If you’ve ever found yourself rooting for the second lead in a Kdrama—despite knowing they won’t get the happy ending—you’ve experienced the heartbreak of Second Lead Syndrome (SLS). It’s that bittersweet feeling when the second male lead is kind, supportive, and deeply in love with the female lead, yet she chooses the male lead instead. But why do we keep falling for the second lead? And what makes them so irresistible?
Let’s dive deep into the emotional trap of Second Lead Syndrome and explore some of the most unforgettable K-drama characters who stole our hearts but not the girl.
Why Do We Get Second Lead Syndrome?
The Second Lead Is Often the “Perfect” Guy
Unlike the male lead, who is sometimes arrogant, emotionally distant, or even rude at first, the second lead is usually kind, understanding, and always there for the female lead. He listens, supports, and never plays mind games. Naturally, we end up thinking, “Why isn’t she choosing him?”
Example: Han Ji-pyeong in Start-Up (2020)
Played by Kim Seon-ho, Ji-pyeong was smart, successful, and secretly in love with Seo Dal-mi (Suzy). He helped her behind the scenes, encouraged her dreams, and gave her wise advice. Yet, despite his deep connection with Dal-mi, she chose Nam Do-san (Nam Joo-hyuk). Fans were heartbroken, and #JusticeForHanJiPyeong trended online
The Second Lead Loves Unconditionally
While the male lead often struggles to express his feelings, the second lead makes his emotions clear from the start. He doesn’t play hard to get—he just loves wholeheartedly.
Example: Baek Kyung in Extraordinary You (2019)
Played by Lee Jae-wook, Baek Kyung was the childhood crush of Eun Dan-oh (Kim Hye-yoon). Though his actions were sometimes cold, his love for Dan-oh was undeniable. Fans sympathized with him as he struggled to break free from his predetermined fate in the story.
They Sacrifice Everything for Love
The second lead often prioritizes the female lead’s happiness over his own. He’s willing to step back, even if it hurts, as long as she’s happy. This selflessness makes him even more lovable.
Example: Chilbong in Reply 1994 (2013-2014)
Played by Yoo Yeon-seok, Chilbong was the sweet and loyal baseball player who adored Sung Na-jung (Go Ara). He waited for her, supported her, and remained a true friend even after being rejected. His heartbreak was one of the most painful moments in K-drama history.
Why the Female Lead Doesn’t Choose the Second Lead
The “Fated” Romance Trope
K-dramas often follow the idea of destiny. The male lead and female lead are “meant to be,” even if their relationship is filled with conflicts.
The Second Lead Appears Too Late
Sometimes, the female lead has already fallen for the male lead before she realizes the second lead’s feelings.
The “Bad Boy” Appeal of the Male Lead
Many Kdrama male leads start off cold or indifferent, making their eventual transformation into loving partners more satisfying. In contrast, the second lead is already perfect from the start, leaving little room for character development.
How to Cope with Second Lead Syndrome
If you’ve ever screamed at your screen, hoping the female lead would choose the second lead, you’re not alone. Here’s how to deal with it:
- Find a Kdrama where the second lead actually wins – Try She Was Pretty (2015), where the second lead gets his happy ending.
- Watch an alternate ending on YouTube – Some fans create fan edits where the second lead “wins.”
- Remind yourself it’s just a drama – Even though it feels real, it’s just a story
- Look forward to the actor’s next drama – Often, the second lead gets a lead role in their next drama (Kim Seon-ho in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, for example).
To Conclude
Second Lead Syndrome is one of the most frustrating yet unforgettable experiences for K-drama fans. These characters may not get the girl, but they win our hearts every time. And while we might never understand why the female lead makes her choices, we’ll always cherish the second lead who loved selflessly.
So, which second lead broke your heart the most? Let us know in the comments.