Ever since the fame of K-Dramas came to light, the words “Second Male Lead Syndrome” have always been pantering around. Every K-drama fan or a K-drama addict knows this and it often comes to the point wherein there’s a hard decision of whether to choose the main lead who is oozing with handsomeness and manliness or to go for the cute and often funny second male lead character. Whatever the decision is, it surely brings everyone into a roller coaster ride of emotions. Because choosing biases is never easy! But who are these second male leads that are taking over the 2017 k-drama fever? Take a look at the 10 male K-drama second leads who managed to capture our hearts.
Lee Dong Wook as Grim Reaper
With the recent big success of the Korean drama Goblin which stars Gong Yoo, another character captured the hearts of the audience. Who wouldn’t forget his petty fights with the charming and funny Grim Reaper, played by Lee Dong Wook. This 35 year old actor has already starred in a lot of Korean dramas like “My Girl”, wherein he was even the main lead. However, he became even more famous for his role as a Grim Reaper, which many people dubbed him as the “Handsome Grim Reaper”.
This second male lead obviously made hearts flutter with his serious character and his funny side as well as his chemistry with Sunny, played by Yoo In Na and of course his bickering bromance with Kim Shin (Gong Yoo), who repeatedly made everyone laugh with their adorable relationship. Honestly, it’s hard not to love Grim Reape, full of charisma and great talent, not to mention his sexy and adorable red lips.
Ji Soo as Guk Doo
Kim Ji Soo or commonly known as Ji Soo, is a 24-year old Korean actor who was first noticed for his character in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo as the 14th Prince Wang Jung. Though he has played various roles in some dramas, he was famously known for tugging heartstrings for his role as Guk Doo in the 2017 K-drama, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon. But how did Guk Doo manage to steal all the girls’ attention? It is simply because no one can resist his manliness and cute smile every time he appears on screen. Although Ji Soo’s character as Guk Doo failed to win the heart of the main female lead, we’re sure that he won our hearts and we can’t wait to see him as the main lead in his next projects.
Jin Goo as Sergeant Major Seo Dae Young
Attention ladies! Sergeant Seo Dae Young is coming your way. Who wouldn’t fall for a soldier who fights for a country. Together with his comrade, Captain Yoo Si Jin (Song Joong Ki), whom people love in a different level, they fight in order to protect and maintain peace. Seo Dae Young’s manliness, his charm, seriousness and sometimes his hilarious antics made hearts melt. His love story with Yoon Myung Joo (Kim Ji Won) has also gathered attention from many fans. Although Jin Goo is married in real life, we can’t help but drool ocer Sergeant Seo Dae Young.
Kim Myung Soo (L) as Lee Sun
Shut Up Flower Boy Band and Master’s Sun, these are just some of the dramas where Kim Myung Soo, better known as L, starred in. He is a member of the K-pop boy group Infinite which makes him known to a lot of fans. However, he was a totla heartthrob for playing the role of Lee Sun in the drama that recently ended, The Emperor: Owner of the Mask or Ruler: Master of the Mask.
Though he is only a commoner who has the same name as the crown prince, he built his own fanbase by being caring, loving and compassionate to his family, to the girl he loves and to the crown prince. L captured a lot of attention also for his good acting alongside Yoo Seung Ho and Kim So Hyun.
Kang Ha-Neul as Prince Wang Wook
Caring, sweet, kind and a gentleman, whose heart is not going to flutter if you come across this kind of a second male lead? Prince Wang Wook is a good example of a dream prince because he is always there to protect the main female lead. Though his love story did not end up with a happy ending, he still managed to touch our hearts and earn our compassion.
Yook Sung Jae as Gong Tae Kwang
You may know him as Yoo Doek Hwa in Goblin, but before that, Yook Sung Jae, who is a member of the K-pop boy group BtoB, took on the role of Gong Tae Kwang in the drama, Who Are You School 2015. Gong Tae Kwang is known as a happy-go-lucky person who always makes trouble. But everything changed due to his admiration for the main female character, which of course, just like all the second male lead situation, didn’t end up with him. in fact, he was rejected (ouch!). But of course he was accepted by those who admire his goofiness and his undeniable chemistry with Lee Eun Bi (Kim So Hyun).
Seo Kang Joon as Baek In Ho
Baek In Ho in the drama Cheese In The Trap is an example of an ordinary guy who is striving hard to achieve his dreams and make his life better. His witty and straightforward characteristics makes him perfect for future male lead roles. Following his role as Baek In Ho, Seo Kang Joon, gained attention from fans and he starred in another drama where he once again gave an all out performance.
Choi Siwon as Kim Shin Hyuk
“Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry…”, K-pop fans know these lyrics from the famous boy group Super Junior, where Choi Siwon is one of the members. Siwon played the character of Kim Shin Hyuk in the drama, She was Pretty. His adorable antics and super funny ad-libs and lines, attracted most of the people’s attention. Given that he has the good looks, a good, warm and funny character, Kim Shin Hyuk earned numerous fans.
Park Hyung Sik as King Sam Maek Jong
It was not long ago when King Sam Maek Jong from Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth attracted lots and lots of female fans for his charismatic look and his good chemistry with Ah Ro (Go Ara). He struggled as he pretended not to be the king, fell in love with Ah Ro, had his rivalry with Moo Myung.
Though it could be a typical life story of a character, he was still able to attract the audience, up to the point where we just wished he ended up with his true love, who in a very bad timing was in love with someone else. Due to his success and people wishing to see him playing a lead role, Park Hyung Sik was able to get a big break by being the lead star in a drama entitled, “Strong Woman Do Bong Soon”, where he unleashed his charm full-blast.
Jung Jin Young as Kim Yoon Sung
When people hear the title, Moonlight Drawn By Clouds or Love In The Moonlight, they automatically think about Park Bo Gum who played the role of Crown Prince Lee Yeong. But of course, what’s a drama without the second male lead right? Kim Yoon Sung who was played by Jin Young of the boy group B1A4, was noticed by fans who saw him as a charming guy who was willing to protect the person he loves (who wouldn’t like that?). We were left awed and somehow we just couldn’t help to feel sorry for his broken heart (if we only had a way to mend it).
