It’s very unpleasant when you’re sitting comfortably watching your favorite K-drama and suddenly Mr. Perfect appears, sweet, practically resplendent in his knight’s armor. Why is he always the one left hanging? Well, it’s the supporting actor syndrome, that cruel sleight of hand that makes the hero never get the leading lady. So why are we hooked and why do we fall into Mr. Almost’s trap every time?
First of all, let’s explain what supporting actor syndrome is. Just imagine you’re on the couch, munching on popcorn, and two drop-dead gorgeous guys walk in. The main guy is the typical hot, loaded, slightly arrogant but tender-hearted lead, while the other guy is our supporting actor, equally hot, usually nicer, and somehow always doomed to heartbreak. It’s like getting on a roller coaster that you know is going to go off the rails.
This syndrome is the bread and butter of K-dramas, which mock us as a mere toy, as evidenced by “Boys Over Flowers” featuring Ji-Hoo. Even though this guy is a true love, always there for Jan-di, even serenading her on the violin, she ends up falling for the rich bad boy, Jun-pyo. Classic, right? It’s as predictable as K-dramas themselves.
The question is why do we root for the supporting cast? Maybe because they’re super nice, or because everyone loves rooting for the little guys. You see them giving their all, their hearts on their sleeves, and yet they get screwed. Who wouldn’t be tempted to root for that kind of thing, would you rather root for the star athlete or the little guy who gives his all and is always a little bit behind?
It’s not to be overlooked how these supporting actors can shine through their ability to bring out their weaknesses while Mr. Lead remains locked in his tower of coolness. Indeed, we see the supporting actors go all out, dish out kindness like candy, and be rock solid for the main girl. It’s a recipe that will make you melt in your seat, but it doesn’t take away the curiosity of why the writers have to twist our hearts into pretzels like that and build up this extraordinary guy just to leave him alone at the finish line. Perhaps it’s the sad truth that not all tales end in “happily ever after” or a sneaky way of keeping us glued to our screens, crying into our popcorn. K-dramas are so sneaky that they make us rethink our love lives.
Going for the bad boy who might just have a heart of gold or sticking with Mr. Dependable who will never let you down is the kind of choice that can set your nerves on edge, mirroring the crazy mess that is real-life love. Supporting Actor Syndrome isn’t just a story of one-night stands, it’s a deep look at what makes these near-winners so special. Following their journey is like watching a flower bloom and then being cut off just before its prime, which is absolutely heartbreaking.
As for the fan wars, they are a battlefield in their own right, as discussion forums and comment sections turn into fight clubs where fans clash over their favorite. The opposition between “Team Supporting Actor” and “Team Leading Actor” turns into a full-blown war.
Have you ever found yourself screaming at the TV, convinced that the main girl is making a mistake? It’s crazy, yes. Let’s dive into classic K-drama romances for a moment, using “You’re Beautiful” as an example, in which Shin-woo is practically the poster boy for perfect supporting roles. He may be up to the task, always there to catch the main character before she falls over, but he ends up not getting the girl and his love life is as dead as an old doornail. It’s like sending friend requests to nothing.
We can also talk about “Reply 1988” in which Jung-hwan, with his quiet and unwavering love for Deok-sun, made us all root for him. We were rooting for Jung-hwan, but alas, it was like rooting for the Titanic not to hit the iceberg. It must be said that this kind of situation is not reserved for romance dramas, because even in the bullet-riddled world of “City Hunter,” supporting actor Kim Young-joo captures our hearts with her relentless quest for justice and her silent, simmering love. This kind of storyline does not discriminate, as it is an equal-opportunity heartbreaker.
However, there is hope for these lovesick supporting actors, because every blue moon, the script is unexpectedly reversed and it is the supporting actor who ends up with the girl. Remember “Strong Woman Do Bong-soon”, in reality, more often than not, they are left holding the emotional bag while we wonder, “What if?”
If we stay hooked, knowing that our second favorite man is probably doomed from the start, it’s because we’re thrill seekers. We live for the highs of seeing them shine, the lows of our stomachs when they get a cold snap, and the sweet angst of a well-crafted story.
Admittedly, supporting actor syndrome is our favorite form of torture. Indeed, when you look at the big picture, supporting actor syndrome is like the secret sauce of storytelling, as it grabs you by the heart, makes you laugh through your tears, and always makes you root for the loser. Sure, it’s a little cruel, but it’s irresistible at the same time. So the next time you find yourself falling for that doomed supporting actor, just go with the flow and embrace the heartbreak, because that’s all part of the glorious K-drama journey.
Are you suffering from supporting actor syndrome? Who is your ultimate heartbreaker?