If you’re a K-drama fan, you’ve probably experienced that all-too-familiar pain: Second Lead Syndrome. It’s when the second male lead—who’s often sweeter, more loyal, and emotionally mature—doesn’t get the girl and yet somehow steals your heart more than the main lead ever could.
From tender gestures to heartbreaking sacrifices, these second leads left a lasting impression. The second lead had us crying, swooning, and secretly hoping for a plot twist that never came.
Here are 10 unforgettable Second Lead Syndrome K-dramas
1. True Beauty – Han Seo-jun ( Character Played by Hwang In-yeop)
Top 10 K-Dramas with Second Lead Syndrome: Hwang In-yeop
Who doesn’t know Han Seo-jun? He is my favourite of all. High school dramas rarely hit as hard as True Beauty did, thanks to Han Seo-jun. With his bad-boy look but soft heart, he was always there for Ju-kyung—even when she didn’t notice. His one-sided love and silent support made us ache for him. Many fans still believe he deserved better.
2. Extraordinary You – Baek Kyung ( Character Played by Lee Jae-Wook)
Top 10 K-Dramas with Second Lead Syndrome: Lee Jae-Wook
Imagine finding out you’re just a character in a comic book. That’s Eun Dan-oh’s reality. Baek Kyung, her arranged fiance, starts cold but slowly shows real feelings. His late realisation and emotional turmoil had fans rooting for him, even though the story had other plans.
3. Love Alarm – Hwang Sun-oh ( Character Played by Song Kang)
Top 10 K-Dramas with Second Lead Syndrome: Song Kang
In a world where an app tells you who likes you, Hwang Sun-oh falls hard for Jo-jo. But miscommunication and heartbreak follow. Despite his deep love, he’s left behind—and we all felt that sting with him. His longing glances alone were enough to break hearts.
4. Start-Up – Han Ji-pyeong ( Character Played by Kim Seon-ho)
Top 10 K-Dramas with Second Lead Syndrome: Kim Seon-ho
Let’s be honest: Start-Up was the ultimate Second Lead Syndrome showdown. Han Ji-pyeong, with his tough-love personality and secret letters from the past, won the hearts of millions. His silent love for Dal-mi and his hidden kindness made fans rally for “Good Boy” to win—sadly, he didn’t.
5. Hotel Del Luna – Go Chung-myung (Character Played by Lee Do-Hyun)
Top 10 K-Dramas with Second Lead Syndrome: Lee Do-Hyun
In this ghostly fantasy, Go Chung-myung is Jang Man-wol’s tragic past lover. His “betrayal” is slowly unravelled, revealing a heartbreaking backstory full of loyalty and sacrifice. It was impossible not to feel for him–and wish things had ended differently.
6. 100 Days My Prince – Jung Jae-Yoon ( Character Played by Kim Seon-ho)
Top 10 K-Dramas with Second Lead Syndrome: Kim Seon-ho
Another Kim Seon-ho heartbreaker. Jae-Yoon is an intelligent, sincere government official who secretly loves Hong-shim. Though he knows he can never have her, his quiet devotion never wavers. His loyalty made him one of the most lovable second leads in sageuk history.
7. Boys Over Flowers – Yoon Ji-hoo ( Character Played by Kim Hyun-joong)
Top 10 K-Dramas with Second Lead Syndrome: Kim Seon-ho
He walked in slow motion, played the violin, and always showed up when Jan-di needed him. Yoon Ji-hoo was the second lead. Despite being kind, calm, and perfect in every way, he was passed over—and fans still haven’t forgiven it.
8. Strong Girl Nam-soon – Ryu Shi-oh ( Character Played by Byeon Woo-seok)
Top 10 K-Dramas with Second Lead Syndrome: Byeon Woo-seok
Sure, he was technically a villain, but Ryu Shi-oh had layers. His unexpected vulnerability and obsession with Nam-soon gave him a compelling arc. A lot of fans found themselves weirdly rooting for him–despite everything.
9. Queen of Tears – Yoon Eun-seong ( Character Played by Park Sung-hoon)
Top 10 K-Dramas with Second Lead Syndrome: Park Sung-hoon
Yoon Eun-seong came into Hae-in’s life with warmth, stability, and a whole lot of love. While some viewers were suspicious of his intentions, others genuinely wished he had a fair shot. His emotional support and history with Hae-in made him a standout character.
10. Reply 1988 – Kim Jung-hwan ( Character Played by Ryu Jun-yeol)
Top 10 K-Dramas with Second Lead Syndrome: Ryu Jun-yeol
Few second lead stories are as soul-crushing as Jung-hwan’s. He loved Deok-sun deeply but never confessed until it was too late. His missed chances and quiet heartbreak were so realistic and painful that fans still talk about the “what if”. It hurt—a lot.
Final Thoughts
Second, Lead Syndrome is real, and it hurts in the best possible way. These K-dramas gave us unforgettable characters who taught us that love isn’t always about grand gestures—it’s about showing up, staying loyal and loving deeply, even from the sidelines.
Who was your favourite second lead? Did they deserve the happy ending? Let us know in the comments below!
Also Read – Our Generation Chinese Drama (2025): Plot, Cast, Release Date, and All You Need to Know