In almost every K-drama, there’s that one character who loves quietly, supports unconditionally, and sacrifices everything only to end up heartbroken. These second leads are the ones who often steal viewers’ hearts with their sincerity and kindness. They may not win the girl or the guy, but they definitely win the audience. Here are 10 second lead K-drama characters who truly deserved a better ending and maybe, just maybe, a bit more love.
1. Han Ji-pyeong (Start-Up)
Han Ji-pyeong wasn’t just a successful investor; he was the emotional heart of Start-Up. From writing letters under the name of Nam Do-san to protecting Seo Dal-mi from afar, Ji-pyeong’s actions spoke louder than words. He had a painful past, carried emotional scars, and genuinely wanted the best for Dal-mi. Despite all his sacrifices and efforts, he didn’t get the girl. His story left many viewers frustrated and wishing for a different ending, one where the good guy didn’t finish last.
2. Baek In-ho (Cheese in the Trap)
Baek In-ho was the charming, hot-headed pianist with a soft side that caught everyone’s attention. His genuine concern for Hong Seol, his troubled past with his sister and Yoo Jung, and his slow transformation made him an unforgettable second lead. While Yoo Jung remained mysterious and manipulative, In-ho was open and emotionally honest. Many viewers believed he was the better match for Seol, but unfortunately, his feelings remained one-sided. His growth and sincerity made him one of the most beloved second leads in K-drama history.
3. Kim Jung-hwan (Reply 1988)
If there’s one second lead who shattered hearts globally, it’s Kim Jung-hwan. His quiet love for Deok-sun, his subtle gestures, and the way he constantly put others before himself made him a truly heartbreaking character. Jung-hwan was always just one step behind, always hesitating. The infamous bus confession scene, where he poured his heart out only to laugh it off, still lingers in the minds of fans. His story is a perfect example of how timing can change everything, and how even the most deserving person can lose out due to fate.
4. Yoon Ji-hoo (Boys Over Flowers)
Yoon Ji-hoo was the soft, artistic soul who stood by Jan-di through thick and thin. From saving her during difficult times to understanding her like no one else, Ji-hoo was always there. While Gu Jun-pyo was dramatic and impulsive, Ji-hoo was calm, mature, and steady. Despite his deep love for Jan-di, he never forced her to choose him. His graceful acceptance of her feelings for someone else made him a true gentleman, but it also made fans wish he had gotten the love he so selflessly gave.
5. Choi Young-do (The Heirs)
Choi Young-do started off as the typical bad boy, but as The Heirs progressed, layers of pain, loneliness, and vulnerability began to show. His rough exterior hid a broken heart, and his feelings for Cha Eun-sang were deep and real. He tried to change, to be a better version of himself, but it was already too late. Watching him mature and still be left behind hurt many fans who had rooted for his redemption and love. His ending felt unfair for someone who had grown so much.
6. Gong Tae-kwang (Who Are You: School 2015)
Tae-kwang was the rebellious class clown with a painful family life and a heart full of love. His crush on Lee Eun-bi wasn’t just cute—it was deeply emotional. He protected her, comforted her, and stayed by her side without asking for anything in return. His love wasn’t loud or flashy, but it was real. Even though he didn’t end up with Eun-bi, his journey made a lasting impact. Many fans believed he was the true male lead, and his ending felt more like a punishment than a resolution.
7. Seo Ha-joon (Extraordinary You)
Seo Ha-joon’s loyalty and friendship with Baek Kyung and Dan-oh were both his strength and his downfall. Even though he was technically not a love interest for Dan-oh, many viewers couldn’t help but notice how deeply he cared. Trapped in a manhwa where he couldn’t control his own actions, Ha-joon’s quiet suffering and silent love hit hard. He remained in the shadows, often overlooked, but he deserved recognition for his emotional strength and unwavering support.
8. Lee Hwi-kyung (My Love from the Star)
Hwi-kyung was the sweet, persistent childhood friend who never stopped loving Cheon Song-yi. His love was warm, patient, and enduring, even when it was clear that her heart belonged to someone else. He never turned toxic or jealous, even when rejected again and again. His emotional maturity and genuine care were beautiful, but sadly, he was always seen as the friend, never the lover. He may have smiled on the outside, but viewers knew his heart broke silently.
9. Jang Woo-young (Business Proposal)
Woo-young was the charming and witty second male lead who brought a fun balance to the romance of the main couple. Though he eventually got his own love line with Young-seo, many fans felt his journey could have been more meaningful. His character was loyal, caring, and provided comedic relief, but at times, he felt underutilized in the storyline. While he didn’t face unrequited love like many others on this list, his potential as a character deserved more depth and development.
10. Ji Dae-han (Thirty But Seventeen)
Dae-han may not have been in the spotlight as much, but his quiet presence made a big impression. As a guardian and a pillar of support, his love wasn’t romantic in the usual sense, but it was filled with warmth and sacrifice. His character showed that love doesn’t always mean winning someone’s heart; it can also mean helping them find happiness, even if it’s with someone else. He may not have been the lead in the romance, but he was the hero in many emotional moments of the drama.
Bottom line
K-drama second leads often show us the most selfless forms of love. They endure heartbreak with grace, support without expectations, and love without conditions. Even though they don’t always get the happy ending they deserve, their stories stay with us. In many ways, they remind us that love is not always about winning; it’s also about giving. These second leads may not have walked away with the main character, but they walked away with our hearts. And for that reason alone, they truly deserved better.
