Despite the growing popularity of supporting actor syndrome in recent years, it’s still rare to find a K-drama where the second lead gets the girl in the end. That said, it’s not completely new. FYI, several series have actually taken the path less traveled, to the delight or disappointment of their viewers. If that’s exactly what you’re looking for, keep scrolling for the list of 10 Korean Kdramas Where the Supporting Lead and the Heroine Get Their Happy Ending.
- 1 – My Holo Love
Han So-yeon’s prosopagnosia disorder has forced her to lead a reclusive life. That changes one day when she meets Holo, an artificial intelligence program that looks exactly like its creator, the brilliant Go Nan-do. As Holo and Seo-yeon become close, he begins to develop tangible, human feelings for her, confusing his creator, who finds himself jealous of their relationship. At the end of the K-drama, a tragic fate befalls Holo, allowing Nan-do and So-yeon to end up together.
Starring: Yoon Hyun Min, Go Sung Hee, Choi Yeo Jin
- 2- Dream High
Six young aspiring K-pop idols pursue their dreams at Kirin High and develop feelings for each other along the way. Song Sam-dong is probably the true male protagonist of the series, but he doesn’t win female protagonist Go Hye-mi’s affections right away. Instead, she first falls into a budding romance with Ok Taecyeon’s character, Jin-guk.
Starring: Bae Suzy, Kim Soo Hyun, IU, Ok Taecyeon
- 3- Reply 1988
In the small neighborhood of Ssangmundong, five childhood friends grow up together and find strength in their bond as they navigate their tumultuous teenage years. Most viewers had hoped that Deok-sun and Jung-hwan would end up together, if only the latter could muster up the courage to confess his feelings. Unfortunately, the opportunity slips away as Deok-sun begins to fall for their other friend, Choi Taek.
Starring: Lee Hyeri, Ryu Jun Yeol, Park Bo Gum, Go Kyung Pyo
- 4 – The King in Love
Crown Prince Wang Won of the Goryeo Dynasty is hopelessly in love with the beautiful Eun San. He would be willing to do anything, even sacrifice his life, just for her, without knowing that his childhood friend, Wang Rin kept his own feelings for San hidden out of loyalty to Won. Eventually, San and Rin leave the palace together as Won ascends the throne. We’re used to rooting for the supporting male lead, but in this situation the main protagonist, Won, might just have our sympathy.
Starring: Im Si Wan, Im YoonA, Hong Jong Hyun
- Born Again
In Born Again, three people see their lives collide across space and time. Inspector Cha Hyung-bin has always been attracted to Jung Ha-eun, a bookseller with a weak heart. But he is not the only one to love it, since Gong Ji-chul is also in love with it. The latter three face tragedy as their lives eventually intersect. Although years later they are all reincarnated as different people, their past lives continue to haunt them. In the end, Ha-eun stays by Ji-chul’s side, leaving Hyung-bin heartbroken.
Starring: Lee Soo Hyuk, Jang Ki Yong, Jin Se Yeon
- Empress Ki
In this K-drama, the life of Empress Ki, a Goryeo-born woman who defies all odds to become Empress of the Yuan Dynasty, is reinterpreted. Betrothed to her first love, Wang Yoo, the king of Goryeo, she later becomes the wife of the childish but fierce Ta Hwan.
Starring: Ha Ji Won, Joo Jin Mo, Ji Chang Wook
- My First Time
An unbreakable bond unites Han Song Yi and Yoon Tae Oh, a carefree first-year university student. While he lets himself be captivated by the latter’s radiant personality, a love triangle forms with Seo Ji An, a rather well-bred friend of Tae Oh. Their intertwined relationships spark a series of complex emotions amid the trials of college life.
Starring: Choi Min Ho, Park So Dam, Kim Min Jae, Lee Yi Kyung
- My First First Love
Inspired by My First Time, Yoon Tae Oh’s friends come to stay with him unexpectedly, each with their own reasons. While Choi Hoon aspires to become an actor and Ga Rin comes from a wealthy family, Song I and Tae Oh share an unbreakable bond. Song I’s encounter with Tae Oh’s friend Do Hyeon puts their friendship to the test.
Starring: Kim Ji Soo, Jung Chae Yeon, Jung Jin Young, Choi Ri, Kang Tae Oh, Hong Ji Yoon
- King of Baking, Kim Takgu
Due to his status as an illegitimate child, Kim Tak Goo, a gifted baker and heir to Geosung Enterprise, must face betrayal from his family. Determined to reclaim his inheritance, he embarks on a journey to rebuild his career in the baking industry, despite all odds.
Starring: Yoon Shi Yoon, Eugene, Joo Won
- Mama Fairy and the Woodcutter
Sun Ok-Nam, a fairy from ancient Goryeo, loses her way to heaven when a woodcutter hides her clothes, leading to marriage and tragedy. She is desperately waiting for her husband’s reincarnation and runs a cafe on Gyeryong Mountain. After several centuries, his presence seemed perceptible to two visitors from Seoul. Determined to discover the true identity of her long-lost love, she follows them to the city.
Starring: Moon Chae Won, Yoon Hyun Min, Seo Ji Hoon, Kang Mi Na
Which Kdrama would you add to this list?