Korean Dramas with Second Leads Whose Love is Rejected, Heartbreak that Sweeps You Away

Kapanlagi.com - In the world of Korean dramas, many viewers experience 'Second Lead Syndrome'—the heartbreak when the sincere supporting character is not chosen by the main character. From the sweet smile of Han Seo Jun in True Beauty to the quiet sacrifice of Han Ji Pyeong in Start-Up, these dramas leave wounds for the second leads and their loyal viewers.

Here is a list of Korean dramas that successfully stir emotions through one-sided love stories from second leads—who sometimes deserve love even more. Let's review their unrequited tales one by one.

These dramas show that love triangles are not just a plot device, but also hold deep emotions and remarkable character growth. KapanLagi.com has summarized from various sources, on Wednesday (30/04/2025).

1. Han Seo Jun (True Beauty)

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Han Seo Jun (Hwang In Yeop) captures attention with his rebellious yet gentle charm. Although he is always there for Lim Ju Kyung, his heart remains unchosen.

Many viewers exclaim, "Seo Jun deserves better!" Seo Jun's sincerity and sacrifice become the focus, making the audience feel connected to his buried emotions.

His story illustrates how difficult it is to love someone who prefers another, and how Seo Jun struggles to find his own happiness.

2. Kim Tae Seong (Lovely Runner)

tvn_drama

Portrayed by Song Geon-hee, Kim Tae Seong becomes a symbol of selfless, loyal love. He always supports Im Sol from the shadows.

Always present, but never truly seen. This sincere love makes the audience feel the bitterness of unrequited love.

Kim Tae Seong's journey teaches us about loyalty and hope, even though in the end, he must face the harsh reality.

3. Han Ji Pyeong (Start-Up)

tvN

Han Ji Pyeong (Kim Seon Ho) makes many people wish the ending could be changed. His supportive and wise character makes him the most beloved second lead among viewers.

Good Boy but failed to be happy, is his iconic nickname. This character is a perfect example of unrequited love yet still fighting for the person he loves.

His story serves as a lesson that sometimes, no matter how hard we try, love does not always go as hoped.

4. In Gook Doo (Strong Woman Do Bong Soon)

JTBC

Gook Doo (Ji Soo) has everything needed to be the perfect partner, but he realizes his feelings too late.

Full of heart-pounding moments, Gook Doo becomes a symbol of unexpressed and late love. This character reminds us that sometimes, honesty is the key to avoiding regret.

His emotional journey illustrates how difficult it is to express feelings when time is no longer on your side.

5. Jin Ga Yeong (My Demon)

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In My Demon, Jin Ga-Yeong (Joo Hye Joo) has long harbored feelings for Gu-Won. However, instead of seeing her, Gu-Won chooses to have feelings for Do Do-Hee.

Her annoying character and obsession with Gu-Won also frustrate the audience. Nevertheless, Jin Ga-Yeong successfully shows her character development in the drama My Demon.

6. Yoon Eun Seung (Queen of Tears)

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Park Sung Hoon plays Eun Seung with layers of emotion and ambition. Although they are close friends, his heart remains unreciprocated.

His character successfully makes the audience feel frustrated. This is because Yoon Eun Seung's character tries to take a married woman and justifies any means for his ambition.

7. Hwang Sun Oh (Love Alarm 2)

Netflix

Sun Oh (Song Kang) has a burning love, but Jojo chooses someone more calm. Even though he is Jojo's first boyfriend, it doesn't make Jojo choose him until the end.

The story reminds us that sometimes, love does not always end happily even if it is sincere. Hwang Sun Oh is a real example of love that must let go for the happiness of the one he loves.

8. Gong Tae Kwang (Who Are You: School 2015)

KBS

Tae Kwang (Yook Sung Jae) becomes a favorite among viewers because of his spontaneous charisma and loyalty. However, he is still overshadowed by the 'good guy'.

His character is said to be too 'real' for a world full of hope. This character shows that sometimes, sincere love is not enough to win someone's heart.

Gong Tae Kwang becomes a symbol of the friend who never becomes a lover, teaching us about the true meaning of love and friendship.

9. 9. Hwang Sun Oh in Love Alarm 2: Sincere but Too Late

Sun Oh (Song Kang) has a burning love, but Jojo chooses the calmer one. Many fans say, “True love doesn’t always win.”

The story reminds us that sometimes, love doesn’t always end happily even if it's sincere.

Hwang Sun Oh becomes a real example of love that must let go for the happiness of the one he loves.

10. 10. Gong Tae Kwang in Who Are You: School 2015 – The Friend Who Never Became a Lover

Tae Kwang (Yook Sung Jae) becomes a favorite among viewers because of his spontaneous charisma and loyalty. However, he still loses to the ‘good guy’.

“Too ‘real’ for a world full of hope.” This character shows that sometimes, sincere love is not enough to win someone’s heart.

Gong Tae Kwang symbolizes the friend who never became a lover, teaching us about the true meaning of love and friendship.

(kpl/anf)