Rising Stars: The Impact of Supporting Male Leads in Korean Dramas

'You Know What?' Reporter Lee So-jung from TenAsia captures intriguing issues in the broadcasting world to stimulate the public's dopamine.

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Supporting male leads, often overshadowed by the main cast, are capturing viewers' attention in Korean dramas. These actors, who initially received little attention before the show's release, are now becoming the center of interest as word-of-mouth spreads. Their performances are emerging as a new focal point, offering a different kind of engagement compared to the main leads.

The KBS drama 'Beloved Bandit,' which premiered on the 3rd, started with a 4.3% viewership rating and has climbed to 7.1% in recent episodes. This romance historical drama, starring Nam Ji-hyun and Moon Sang-min, has captivated audiences with its stable plot and immersive pacing. Nam Ji-hyun, in particular, has been praised for her strong performance anchoring the series.

However, some viewers have expressed disappointment with Moon Sang-min's portrayal, citing a lack of natural emotional expression compared to the character's setup and storyline. Given the high expectations for Nam Ji-hyun's performance, comparisons with her co-star were inevitable.

Unexpectedly, Hong Min-ki, who plays a supporting male role, has garnered significant attention. His impactful presence in each appearance has drawn praise from viewers, providing a different emotional layer that balances the main couple's narrative.

In just a year, Hong Min-ki has rapidly built his filmography with roles in various projects such as 'Study Group,' 'Bunny and Brothers,' 'Dear M,' 'ONE High School Heroes,' 'Trigger,' and 'Dear X.' This year, he continues his steady career with confirmed roles in 'Survival Doctor' and 'Study Group Season 2.' His rapid rise among early 20s male actors has caught the industry's attention.

Standing at 187cm with striking features, Hong Min-ki is also recognized for his visual appeal. His performance and presence in 'Beloved Bandit' suggest potential for growth into a leading actor.

Interest in supporting male leads extends to other dramas as well. Hong Jong-hyun, starring in Channel A's 'I'm Pregnant,' is another example. The main lead, Choi Jin-hyuk, faced renewed scrutiny over past controversies involving visits to illegal entertainment venues in 2021, which some argue has affected the show's romantic immersion.

In this context, Hong Jong-hyun's performance stands out, enhancing his presence in the drama. 'I'm Pregnant' was already a topic of discussion due to casting issues. Originally, Yoon Ji-on was set to star but was replaced by Hong Jong-hyun after Yoon's departure due to charges of drunk driving and motorcycle theft in September last year. Despite the sudden casting change, Hong Jong-hyun has received positive reviews for his acting and visuals, dispelling any preconceived notions about his role as a replacement.

Another case is tvN's 'Undercover Miss Hong,' where Jo Han-gyeol, a supporting male lead, is gaining unexpected attention. Born in 2002, Jo debuted in the 2020 web drama 'I'll Get Off the Earth' and is relatively unknown to the public.

Despite the difference in recognition compared to main lead Go Kyung-pyo, Jo Han-gyeol leaves a fresh impression with his balanced performance and fitting character portrayal, contributing to the drama's equilibrium. His role in the narrative centered around Park Shin-hye is noted for effectively managing the story's pacing.

Recently, the drama market has seen a trend where supporting male leads, previously overlooked before airing, naturally gain attention alongside the show's success. As expectations for main actors rise, the freshness and stability offered by lesser-known actors become more pronounced.

The role of supporting male leads has evolved beyond mere support, becoming a crucial element that enhances the drama's overall quality. By adding new dimensions to the main narrative, they deepen the storyline, and their presence is expected to continue expanding.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr