8 Times the Second Lead Couples Shined Brighter than the Main Leads

Let's face it: sometimes the main leads in K-dramas just don't capture our hearts. Whether it's due to a lack of chemistry or an underwhelming storyline, viewers often find themselves rooting for the second lead couples who steal the show. Over the thousands of K-dramas that have aired, these second lead couples have completely outshone their main counterparts.

1. So Yi Jeong and Ga Eul from "Boys Over Flowers"

This couple gave everyone a serious case of second lead syndrome, and who wouldn't fall for them? The casanova So Yi Jeong, who had his heart severely broken by a former lover, begins to find love once more with the ever-optimistic and gentle-hearted Ga Eul. Viewers couldn't help but beg for the producers to create a spin-off series focused solely on this couple.

2. Han Seo Jun and Lim Joo Kyung from "True Beauty"

Han Seo Jun may look tough on the outside, but he's definitely a green flag. Loving Lim Joo Kyung for her personality rather than her looks, viewers couldn't help but root for Han Seo Jun to actually end up with Lim Joo Kyung instead.

3. Han Ji Pyeong and Seo Dal Mi in "Start-Up"

Han Ji Pyeong definitely deserved his own blooming romance. The fact that he was technically Seo Dal Mi's first love, yet that love ended up being unrequited, was so bittersweet. It's endearing how Han Ji Pyeong took care of Dal Mi in the most subtle ways possible.

4. Kim Hye Jin and Kim Shin Hyuk from "She Was Pretty"

Why do the leads always have to go for the broody ones rather than the gentle and kindhearted? Their witty banter, his comedic remarks, and the fact that Kim Shin Hyuk loved Kim Hye Jin way before her transformation—always looking out for her—made many viewers ship this pair wholeheartedly.

5. Kim Shin and Wang Yeo from "Goblin"

Let's be honest, deep down, we were all hoping for Kim Shin and Wang Yeo to end up together. How could you not? They're polar opposites, yet when it comes down to it, they have each other's backs. There's no better word to describe their relationship than the ultimate bromance.

6. Yoon Yoon Je and Kang Joon Hee from "Reply 1997"

We all felt Joon Hee's pain of keeping his true feelings toward Yoon Yoon Je a secret. What hits even harder is the fact that Yoon Yoon Je never caught on to being crushed on by one of his dear friends. Viewers were rooting even more for these two to get together, but alas, it's all wishful thinking.

7. Hwang Sun Oh and Kim Jo Jo from "Love Alarm"

Viewers were definitely shocked and disappointed upon finding out that Kim Jo Jo decided to start her love life with Lee Hye Yeong instead of Hwang Sun Oh. It's a shame because Kim Jo Jo definitely had more chemistry with Hwang Sun Oh.

8. Sung Deok Sun and Kim Jung Hwan from "Reply 1988"

What is it with the "Reply" series leading viewers to believe in one loveline only to be completely caught off guard when the main lead ends up with someone entirely different? Everyone really thought Sung Deok Sun was going to end up with Jung Hwan. You could feel the tension and their chemistry from episode one, but despite his confession, Deok Sun ends up choosing Choi Taek. Completely out of the blue? Yes, which led more viewers to support the loveline of Jung Hwan instead.

These second lead couples not only captured our hearts but also proved that sometimes the best stories aren't the ones front and center. Whether it's their undeniable chemistry, heartfelt moments, or the way they support each other, these couples have left an indelible mark on K-drama history.

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