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It’s common knowledge that Kdramas are the best at inducing second lead syndrome. With the new crop of talented actors every year, it’s becoming nearly impossible to have a drama where the second lead doesn’t steal the show. And to be honest, we really enjoy that surprise and delight! So here’s a look at the characters from 2016 Kdramas that gave us a good case of second lead syndrome.
Cheese in the Trap – Baek In Ho
No one can forget the high-energy Baek In Ho (Seo Kang Joon) who always had a teasing smile on his face. Seo Kang Joon’s complex portrayal of this externally carefree yet internally broken character drew so much traction and created so much chemistry that many fans wanted to ship him and the female lead Hong Seol instead. It was only a natural response, particularly since the male lead character is sort of a creepy enigma and difficult to warm up to in comparison.
Cinderella and the Four Knights – The Kang Brothers
In the case of this drama, the second lead syndrome was induced by multiple people. All of the Kang brothers had such great chemistry with the female lead that I often found myself wondering and feeling conflicted on which one she would end up with. It was fun to guess the outcome and amusing to watch the hoard of flower boys — Ahn Jae Hyun, Jung Il Woo, Lee Jung Shin — all compete for the heroine’s attention.
Entertainer – Jo Ha Neul
Entertainer might have received divided opinions from viewers, but Kang Min Hyuk’s realistic and emotional delivery made us all feel heartaches for the hardships Jo Ha Neul had to go through at such a young age. But most importantly, Min Kyuk and Hyeri not only matched each other well both being idols, they also had natural, believable on-screen chemistry. Who didn’t wish that Ha Neul would get a break for once and be awarded with reciprocation from his long-time secret crush?
Jealousy Incarnate – Go Jung Won
The talented actor Go Kyung Pyo absolutely slayed in Jealousy Incarnate as the sweet and sleek chaebol heir, swooning Gong Hyo Jin and a huge number of female viewers. He utterly infected and left everyone broken with second lead syndrome in the drama, where he was a sad victim of having the love of his life stolen by his best friend right before his eyes. Yet, his chivalry and loyalty allowed him to forgive and forget, making him one of the most endearing chaebol characters ever.
Lucky Romance – Gary Choi
Lee Soo Hyuk is already hard to resist with his extremely handsome face, but watching him try so hard to win a lady’s heart – either by being cute or being macho – makes it impossible not to fall for him. And so the second lead syndrome easily commences as the cuteness – aegyo and temper tantrums included – between Gary Choi (Lee Soo Hyuk) and Shim Bo Nui build up in copious amounts. It also helps that Gary is such a kindhearted character despite his success as a celebrity.
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo – Wang Wook
Who’s to say that the heroine wouldn’t have had more happier days if she had ended up with the charming yet pitiful, graceful yet scheming 8th Prince Wang Wook (Kang Ha Neul)? It was heart-breaking to see the thirsty love he had for her push him into abyss and turn his kind-hearted nature into chilling manipulation. Props to Kang Ha Neul for showing persuasive acting amidst a star-studded cast and for making us fall in love with this complex antagonist.
Reply 1988 – Jung Hwan
The reply series is well known for playing up the guessing game of who the heroine’s husband is. Reply 1988 perhaps has done the most elaborate job of teasing its viewers yet. Many thought Jung Hwan (Ryu Jun Yeol) was it, until Taek swooped in towards the end much to our collective surprise. But the viewer’s love for Jung Hwan has made him one of the most beloved second leads of the year and helped actor Ryu Jun Yeol become a household name overnight.
Do let us know the 2016 dramas that gave you second lead syndrome in the comment section!
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