Stream K-Dramas at OnDemandKorea

[Aisha's Take] Let's Talk About Second Lead Syndrome: Female Version

Do you want to know what is the most popular diagnosis among KDrama fans? Second, Lead Syndrome. Dramas surrounding love triangles often have our hearts stretched towards both sides. And often, the fandom is divided into two teams. Despite knowing the winner well.

Advertisement

They may be flawed, but their love.  Whilst we talk about male second leads a lot, female second leads are often forgotten. Except the one we discuss below. These are strong women who marked themselves in the viewers heart and mind.

Here are female characters who caused the second lead syndrome.

"Love Alarm" - Lee Yook-jo

Perhaps the most loved second lead among the fandom. Viewers'hearts went out for her and they truly wished her a happy ending.

Many female leads are often portrayed negatively. They are mean, malicious and driven by jealousy, whilst the second male leads are always standing by the female lead's side. They support her and are considered the line between them. Yook-jo (Kim Si-eun-II) is none of those. She was smitten by Seon-oh (Song Kang) but never had ill intentions against Jo-jo (Kim So-hyun).

In the end, she decides to let go of Seon-oh to prevent herself from a heart break. Though when Seon-oh returns to her, she welcomes him with open arms.

___________

"Love Alarm" is directed by Lee Na-jeong, written by Lee Ah-yeon, Seo Bo-ra, and features Kim So-hyun, Jung Ga-ram, Song Kang, Shin Seung-ho, Son Su-min, Go Min-si. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2019/08/22, Thu on Netflix.

Where to Watch

Powered by JustWatch

 

"True Beauty" - Kang  Soo-jin

Whilst "True Beauty" was divided into Team Soo-ho (Cha Eun-woo) and Team Seo-joon (Hwang In-youp). There was another love triangle being pursued by Soo-ho, Kang  Soo-jin (Park Yoo-na) and Im Joo-kyeong (Mun Ka-young). Soo-jin can be agreed to be the most complicated character in the whole drama. Her characters and viewers' perspectives change with her changes from time to time. She initially appeared as the total girl crush. Someone who is smart and fearless. Her introductory scene left everyone in awe. She was Im Joo-kyeong's closest friend whom she trusted with her secret.

She continues this persona until Soo-ho begins to show interest in Joo-kyeong. Soo-jin objects to this because of her own complicated feelings. This pushes her to do evil and scheme against Joo-kyeong.

The hate from the crowd, though, soon resolves when Soo-jin shows up years later as a more refined and matured person. She regrets her actions and apologises. Soo-jin's character development was applauded by the audience. Despite having a villainous role, Soo-jin created a fandom of her own.

___________

"True Beauty" is directed by Kim Sang-hyeob, written by Lee Si-eun-II, and features Mun Ka-young, Cha Eun-woo, Hwang In-youp, Park Yoo-na, Jang Hye-jin, Park Ho-san. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2020/12/09~2021/02/04, Wed, Thu 22:30 on tvN.

Where to Watch

Powered by JustWatch

 

 

"Our Beloved Summer" - NJ

NJ (Roh Jeong-eui) is a famous idol who has stolen many hearts, but hers set on only one. Unlike most celebrity portrayals, she is not arrogant. In fact, she is quite mature and humble in nature (though very confident). She is one of the very few who knew about Choi  Woong (Choi Wooshik) being the actual artist behind his master pieces.

Her character was bright and rather blunt with her words. She made advances towards Woong and was curious as to why he wasn't drawn to her. Despite being blunt, she was very considerate of Woong and made sure not to cross the line.

NJ's character development was also appreciated by viewers. Being a star, she was cautious of the public's viewpoint and what others thought. By the end of the series, we witness her becoming more bold and putting herself first.

___________

"Our Beloved Summer" is directed by Kim Yoon-jin-I, Lee Dan, written by Lee Na-eun-I, and features Choi Wooshik, Kim Da-mi, Kim Sung-cheol, Roh Jeong-eui, Ahn Dong-goo, Park Won-sang. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2021/12/06~2022/01/25, Mon, Tue 22:00 on SBS.

Where to Watch

Powered by JustWatch

 

"Doctor Cha"- Choi  Seung-hee

Choi  Seung-hee (Myung Se-bin) may be presented as immoral or the most bad character in the entire series, but she is the only person who suffers. In-ho (Kim Byung-chul) retains his position in the hospital and family while having an affair. But Sueng-hi had to raise her love child all alone. We soon realise that she is desperate. She is not just a home wrecker but someone who wants to make up to her daughter. Even if all these reasons don't justify her actions, In-ho's stance against her after Jeong-suk finds out, makes us pity her.

___________

"Doctor Cha" is directed by Kim Dae-jin, Kim Jung-wook-II, written by Jung Yeo-rang, and features Uhm Jung-hwa, Kim Byung-chul, Min Woo-hyuk, Myung Se-bin, Song Ji-ho, Jo Aram. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023/04/15~Now airing, Sat, Sun 22:30 on JTBC.

Where to Watch

Powered by JustWatch

 

By Aisha Adnan

❎ Try Ad-free