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.

autumn carrot Jul 29, 2025
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  • Head over Heels

    1. Head over Heels

    Korean Drama - 2025, 12 episodes

    9.0

    Ji Ho

    If you wanna be in a love triangle, at least be dignified about it. Be like Ji Ho!

  • The Autumn Ballad

    2. The Autumn Ballad

    Chinese Drama - 2022, 34 episodes

    10

    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.

  • Because of Love

    3. Because of Love

    Chinese Drama - 2022, 30 episodes

    9.0

    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! 

  • Business Proposal

    4. Business Proposal

    Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes

    9.0

    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!

  • Lovely Runner

    5. Lovely Runner

    Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes

    7.5

    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. 

  • Marry My Husband

    6. Marry My Husband

    Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes

    8.5

    Baek Eun Ho

    Not the husband. The other one. Low key could have been a good romantic prospect if ML was gay, idk...

  • Moon Embracing the Sun

    7. Moon Embracing the Sun

    Korean Drama - 2012, 20 episodes

    6.5

    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?!

  • Mr. Plankton

    8. Mr. Plankton

    Korean Drama - 2024, 10 episodes

    10

    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!

  • The Double

    9. The Double

    Chinese Drama - 2024, 40 episodes

    9.0

    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.

  • Feud

    10. Feud

    Chinese Drama - 2025, 32 episodes

    2.0

    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

  • Till the End of the Moon

    11. Till the End of the Moon

    Chinese Drama - 2023, 40 episodes

    9.0

    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

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