Yes, they are the second leads, but they're leading man material, too! We do agree that most Korean drama avid fans often experience the so-called "second lead syndrome." One reason why we experience this syndrome is that most of the time, the actor who takes on the second lead role practically deserves to be the leading man in the drama.
However, it's a good thing that most of our favorite second leads finally claimed the spotlight that they deserved when they got the chance to portray the main role in other dramas.
Here is the list of our favorite Korean drama oppas that started out as the second lead and eventually landed the leading man role!
Kim Woo Bin
Being the arrogant rich chaebol bully at Jeguk High School, Kim Woo Bin impressed his fans in his portrayal as Choi Young Do in the 2013 hit drama "The Heirs." He made the viewers hate at the same time love his character in this particular drama. Even though he starred alongside famous actors Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye, Kim Woo Bin's character made it hard for the viewers to root for the lead character.
Three years later, after "The Heirs" aired in the small screen, actor Kim Woo Bin was able to land his first-ever lead role in the drama "Uncontrollably Fond," where he starred alongside Bae Suzy.
Jung Hae In
Jung Hae In has been in the spotlight as a leading man in some dramas, namely "One Spring Night," "Something In The Rain," and "A Piece of Your Mind." He has been the viewers' favorite ever since. However, before he became the famous leading man he is now, the sweet actor first captivated the Korean drama fans as the second lead in the 2017 drama "While You Were Sleeping."
Kim Jung Hyun
Who could ever forget Gu Seung Jun of the 2020 hit drama "Crash Landing On You." We all adored his onscreen chemistry with Seo Ji Hye, it reached a point where he even did a cameo in her new show.
Well, after the conclusion of CLOY, Kim Jung Hyun got his chance to play the leading man in the upcoming sageuk, "Queen Cheorin."
Ryu Jun Yeol
We do consider the portrayal of actor Ryu Jun Yeol as Kim Jung Hwan on "Reply 1988" as one of the most noteworthy second leads role ever played in Korean drama history. However, he got his spotlight when he portrayed the leading man in the Korean drama, "Lucky Romance."
Park Seo Joon
Nowadays, Park Seo Joon is undoubtedly known as the most famous Hallyu leading man in the Korean drama world. He made his fans feel excitement and giddiness with his chemistry with notable leading ladies like Kim Ji Won in "Fight For My Way," Park Min Young in "What's Wrong With Secretary Kim," Kim Da Mi in "Itaewon Class," and Go Ara in "Hwarang: The Poet Warrior."
But before he was tagged as the most favorite leading man by every Kdrama fans, Park Seo Joon also got to experience being the second lead or a supporting actor in the drama "Kill Me, Heal Me." Through this drama, Park Seo Joon, as well as his co-star as the main lead Ji Sung, snagged the Best Couple Award at the MBC Drama Awards!
