Second Lead Syndrome: Why We Have It

When visitors showed up at the KCON panel on Second Lead Syndrome, the first thing they saw was a photo of Kim Hyun Joong as Ji Hoo in "Boys Over Flowers." Tears were streaming down Ji Hoo's face, because, although he was the perfect guy, he did not get the girl.

The panel, composed of Coco and Vivi of Kdrama Fighting, Zombiemama, Shannen Willard, Jess Coward and Amber Humphries of Crazy Ahjummas, all admit to a serious case of Second Lead Syndrome. They've each had a k-drama character that broke their heart because he was perfect, perfect, perfect for the girl but she chose another guy that at first glance seemed like a bad choice. 

Some k-drama characters that broke the panelists' hearts included Kim Woo Bin's character in "The Heirs," Jung Yong Hwa's character in "You're Beautiful" and naturally KimHyun Joong's character in "Boys Over Flowers." 

But they wanted to know, why do we like the second lead so much? And why does it break viewers' hearts when they don't get the girl?

"They're kinder, more supportive, they're your best friend. And that's why it breaks your heart," said Jess Coward.

It may seem like they are perfect at the start of a drama. But as the plot progresses viewers may discover that the girl and the second lead are too similar and ultimately they might lack the chemistry that's needed in a relationship.

"If they stayed together they would just sit around like zombies in similar outfits and eat noodles every night," she said.

The first lead might ultimately be better for the girl.

The panel also covered the topic of second female leads in k-dramas, who are often much less likeable. A few second female leads become better people in the course of a drama but some characters are beyind redemption. Humphries cited the second female leads that upset her.

"That actress from 'Rooftop Prince,' for example. I hated her so much that I could never see her in another drama."

She also took exception to the annoying second female lead in "Flower Boys Next Door."

"Oh my God, I wanted to take every single fuzzy jacket of hers and set them on fire."

While there was always hope for a second female lead's redempton, Vivi said there was a line second female leads could not cross.

"Once you try to murder someone you are off my list," she said.