrome.

---

Second lead syndrome incoming: These K-drama characters are impossible not to love

Some K-drama second leads don’t just take over the show, they steal our hearts. These characters are not just supporting friends or quiet admirers. They are usually nicer, more considerate, and somehow still the one left standing in the rain, alone.

Have you ever watched a K-drama and screamed at your screen, "Why didn’t she pick him?!" This is what second lead syndrome is, and here are those unlucky in love characters:

5) In Gook Doo – Strong Woman Do Bong-soon

Gook-doo is the perfect example of "too late," who'll give you the second lead syndrome in Strong Woman Do Bong Soon. A straight-laced cop who takes his job seriously, Gook-do was constantly looking out for Bong-soon, but he didn’t know he cared for her until she had moved on.

His protective nature and tough love style kept him from realizing he had feelings for her. We might not have felt as much for him because he wasn’t as charming or expressive as Min-hyuk, but he did display glimmers of feeling that simmered, and he ultimately missed his chance with a girl who we all felt deserved it.

Also Read: The truth behind Byeon Woo-seok’s heart-melting performance in Lovely Runner— Did he actually sing?

---

4) Han Ji-pyeong – Start Up

The next character in our list is Han Ji-pyeong in Star Up. As seen in the K-drama, Ji-pyeong is incredibly smart and a successful man who had viewers rooting for him from his very first sarcastic line.

He’s the classic "good guy" second lead who supported Dal-mi from the shadows, even when she didn’t know who he really was. While Dal-mi cared for him only as a friend, Ji-pyeong was quietly in love with her, and what's even more painful is that his love feels deeper than Joo-hyuk's.

---

3) Ji-hoo – Boys Over Flowers

Played by Kim Hyung-joon, Ji-hoo is the original second lead heartbreaker in Boys Over Flowers. It has been years since fans fell in love with this K-drama, not only because of its storyline, but also for giving fans major second lead syndrome.

As seen in the drama, Ji-hoo is the calmest and kindest F4 member. However, he always ended up one step behind Gu Jun-pyo, even though he often understood Jan-di better. From playing the violin to saving her again and again, Ji-hoo is the perfect example of the "almost" love story.

---

2) Seo Tae-yang – Spring of Youth

While this drama may not have gotten mainstream attention like the others, Seo Tae-yang in the latest K-drama Spring of Youth is the character who gives the second lead syndrome. Despite knowing Gim-bom since high school, Tae-yeang never really got the chance to confess his love.

However, he did confront Sa-gye (the main lead) that he loves her and is someone who won't step back so easily. But when it comes to Bom's happiness, Tae-yang eventually lets her stay close to Sa-gye, and now they are all a part of a new band called "Tow Sa-gye".

While the drama isn't over yet, it's quite visible that Tae-yeang's heart will break, and so will fans' when they watch the K-drama. This way, Seo Tae-yang is the newest character who gives viewers the second lead syndrome.

---

1) Han Seo-jun – True Beauty

Cool on the outside, soft on the inside, Han Seo-jun is the ultimate bad boy with a heart of gold in the fan-adored K-drama, True Beauty. Even though he had feelings for Ju-kyung, Seo-jun stepped back the moment he realized she liked Su-ho, who also happens to be his frenemy.

But that didn’t stop him from protecting Ju-kyung, cheering her up when she felt down because of her face, and being silently in love. Seo-jun's loyalty, fierce love for his friends, and quiet pain made him a standout character and became the reason why fans felt the second lead syndrome, as many argue that he deserved better.

---

Also Read: This K-pop idol almost took the lead in Queen of Tears - But turned it down

Continue exploring Soap Central for regular updates on TV series, films, and more!