If you're a K-drama fan, you've probably heard of Second Lead Syndrome, right? Let's see where it comes from and test if you suffer from it!
What Is Second Lead Syndrome?
In Korean dramas, many other characters besides just the main female and male leads play important roles. Many times, the second male love interest is just as amazing as the first male lead that many people root for him, even though they know it won't work out in the end!
This is how Second Lead Syndrome came to be, and it's called "seobeubyeong" (서브병) in Korean. Many viewers have gotten their hearts broken by an attractive second male lead that does not end up with the female lead in the end.
Viewers also feel more heartbreak because the second lead often has unrequited feelings for the female lead. Also, the main male lead tends to be more rude and cold, while the second lead tends to be more gentle and kind, so viewers can feel that the second lead is more charming and a better match for the female lead. The first and second lead also often have different backgrounds.
It's hard for viewers to see the second lead, who may seem like the better choice and who always tries his best to get the female lead to return his feelings, get his heart broken.
Have You Experienced Second Lead Syndrome?
What is the latest K-drama you've watched? Were you satisfied with the ending or did it leave you heartbroken?
If you felt heartbroken and disappointed with the ending and still can't move on, you may be experiencing Second Lead Syndrome. Let's take a simple test to find out if you are suffering from second lead syndrome or not. Keep track of your points and the results will be at the bottom!
1. Whose Tears Do You Want To Wipe Away?
1 Point | 2 Points |
Kim Tan | Choi Young-do |
2. Who Is Your Dream Date?![korean drama second lead syndrome, cheese in the trap, seo kangjoon and park haejin]()
1 Point | 2 Points |
| Yoo Jung: A senior with a quiet personality who is good at studying, and takes care of everything behind the scenes for you. | Baek In-ho: A guy who will make you smile whenever you go through tough times and is always ready to protect you. Plus, he plays the piano well. |
3. Who Is Your Best Friend Who Wants You To Become Their Girlfriend?
1 Point | 2 Points |
| Ji Sung-joon: Your first love since elementary school. He was fat as a child, but is now handsome and successful. | Kim Shin Hyuk: The person who is by your side no matter how bad you look and always makes you laugh. |
4. Who Is The Close Friend You Trust With All Your Secrets?
1 Point | 2 Points |
| Han Yi-an: Your best friend since childhood and a swimmer who'll always care about you no matter how busy he is. | Gong Tae-kwang: The most annoying classmate, but he's ready to protect and take care of you at any time. |
5. Who Do You Want To Go From Your Neighbor To Your Boyfriend?
1 Point | 2 Points |
| Choi Taek: An innocent neighbor who believes in every word you say and always compliments you. | Kim Jung-hwan: A quiet neighbor who rarely shows his feelings but is warm and kind. |
6. Which Bandmate Do You Feel Safest With?![korean drama second lead syndrome, you're beautiful, jung yonghwa and jang geunsuk]()
1 Point | 2 Points |
| Hwang Tae-kyung: The stubborn, cold leader who seems like they don't care about anyone but cares about you deep down. | Kang Shin-woo: A good guitarist who's warm, gentle, and always by your side. |
7. Who Do You Want By Your Side In The Last Moments Of Your Life?![korean drama second lead syndrome, wonbin, song seungheon]()
1 Point | 2 Points |
| Yoon Jun-suh: A warm older brother who is ready to help you in any situation. | Han Tae-seok : A handsome man from a rich family ready to love you and spend his money on you. |
8. Who Makes You Happiest To Be With?
1 Point | 2 Points |
| Shin Woo-yeo: The handsome Gumiho willing to protect you from danger. | Gye Sun-woo: The senior all the ladies love who is willing to stop everything for you. |
9. Who Will Take Care Of You After Heartbreak?
1 Point | 2 Points |
| Park Jae-eon: A handsome, charming guy who's friendly with everyone, especially girls. | Yang Do-hyeok: AKA Potato Boy, he's kind and gives his heart to just you alone. |
10. Who Do You Want To Be Your First Love?![korean drama second lead syndrome, Start Up, kim seonho, nam joohyuk]()
1 Point | 2 Points |
| Nam Do-san : A shy man who is honest with his feelings and is focused on achieving his goals. | Han Ji-pyeong: A model of success, he may seem cold to others but is ready to take care of you at any time. |
Results
0-10 Points: You Are Very Much In Love With The First Lead
No matter how good-looking, rich, or perfect the second lead is, it doesn't shake your feelings for the first lead at all. You believe he's the right person for the female lead!
11-15 Points: You're Weak-Hearted And Change Your Mind Easily
You love the first lead, but are easily swayed by the second lead's kind actions!
16-20 Points: You Have Second Lead Syndrome
Congratulations, you're head-over-heels in love with the second lead! Although you're fully aware that in the end the female lead will choose the first lead, you can't help that your heart has been given to the second lead.
After the drama ends, you'll be heartbroken and find it difficult to move on from the second lead.
We hope you enjoyed this little quiz. Let us know your results in the comments!
