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          5 Times We Had Major 2nd Lead Syndrome From A K-Drama

          These heartthrobs deserved some love too! Here are characters who gave us major second lead syndrome.

          Kianna, Staff Writer
          4 min to read  ·  Published : Dec 4, 2023 · Updated : Dec 8, 2023
          5 Times We Had Major 2nd Lead Syndrome From A K-Drama

          SBS / tvN

          If you’re an avid K-Drama lover, you know how exciting it is to start a new K-Drama and go through all the emotions again. Seeing the main leads meeting and slowly reaching the end where they become an official couple is a slow burn many fans crave. When you think about the cast two roles typically come to mind, the main female lead and the main male lead.

          However, we’re all too familiar with another significant lead in K-Drama, the second male lead. You probably know what second lead syndrome is if you're a long-time fan. Second lead syndrome is when fans become more attached to the second male lead that they want him to end up with the main actress. It happens to most where you can’t help but root for the underdog. Here are cases where we had major second-lead syndrome and wanted to see the second-lead win so badly!

           

          1. "Cheer Up" Jin SeonHo played by Kim HyunJin

          Jin SeonHo in "Cheer Up" was so liked, that many fans were praying the writers would have a last-minute change of heart and let him win the girl in the end. He always looked at the female lead with so much love in his eyes and was never afraid to let his emotions be known to her. A man who can show his vulnerable side and always cares was a major catch in our eyes. There were even times were it seemed like the female lead was swooned by his words and would choose him to be her lover. Jin SeonHo has that cute boy next door charm to him and will have you rooting for him in this series.

          5 Times We Had Major 2nd Lead Syndrome From A K-Drama

          SBS

           

          2. "Start-Up" Han JiPyung played by Kim SeonHo

          Han JiPyung in "Start-Up" was all the green flags that we needed to see in a K-Drama! He was there for his friends, cared about everyone, and didn't demand anything in return from the female lead. If a man answered 461 questions you asked without showing a hint of annoyance, you would fall in love too! Han JiPyung was a second lead syndrome case that hit hard since he had been through so many hardships and events with the female lead. Many rooted for him to win in the end and even though he didn't, he was one of the most dedicated and lovable characters in the series.

          5 Times We Had Major 2nd Lead Syndrome From A K-Drama

          tvN

           

          3. "Reply 1988" Kim JungHwan played by Ryu JunYeol

          One of the original cases of second lead syndrome comes from Kim JungHwan from "Reply 1988." The female lead has passionate feelings for this character but the male lead was her one true love that she wanted to be with. JungHwan had many passionate moments with the female lead and their chemistry was hard to miss. Although he hesitates many times and ends up not getting the girl, fans root for him throughout the show and hoped he would be the guy that she chooses to be with.

          5 Times We Had Major 2nd Lead Syndrome From A K-Drama

          tvN

           

          4. "While You Were Sleeping" Han WooTak played by Jung HaeIn

          A pure-hearted heartthrob who wanted nothing but the best for the female lead. WooTak was a massive case of second lead syndrome in "While You Were Sleeping." WooTak was always soft-spoken with the female lead and cared for her safety throughout the series. Even if there were times when he was in trouble, she never left his mind. A scene that hit particularly hard was when WooTak was in the hospital after an attack but immediately jumped up and asked if the female lead was right, despite him being the hurt one. It's hard not to root for a character so devoted to the woman he loves.

          5 Times We Had Major 2nd Lead Syndrome From A K-Drama

          SBS

           

          5. "True Beauty" Han SeoJun played by Hwang InYoup

          Probably one of the most famous cases of second lead syndrome, we all think Han SeoJun from "True Beauty" deserved better. He was the best bad boy character type without the toxic tendencies and the chemistry with the female lead was undeniably there. Fans couldn't help but root for him because of his caring nature and unwavering love for the female lead. Although he may not have won the girl in the end, he won the hearts of many fans and became a popular character in the series.

          5 Times We Had Major 2nd Lead Syndrome From A K-Drama

          tvN

          Who was your worst case of second lead syndrome? Let us know in the comments!

          Hwang InYoup

          Hwang InYoup

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          Jung HaeIn

          Jung HaeIn

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          Kim HyunJin

          Kim HyunJin

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          Kim SeonHo

          Kim SeonHo

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          Ryu JunYeol

          Ryu JunYeol

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