Second male leads I didn't hate! (A surprising list)
Not second male lead syndrome, not hating the second male lead, but a secret third thing...A second male lead who is just a nice character! 😐
In NO particular order.
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1. Head over Heels
Korean Drama - 2025, 12 episodes
Ji Ho
If you wanna be in a love triangle, at least be dignified about it. Be like Ji Ho!
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2. The Autumn Ballad
Chinese Drama - 2022, 34 episodes
Qin Xuan
Very few times I like both ML and SML as romantic prospects but this one definitely gets the crown. Never have I felt so sorry for a SML as I did here. Poor man. Would have been the lead in any other show, to be honest.
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3. Because of Love
Chinese Drama - 2022, 30 episodes
Sheng Fang Ting
Minding his own business, having his own romance plot line, pretty house, good fashion. Like if you wanna be a fck up, get your own plot and do it there like a man!
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4. Business Proposal
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
Minding his own business, too! I love a SML who isn't even gonna go there romance-wise. Yes, sir! Just go take your glasses off in the other apartment! Good job you!
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5. Lovely Runner
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
Kim Tae Seong
Was he a lil annoying? Yeah, but he was chill. He didn't push it. Knew a losing hand when he saw it.
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6. Marry My Husband
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
Baek Eun Ho
Not the husband. The other one. Low key could have been a good romantic prospect if ML was gay, idk...
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7. Moon Embracing the Sun
Korean Drama - 2012, 20 episodes
Yang Myeong
Rare ass case of preferring the second male lead to the male lead. Like, why would you even be into that mopey, temperamental, already-married wet blanket of a ML?! Also, the sml actor was just better at acting. I don't know, why not cast the better actor as the Male lead?!
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8. Mr. Plankton
Korean Drama - 2024, 10 episodes
Eo Heung
He was so nice! Very unconventional sml. Amazing actor, amazing character. This was just so heartbreaking and so well done. Good job everyone!
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9. The Double
Chinese Drama - 2024, 40 episodes
Ye Shi Jie
Again, not husband! The other one! He was sweet. He didn't push it. No posturing cock fights with the ML. Just silent, respectful support. He is another rare case of a SML who could have totally won FL over in any other story.
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10. Feud
Chinese Drama - 2025, 32 episodes
Zhang Suan
Speaking of, WHY WOULD ANYONE LIKE THAT ABUSIVE ASS WHEN A PERFECTLY DEVOTED SHIXIONG WAS RIGHT THERE?!?!?! UGHHHHHH. Like did he have ML charisma halo? No. But he was the objectively better husband material. More handsome too. #ISaidWhatISaid
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11. Till the End of the Moon
Chinese Drama - 2023, 40 episodes
Xiao Lin ?
He was so pointless and insignificant in the story that I had to name drop him. Cause like what did he achieve there?! He was such a non-issue! lol