Welcome to the emotional rollercoaster known as Second Lead Syndrome. If you’ve ever found yourself rooting for the charming, loyal, and endlessly patient second lead—only to watch them suffer in silence—then you know the pain is real. Some K-Dramas have delivered such heartbreak that fans are still debating the endings years later.
Which dramas left viewers wishing for an alternate storyline? With input from fans who still can’t move on, here are five unforgettable K-Dramas where the second lead stole hearts—but not the girl.
True Beauty (2020)
Years have passed, but the debate rages on. Should Cha Eun-woo’s Lee Su-ho have ended up with Mun Ka-young’s Lim Joo-kyung, or was Hwang In-youp’s Han Seo-jun the true soulmate she overlooked? Seo-jun, the rebellious yet soft-hearted bad boy, remained devoted to Joo-kyung, even when it hurt. Watching him step aside, despite his deep feelings, left fans devastated. Some still argue that his unwavering love deserved a reward.
Streaming on Viki, Netflix.
Nevertheless (2021)
The internet affectionately named Chae Jong-hyeop’s Yang Do-hyeok “Potato Boy”—a wholesome, kind-hearted chef who had loved Han So-hee’s Na-bi for years. But despite his warmth and stability, Na-bi’s heart was drawn to Park Jae-eon, played by Song Kang—a walking red flag wrapped in undeniable charm. Fans couldn’t help but wonder: Why do the good ones always finish last?
Streaming on Netflix.
Start-Up (2020)
Kim Seon-ho’s portrayal of Han Ji-pyeong gave birth to one of the most intense Second Lead Syndromes in K-Drama history. Ji-pyeong was the one who had secretly written heartfelt letters to Bae Suzy’s Seo Dal-mi when she was young—yet she fell for Nam Do-san, who took the credit. Ji-pyeong had the depth, the charm, and the emotional connection, but fate (or the writers) had other plans. Fans are still recovering.
Streaming on Netflix.
Cheese in the Trap (2016)
A rare drama where many viewers actively rooted against the male lead. Kim Go-eun’s Hong Seol found herself caught between Park Hae-jin’s enigmatic Yoo Jung and Seo Kang-joon’s warm-hearted Baek In-ho. While Yoo Jung’s intentions often seemed questionable, In-ho was protective, supportive, and deeply in love with her. The ending left fans frustrated, as it felt like the story denied In-ho the love he genuinely deserved.
Streaming on Viki.
Boys Over Flowers (2009)
For many, this was the first K-Drama heartbreak. Lee Min-ho’s Gu Jun-pyo was the arrogant, wealthy heir who ultimately won the heart of Ku Hye-sun’s Geum Jan-di. But what about Kim Hyun-joong’s Ji-hoo, the quiet, understanding, and selfless second lead? Ji-hoo was always there when Jan-di needed him, yet she chose Jun-pyo in the end. A classic case of “nice guys finish last”—and fans have never gotten over it.
Streaming on multiple platforms.
These second leads may not have won in love, but they certainly won the audience’s hearts. Which one left you wishing for a rewrite?