PremiumK-drama lead actors are great and all, but it’s time to celebrate the male second leads
While the male leads often steal the limelight, you can't miss the allure of second leads. Their striking good looks, intriguing personalities, and nuanced performances make them a treat to watch
Last Updated: 06.14 PM, May 18, 2023
Let’s get right down to it: Ask most women, nay people, what they like about K-dramas, and 99% will tell you that apart from the storylines, the gorgeous men are a huge draw.
If you’re reading this article, then there’s a good chance that you’re a fan of South Korean series and that you also simply cannot take your eyes off the perfectly groomed men that star in them.
And if you’re not, this article might just have you scrolling through (insert OTT platform name) looking for a K-romcom to binge watch.
South Korean dramas have captivated audiences worldwide with their intriguing storylines, stunning visuals, and charismatic actors. While the male main leads often steal the spotlight, it's time to shift our focus to the enigmatic male second leads. More so because you just cannot ignore them — they’re dreamy!
While many articles are written about the male leads, this one’s dedicated to the second leads, who possess a certain magnetic charm and depth that make them irresistibly appealing.
I cannot help but start the list of dreamy second leads with Kim Ji-hoon, who plays Do Won-jun in "Love To Hate You". Although Teo Yoo, who plays Nam Kang-ho, is the leading man, can we all just agree that Kang-ho’s characteristics — being extremely good-looking and irresistible to women — apply more to Ji-hoon than Teo Yoo!
What’s more Won-jun’s brooding intensity and hidden vulnerability make him intriguingly mysterious, which leaves you yearning for more. His enigmatic aura and charisma make Ji-hoon's character a magnetic force that you can't resist.
Now, let’s take a moment to stand up in applause for Kim Min-kyu. His roles in "Because This Is My First Life" and "Business Proposal" may be poles apart, but you can’t help but be drawn into those endless dimples. With his charming smile, expressive eyes, and well-defined jawline, it’s impossible to look at anyone else when he’s onscreen.
His boyish charm, expressive eyes, warm smile, and boy-next-door (how we wish he lived next door!) good looks make us want to take a crash course in romance with Shin Jae-ha (picked up on the pun, there?). While being an acting powerhouse, the second lead of series such as "Crash Course In Romance" and "Taxi Driver" has an endearing quality that makes him seem approachable, which only adds more points to his appeal.
Kim Seon-ho was my initiation into K-dramas with Hometown Cha Cha Cha, so it’s little wonder that I ended up getting hooked on rom-coms from South Korea. Seon-ho plays the second lead in "Start-Up," and you simply cannot help but root for him. His affable personality, infectious smile, natural charm, and ability to effortlessly draw you into his character's journey make him impossible to resist.
He’s a model, actor, singer, and just overall desirable. How apt then that Yook Sung-jae plays a god in the hit series "Goblin". His youthful innocence and unwavering loyalty make him oh-so-endearing and completely relatable. Sung-jae's portrayal beautifully contrasts the main lead, adding layers of complexity to the story. And those eyes! You cannot stop yourself from being pulled into them and connecting with his character’s emotional depth.
That chiselled jaw, twinkling eyes, and always perfectly styled hair. Sigh! Song Joong-ki, who plays the male second lead in "Vincenzo", can take anyone’s breath away. He doesn’t just have good looks; he is also suave and charismatic, making him the complete package.
While the male main leads in South Korean series often steal the limelight, one simply cannot miss the allure of male second leads. Their striking good looks, intriguing personalities, nuanced performances, and unexpected depths make them a treat to watch on screen.
Perhaps there’s a calculated reason why the male second leads are so good-looking. While the male leads embody all the qualities that women generally desire, the second leads often challenge traditional romantic archetypes, offering a refreshing alternative to the predictable main lead. These characters bring a sense of mystery, vulnerability, and depth to the storyline, leaving you yearning for more.
The second leads often defy conventional stereotypes and showcase a more nuanced portrayal of masculinity. They exhibit sensitivity, vulnerability, and emotional intelligence, breaking away from the traditional stoic and dominant male lead archetype.
One thing’s for sure: we love watching them, the relationship, and often the loyalty that they have towards the male leads. The fact that they look dreamy only gives us many more reasons to watch K-dramas.