It's common for K-drama fans to fall for the charming male second lead, the devoted, soft-hearted character who rarely gets the girl. But it's rare for a second female lead to generate the same kind of empathy. Yet, every now and then, a few standout K-drama ladies gave viewers some major second lead syndrome. These women, often misunderstood, fierce, or simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, captivate viewers with their complexity and emotional depth.
Here’s a look at 10 memorable K-drama ladies with major second lead syndrome:
Yoo Rachel [The Heirs]
Played by Kim Ji-won, Rachel is the chic and sharp heiress known as the Paris Hilton of Jeguk High School. Initially portrayed as a possessive fiancée to Kim Tan, her loneliness and vulnerability become more apparent as the story unfolds, and despite her prickly nature, she gave many viewers major second lead syndrome.
Seo Dan [Crash Landing On You]
Seo Ji-hye stole hearts as Seo Dan, the North Korean cellist with impeccable fashion and quiet pride. She was the fiancée of Jeong-hyeok and had been infatuated with him since middle school, though he never reciprocated her feelings. Her dignified heartbreak and unexpected romance with Gu Seung-jun made fans fall hard. She deserved a much happier ending.
Jin Ga-young [My Demon]
Jo Hye-joo brought grace and intensity to her role as Jin Ga-young, a traditional double sword martial arts prodigy who quickly captured the audience’s attention. Her composed demeanor and emotional restraint, paired with her unrequited love and unwavering loyalty to the 200-year-old demon Jeong Gu-won, added emotional depth.
Kang Soo-jin [True Beauty]
Park Yoo-na brought warmth and intensity to the role of Soo-jin, the cool and feisty goddess of Saebom High School, a top student and close friend turned rival. While her betrayal stung, viewers couldn’t help but feel for her pain and pressure at home to excel in studies. Her character arc felt real, messy, emotional, and deeply human.
Park Gul-mi [Love Alarm]
As Park Gul-mi, Go Min-si gave us the popular school girl who likes Sun-oh. She is Jo Jo’s cousin and classmate who torments Jo Jo for her love life and threatens her. Though she was selfish and egoistic at the beginning of the drama, she gradually matures and becomes more empathetic. Many fans resonated with her charm and wished she had more of a romantic win.
Choi Soo-ji [Tempted]
Moon Ga-young’s portrayal of the cunning and heartbreakingly wounded Soo-ji was magnetic. She is the daughter of a hospital director and initiator of Tae-hee’s seduction, who is in love with Si-hyeon. A mastermind in manipulation, she still managed to show raw vulnerability. You may love her or hate her, but never forget her.
Oh Soo-ah [Itaewon Class]
Kwon Nara as Oh Soo-ah was no villain; she was simply a woman who chose survival over sentiment. Her long and complicated relationship with Sae-ro-yi was full of unspoken emotions, and many viewers rooted for her nuanced character, even when she made questionable choices.
Yoon Soo-jin [Save the Last Dance For Me]
Played by Lee Bo-young, Yoon Soo-jin was the quintessential second lead of the early 2000s hit drama ‘Save the Last Dance For Me.’ She was Hyun-woo’s loving fiancée to be who waited for his return but ultimately left heartbroken. Her steady affection and inner conflict made her a tragic figure audiences still remember fondly decades later.
Oh Soo-hyun [Doctor Stranger]
Kang So-ra delivered a touching performance as Dr. Oh Soo-hyun in ‘Doctor Stranger,’ a woman caught in emotional crossfire. Her strength, kindness, and unrequited love for Park Hoon, portrayed by Lee Jong-suk, made her arc both beautiful and bittersweet. She had all the makings of a lead, just in the wrong drama.
Nam Ju-ri [It’s Okay to Not Be Okay]
In ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,’ Park Gyu-young portrays Nam Ju-ri, a soft-spoken yet determined co-worker of Gang-tae. She has an unrequited crush on him and is easily jealous of others who are close with her romantic interests. She was the girl-next-door type with a backbone, showing grace even in rejection.
Did any of these K-drama ladies give you major second lead syndrome? Comment below!
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