Korean dramas are all the rage these days thanks to their complex and emotional plots and characters and their ability to tell a story that encompasses different phases that humans go through. They usually do not follow one single trait or emotion, and there’s so much happening that most of the time, your heart and mind will be left reeling long after they are done. K-dramas are usually a medley of genres that one might not think can coexist together but end up working perfectly.
One of the most common tropes in K-dramas is the “cold male lead” character, who is often aloof, distant, and unapproachable. While these characters may seem difficult to connect with at first, they often have a depth and complexity that draws viewers in. These backstories make these characters relatable and, in the end, approachable and thankfully, most are given a character arc that makes viewers fall for them in spite of their flaws and issues.
Boys Over Flowers (2009)
Korean Title: 꽃보다 남자
Starring: Koo Hye-sun, Lee Min-ho, Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Bum, Kim Joon
Air Date: January 5 – March 31, 2009
Episodes:
One of the most well-known K-dramas, this series tells the story of a young woman who gets pulled into the lives of a group of young rich men in her elite high school. This story, apart from bringing forth a cold male lead, will also give you second male lead syndrome thanks to Kim Hyun-joong’s Yoon Ji-hoo.
This melodrama has a lot happening to make you fall for it. Apart from the amazing chemistry between the leads that will make you swoon, the character development of Lee Min-ho’s Gu Jun-pyo is admirable and a treat to watch. It also features some great and well-known music that elevates the overall watchability of the series.
These factors make this drama addicting to watch. Whether or not you like the ending, depending on which of the boys you like more, the series reels you in with its tight, engaging and emotional storyline and humorous moments.
Healer (2014)
Korean Title: 힐러
Starring: Ji Chang-wook, Park Min-young, Yoo Ji-tae
Air Date: Dec 8, 2014 – Feb 10, 2015
Episodes: 20
Two reporters cross paths with Seo Jung-hoo, a special kind of night courier called Healer who, for the right price, will do anything for his clients except murder. When the latter comes across a well-hidden secret, he starts to dig into it, realising that there’s more in their shared past than he had realised.
Healer is a thriller series where the romance isn’t the most important part of the series. But even then, the romance, drama and the thrill are all mixed together to bring forth a platter that is extremely watchable in every way. The plot itself surrounds a past mystery and a set of present murders that focuses on a conspiracy that three people have to uncover together.
The way it sets itself apart is by keeping things constantly moving while giving us little instances of romance that cut through the shocking aspects of the drama. A big part of the series is Healer performing action sequences which look great. Although Ji Chang-wook plays a cold male lead, there’s something extremely charming about him that just gets better the more we watch the series.
Park Min-young is known to share amazing chemistry with her male leads, and that’s no different here. She and Chang-wook are believable as a couple and will give you butterflies. On the other hand, Yoo Ji-tae’s character is also quite intriguing, and you won’t be able to look away from him. With an amazing OST to boot, this is one series that you will not be able to put down!
Something About 1% (2016)
Korean Title: 1%의 어떤 것
Starring: Ha Seok-jin, Jeon So-min
Air Dates: October 5 – November 24, 2016
Episodes: 16
A well-known trope in K-dramas where two people get into a fake marriage contract and eventually for in love, the series follows a ruthless heir, Lee Jae-in, who gets into a marriage contract with teacher Kim Da-hyu in order to get his inheritance. But, the two of them eventually fall for each other, in spite of the misunderstandings that they face at first.
This drama is a soft and cute watch with the usual share of bickering and misunderstandings until the leads find themselves drawn to each other. Its storytelling style is entertaining and humorous, and the ups and downs that the leads go through are extremely relatable. Plus, the leads have great chemistry and watching them together is such a delicious affair.
Always warring (until they aren’t), the two actors portray the nuances of their characters so well that you won’t be able to look away. Ha Seok-jin’s Lee Jae-in is a rude, arrogant and bossy character whose growth throughout the runtime is both admirable and extremely attractive and will make you fall for him, just like Kim Da-hyun. This is a purely romantic and humorous series whose other aspects, although not as strong, definitely add intrigue to the storytelling.
Cheese in the Trap (2016)
Korean Title: 치즈인더트랩
Starring: Park Hae-jin, Kim Go-eun, Seo Kang-joon, Lee Sung-kyung
Air Dates: 4 January – 1 March 2016
Episodes: 16
This famous K-drama delivers a psychological twist to its storytelling wherein we follow a group of university students and, in particular, Hong Seol and Yoo Jung, whose tumultuous relationship results in Seol to fall into several issues as she slowly uncovers Jung’s dark side.
Although not the typical cold male lead trope, this one has a deeper storyline that will gnaw at your brain. The trauma that these characters have is an extremely heartbreaking portrayal of reality and the saying that “hurt people hurt people”. There are several moments that will stay with you in the drama because of how realistically they are portrayed plus the fact that the actors do a fantastic job of these dark characters is also a plus.
The romance of the series goes hand-in-hand with the realities of these people, and thus, it adds to the tension and interest. You can’t help but want Hong Seol to succeed, but her relationship with Yoo Jung is just so emotional that you can’t stop yourself from rooting for them. Another plus point is the fact that the actors have some amazing chemistry to share that makes watching them absolutely delicious in every way. You feel their longing, their desire and every small feeling that the characters might be going through.
Because This Is My First Life (2017)
Korean Title: 이번 생은 처음이라
Starring: Lee Min-ki, Jung So-min
Air Dates: October 9 – November 28, 2017
Episodes: 16
Nam Se-hee and Yoon Ji-ho strike up an unlikely relationship in order to not fall into the bad graces of society. However, what starts off as a marriage of convenience soon turns into something more when they slowly start to know each other deeply.
There’s something about this series that will stay with you long after it is over. The characters and their situations will touch your heart in ways that one wouldn’t expect. There’s something to look forward to for every character of the series, and there’s a beautiful balance there that goes extremely well with each other. The moment the male lead comes out of his shell, you really feel exactly what he is feeling at that moment.
Plus, the storyline pushes against the traditional Korean mindset and brings forth a new and fresh perspective that is more modern and relatable in today’s times. This drama is truly a breath of fresh air that will drown you in heartwarming emotion.
Black (2017)
Korean Title: 블랙
Starring: Song Seung-heon, Go Ara, Lee El, Kim Dong-jun
Air Dates: October 14 – December 10, 2017
Episodes: 18
This suspense thriller follows a grim reaper, who, by fate, gets pulled into solving a series of murders that happened 20 years ago. Unable to fulfil his primary duties, he faces many obstacles, more so when he falls in love with a mortal woman, totally derailing his life once and for all.
This drama is something that you will remember for a long time, more so because every incident that the series showcases at any point is connected to something else. Additionally, it has the watchability factor that keeps you glued to the screen, and you won’t be able to look away even for a second. The storyline is arresting and extremely interesting, and the central mystery is something that constantly makes you question the truth.
On the other hand, this is about a grim reaper, so of course, the male lead is cold and serious. However, when he meets his match on Earth, things start going off the rails. His love story with Go Ara’s Kang Ha-ram brings on screen the concept of “star-crossed lovers” and the way the two influence each other will leave you reeling. Of course, this isn’t the primary storyline, but the two parts of the series are meshed with each other extremely well, giving you an enthralling watch like no other.
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018)
Korean Title: 김비서가 왜 그럴까
Starring: Park Seo-joon, Park Min-young
Air Dates: June 6 – July 26, 2018
Episodes: 16
When vice-chairman Lee Young-joon’s extremely proficient secretary, Kim Mi-so, decides to quit, he takes it upon himself to understand why she is taking such a drastic step. Along the way, however, he falls in love with her as he tries to make sure that she stays by his side.
Young-joon is a character whom everyone loves and hates, thanks to Park Seo-joon’s rather on-point portrayal. Alongside him is Park Min-young, who is also exceptionally talented and plays Mi-so with a charm that melts your heart. Together, they bring forth a chemistry that crackles on-screen, and their romantic moments will make your heart flutter.
The storyline is simple, but that makes it extremely effective. The series is a blend of humour, drama and romance, and the emotional backstories touch your heart thanks to the actors’ performances. There’s something very familiar and happy about this series – the way it handles its different elements work with each other well, leaving you with a series that stays with you long after it is over.
The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2018)
Korean Title: 하늘에서 내리는 일억개의 별
Starring: Seo In-guk, Jung So-min, Park Sung-woong
Air Dates: October 3 – November 22, 2018
Episodes: 16
In this 2018 K-drama, Kim Moo-young, who is suffering from memory loss about his past, meets and falls in love with Yoo Jin-kang. After her previous negative outlook about him, she finds out that there’s more to him than meets the eye. Meanwhile, her older brother, Yoo Jin-gook, has other ideas about him, and while he suspects him, he doesn’t realise that he is the one connecting the lovers. In a twist of fate, Moo-young regains his memory, realising after years the truth about his father’s death.
With complex characters portrayed by talented actors who sell every scene, this drama is truly one that doesn’t disappoint. The twists and turns in every episode are unpredictable and fresh and make watching the series a treat. The gloomy backstories and the heartbreaking truth will pull you in along with the primary characters, making you question everyone.
Seo In-guk, who has portrayed gloomy characters many times, plays his scenes with finesse. You feel everything that his character feels because he portrays them so well that there is no chance of doubts. His chemistry with Jung So-min is beautiful and effective, and they crackle on-screen together. Their romance lights the screen on fire, while the rest of the series is serious and dark.
My ID Is Gangnam Beauty (2018)
Korean Title: 내 아이디는 강남미인
Starring: Im Soo-hyang, Cha Eun-woo, Jo Woo-ri, Kwak Dong-yeon
Air Dates: July 27 – September 15, 2018
Episodes: 16
After being bullied for years, Kang Mi-rae gets plastic surgery to improve herself. Unfortunately, her “fail proof” plan fails when she goes to university, and her batchmates get to know about her surgery. As the ridicule starts all over again, she meets fellow student Do Kyung-seok, and together, they try to build her self-esteem back up, regardless of appearance.
This K-drama focuses on telling its viewers to love themselves despite every flaw that one might have. it’s a heartbreaking portrayal of reality wherein people are ridiculed for the smallest things and things that they have no hand in. There are moments in the series wherein you would want to jump in and protect Mi-rae from her tormentors; however, the storyline cares care of her (and our sanities) quite well!
On the other hand, the sweet relationship between the leads is the breath of fresh air that the drama needs to cut through the rather horrendous behaviour of society. Cha Eun-woo and Im Soo-hyang bring a sort of innocence to their characters that truly feel warm and effective. The way he silently helps her and then when they eventually open up to each other will give you butterflies in your stomach.
Crash Landing on You (2019-2020)
Korean Title: 사랑의 불시착
Starring: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Seo Ji-hye, Kim Jung-hyun
Air Dates: December 14, 2019 – February 16, 2020
Episodes: 16
A paragliding accident takes chaebol heiress Yoon Se-ri from Seoul to North Korea, where she takes the help of Ri Jeong-hyeok, a North Korean elite and a captain in the Korean People’s Army, to try and go back to South Korea secretly without being persecuted. In the midst of this, they face many obstacles and eventually start to feel for each other.
Another uber-popular K-drama that everyone constantly talks about, Crash Landing on You is a classic in the truest sense! Showcasing a sweet cross-border romance between Yoon Se-ri and Ri Jeong-hyeok, this one is sweet and warm in every way possible. With some conflicts peppered in, this romance slowly makes you see the warm side of Jeong-hyeok, alongside Se-ri’s thoughtful side. Hyun Bin and Son Ye-ji, who are married with a child in real life, share a very real, believable chemistry that is quiet but deep and sometimes their conversations using just expressions emote their inner feelings brilliantly.
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)
Korean Title: 사이코지만 괜찮아
Starring: Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Yea-ji, Oh Jung-se, Park Gyu-young
Air Dates: June 20 – August 9, 2020
Episodes: 16
A nurse at a psychiatric ward falls in love with an antisocial children’s book author in this healing K-drama about love, forgiveness and growth.
This series is a hard and heavy watch and discusses several aspects of mental health issues beautifully. The baggage that all these different characters carry is both relatable and extremely difficult to watch because of that very fact. The storyline has several aspects, and it merges all of them beautifully. You might even find yourself shedding a few tears while watching.
Kim Soo-hyun plays his role with grit and determination, and his mental well-being will become a point of concern for viewers after a while. Burning out while juggling different aspects of his rather difficult life is a relatable part of today’s youth, and the series showcases these feelings without judgment or harshness. The storyline is engrossing thanks to its characters, who are written with a lot of love and care.
Itaewon Class (2020)
Korean Title: 이태원 클라쓰
Starring: Park Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi, Yoo Jae-myung, Kwon Nara
Air Dates: January 31 – March 21, 2020
Episodes: 16
Park Sae-ro-yi goes to jail after he attempts to kill his father’s murderer. When he is released, he attempts to open a bar-cum-restaurant and faces the Jangga Group and a whole different set of challenges that he had not predicted. On the way, he is helped by Jo Yi-seo to manage his business as Sae-ro-yi attempts to exact revenge.
This K-drama is an extremely watchable and fun ride that is thrilling in every scene because you root for Sae-ro-yi, who is a fair guy who is quiet and moody after his father’s death. His passion and dedication to make it big and his unparalleled fairness, even if it works against him is just something that you will fall in love with instantly.
On the other hand, his relationship with Kim Da-mi’s Jo Yo-seo is extremely watchable, and they bicker really sweetly. Yo-seo is a little… different, but she is also brilliant in what she does and is admirable to watch. Together, they go up against the Jangga Group and the journey, ranging from painful to victorious, is great. Unfortunately, I wasn’t too much of a fan of the lead couple but Park Seo-jin himself is great at bringing for every little emotion of his troubled character.
True Beauty (2020)
Korean Title: 여신강림
Starring: Moon Ga-young, Cha Eun-woo, Hwang In-youp, Park Yoo-na
Air Dates: December 9, 2020 – February 4, 2021
Episodes: 16
Lim Ju-kyung suffers from crippling self-worth issues, so much so that she is constantly wearing heavy makeup in order to hide her flaws. She befriends her high school friends, which gives birth to a love triangle as she tries to grapple with her feelings of deficiency.
This drama is similar to My ID is Gangnam Beauty, which, coincidentally, also features Eun-woo. This drama is a little more dramatic than the previous one but is equally impactful. There are moments in the series that you will relate to, and the extremely good-looking cast share brilliant chemistry, so much so that you won’t be able to under where to look!
Apart from that, its two leading men do their job extremely well. Apart from looking great, they also embody their characters brilliantly. One might think their actions are similar, but they are extremely different in many ways, which the actors bring out well. Apart from the female lead’s backstory, which is, of course, the main point here, the male leads also have some great stories to make them real people instead of good-looking caricatures without substance.
The Red Sleeve (2021-2022)
Korean Title: 옷소매 붉은 끝동
Starring: Lee Jun-ho, Lee Se-young, Kang Hoon
Air Dates: November 12, 2021 – January 1, 2022
Episodes: 17
In this royal romance series, the King of Joseon, a blunt and arrogant man, falls for a court lady and tries to make her his concubine.
This series is much more than just a romance between the king and a court lady. The emotions that this series tries to convey are extremely poignant and will leave you drowning in its depths. Showcased from a woman’s perspective, you see the difficulties that the different people go through, and the symbolism throughout its runtime becomes an important aspect. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows here, but that’s okay.
There’s much more happening here other than just romance. Although that is a big part of the series, there is much more social commentary here that you will love to watch. The discussions surrounding different social issues pertaining to sacrifice and loyalty also become an extremely important part of the series and make watching the series even more beautiful.
Business Proposal (2022)
Korean Title: 사내맞선
Starring: Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong, Kim Min-kyu, Seol In-ah
Air Dates: February 28 – April 5, 2022
Episodes: 12
In this K-drama, Shin Ha-ri and Kang Tae-moo go on a blind date that goes awry, and Tae-moo decides to marry her in order to not go on random blind dates anymore. Unfortunately for him, it comes out that Ha-ri is impersonating his actual blind date, which starts a rollercoaster of emotions, ending in them falling in love with each other against all odds!
This last one is a hilarious ride that is extremely entertaining and a thoroughly light watch. The chemistry between the actors of both couples is sizzling, although I must say that Kim Min-kyu and Seol In-ah’s chemistry pops up on-screen more than the others. These two will make you sweat.
On the other hand, the storyline is simple and without many complexities. Although it’s quite predictable, you watch it because it simply gives you a good time without pouring in too many difficult emotions, and you will enjoy your time thoroughly as you watch the insanity happening on screen. Kim Se-jeong is a cute protagonist whose expressions are to die for, while Ahn Hyo-seop is the dashing CEO who looks delicious in every scene.
Which of these K-dramas With Cold Male Leads are your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!
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