10 Unforgettable Lead K-Drama Couples Who Stole the Spotlight

Summary

In many k-dramas, the second couple often outshines the main pairing, with more chemistry and a more interesting storyline.

It is often observed that popular k-dramas frequently feature secondary couples who outshine the main pairing in terms of compelling storylines and romantic dynamics. Examples from shows like High Society and Crash Landing On You showcase delightful and captivating romances that engage and enchant viewers.

In k-dramas, it's not uncommon for there to be two couples in a series and for the second couple to outshine the main pairing. In many cases, the chemistry and storyline of the second couple are more captivating, making them the standout. While this phenomenon doesn't necessarily impact viewers' overall enjoyment of a series, it occurs more frequently than some may realize.

The following list showcases ten k-dramas in which the second romantic pairing tells a better story and displays a stronger romance than the main couple. These second couples are often more engaging, exciting, and endearing than their counterparts. It's important to note that this doesn't imply that the main couples in these k-dramas are lacking in any way. Sometimes, even in the most popular k-dramas, beloved main couples are outshone by exceptional second couples. This compilation simply highlights second couples that surpass the main pairing in terms of plotlines and romance.

10 Lee Ji Yi & Yoo Chang Soo In High Society

One second couple with a classic love story is Lee Ji Yi and Chang Soo in High Society. The 2015 series revolves around the youngest daughter of a wealthy family who is arranged to marry a man of equal affluence, but instead finds herself falling for a man of modest means. Meanwhile, a similar situation unfolds for the protagonist's best friend. Ji Yi envisions a life with a prosperous partner, but when she captures the attention of Chang Soo, she becomes apprehensive about their differing backgrounds. High Society's second couple, brimming with conventional elements and a heartwarming romance, surpasses the primary pairing in every aspect.

9 Gu Seung Jun & Seo Dan In Crash Landing On You

Even popular Korean dramas like Crash Landing On You can have secondary couples that fans root for. The show revolves around a wealthy heiress who accidentally paraglides into North Korea and is protected by a compassionate army captain. While the main storyline is unique in itself, it still falls short compared to the captivating relationship of the secondary couple. Seo Dan, having completed her studies in cello in Russia, returns to North Korea to marry a man she barely knows. However, fate keeps crossing her path with Gu Seung Jun, a fugitive who has stolen money from the heiress' family and is seeking refuge in North Korea. Their love story is filled with playful banter and an unpredictable "will they, won't they" dynamic, making it an irresistible pairing.

8 Ahn Jeong Won & Jang Gyeo Ul In Hospital Playlist

In a medical k-drama inundated with a multitude of characters and intricate relationships, it's truly remarkable that the love story between Ahn Jeon won and Jang Gyeo Ul stands out above all others. Hospital Playlist depicts the journey of five doctors who develop a close bond during their time in medical school and continue to work together. While the series delves into various romantic dynamics, this particular secondary couple reigns supreme. Jeong Won, a compassionate pediatric doctor, despises witnessing pain and suffering, while Gyeo Ul exhibits exceptional surgical skills. Despite their mutual longing, their romance only begins to flourish later in the series. Consequently, this slow-building, emotionally intense pairing undoubtedly surpasses the other romantic storylines in the show.

7 So Yi Jung & Chu Ga Eul In Boys Over Flowers

Boys Over Flowers, another immensely popular k-drama series, features a captivating second lead couple. This iconic series revolves around the unexpected love story between a wealthy troublemaker and a strong-willed girl. However, there is another intriguing romance that captivates viewers even more. So Yi Jung, known as the campus heartthrob, finds his heart melting for the innocent and kind-hearted Chu Ga Eul. What sets this couple apart is their dedication to resolving their own issues before fully committing to each other, a quality the main couple lacks in this series.

6 Cha Hyun & Seol Ji Hwan In Search: WWW

Although Search: WWW has three romantic pairings, the true stars of the series are Cha Hyun and Seol Ji Hwan. The series revolves around the lives of three women working in the top two most competitive web portal companies. While each woman experiences her own romantic entanglements, Cha Hyun's story stands out for its eccentricity and heartwarming moments. Cha Hyun, an effervescent woman with an unwavering affinity for television dramas, unexpectedly crosses paths with the antagonist of her favorite show, only to discover that he is surprisingly kind-hearted in real life. This transformation from fangirl to girlfriend creates a magical romance that will undoubtedly leave audiences with butterflies in their stomachs, thanks to the consistently adorable encounters between the two.

5 Park Eun Tak & Yoon Ah Reum In Dr. Romantic 2

While Dr. Romantic boasts a remarkable main couple, the secondary pair gives them tough competition. The 2016 series revolves around a skilled doctor who, following a traumatic incident, adopts a new identity and relocates to a different hospital. In the second season, the spotlight shifts to new characters such as doctor Yoon Ah Reum and nurse Park Eun Tak. Unlike the primary couple, Ah Reum and Eun Tak openly express their affections for each other. This distinct aspect sets them apart from the main duo, making their relationship even more compelling. Their pure romance serves as a refreshing contrast amidst the darkness that permeates the series.

4 Yoon Myung Joo & Suh Dae Yong In Descendants Of The Sun

The lead romance of Descendants of the Sun may be incredible, but that doesn't mean the second couple lacks in any way. This war k-drama series revolves around the forbidden love between an army captain and a doctor. However, the intensity of the drama is heightened when it comes to First Lieutenant Yoon Myung Joo and Sergeant Suh Dae Yong. Despite having fewer interactions than the main couple, their tension is still palpable. Moreover, Myung Joo's role as the daughter of the army's commander adds an extra layer of conflict. Overall, this is the understated, slow-burning romance that captures the hearts of most audiences.

3 Lee Young Hwa & Seo Dan Ah In Run On

The tender way Seo Dan Ah falls for Lee Young Hwa makes them the perfect second lead couple in Run On. The series centers around a former athlete and a subtitle translator who find themselves falling in love. However, the most captivating romance in this kdrama is the supporting one between the cold and busy Dan Ah and the artistic, sincere Young Hwa. Despite the walls she has erected around herself, Dan Ah cannot resist the warm kindness of Young Hwa. Witnessing their love story unfold will undoubtedly warm the hearts of any viewer. This slow-burn love story is iconic in its own right.

2 Cha Sung Hoon & Jin Yeong Seo In A Business Proposal

The popular k-drama A Business Proposal features a surprisingly amazing second couple. In this romantic comedy, a young woman substitutes for her friend on a blind date and unexpectedly comes face to face with her boss. What starts as a fake dating scheme blossoms into true love. Interestingly, the second couple in the story also experiences a thrilling romance. Jin Yeong Seo, the daughter of a wealthy businessman, and Cha Sung Hoon, the male lead's secretary, share an instant connection. Despite their attempts to restrain their feelings, sparks inevitably ignite between them. Their undeniable chemistry makes them an absolutely superb second couple.

1 Sunny & Grim Reaper In Goblin

No list detailing the top secondary couples in k-dramas can overlook the unmatched charm of Sunny and the Grim Reaper from Goblin. This otherworldly k-drama series revolves around a vivacious teenager who inadvertently summons a once mighty general now transformed into a magical goblin. However, an even more improbable duo emerges in the form of the Grim Reaper and Sunny. The two immediately spark a chemistry that propels them from gloomy and apathetic individuals to beaming, contented souls. What's more, their love defies the constraints of time, etching their connection into the annals of history as an irrefutable force. This second romantic pairing boasts a rich narrative that effortlessly evokes both laughter and tears from viewers.