The 8 Most Popular Supporting Characters in Korean Dramas of 2016

Born in 1991, Jinyoung is a member of the K-pop group B1A4. He ventured into acting in 2013 but truly made his mark with his role as Kim Yoon Sung in 'Moonlight Drawn by Clouds'. As the quintessential supporting male character in Korean dramas, Jinyoung's portrayal of Yoon Sung stood out. He was the only one to uncover the true identity of the female lead, Ra On, and quietly looked after her with genuine affection, free of any selfish motives. Yoon Sung's choice to protect Ra On from danger defines his character. However, despite his deep feelings for her, Ra On's heart ultimately belongs to her childhood friend, who also happens to be the crown prince, Lee Young. Additionally, Yoon Sung is the only grandson of Prime Minister Kim Hoon, who plots to overthrow the king, creating a constant internal conflict between his love, friendship, and filial duty. Tragically, Yoon Sung dies at the hands of his own subordinates while trying to protect Ra On. Jinyoung's heartbreaking performance earned him the admiration of viewers, making him one of the most beloved tragic supporting characters in Korean drama history.

While Jinyoung was the most tragic male supporting character of the year, the fate of female supporting character Chae Soo Bin in 'Moonlight Drawn by Clouds' was equally heart-wrenching. Chae Soo Bin portrayed Jo Ha Yeon, a noblewoman initially betrothed to Kim Yoon Sung (played by Jinyoung) in a political marriage, but who secretly falls for the crown prince. Driven by her love, she throws aside her noble pride and status, repeatedly expressing her feelings despite knowing the crown prince’s heart belongs to someone else. Undeterred, she remains by his side, even offering her support for his ascension to the throne. Chae Soo Bin won viewers' hearts with her pure love and selfless sacrifices. After this role, the 22-year-old actress earned the Best New Actress award at the APAN Star Awards, solidifying her place in the Korean film industry.

Recently, the drama 'Goblin' has taken the Korean and Asian markets by storm. Viewers are not only captivated by the main character, the Goblin, but also by the adorable Grim Reaper. Lee Dong Wook, a well-known figure in Korean cinema, plays the Grim Reaper in 'Goblin'. Despite being nearly a thousand years old, his character is playful, naive, and often pouts, making him a unique and unforgettable Grim Reaper. The dynamic between the Goblin and the Grim Reaper is a perfect comedic duo, and their chemistry has undoubtedly turned them into one of the most beloved 'frenemies' in drama history.

Born in 1995, Yook Sung Jae is a popular singer, actor, and dancer in South Korea. Besides the iconic pairing of the Goblin and Grim Reaper, fans also fell in love with Yook Sung Jae's portrayal of Yoo Duk Wa, the Goblin's butler in 'Goblin'. Despite having fewer scenes than the main duo, Yook Sung Jae's charming and endearing performance stood out, earning him high praise for his lovable portrayal of the quirky butler.

Along with 'Goblin', 'The Legend of the Blue Sea' is one of the most popular Korean dramas at the moment. Aside from the lead actor Lee Min Ho, viewers are equally enamored with the lovable supporting character Shin Won Ho. In fact, there are scenes where his charming, slightly naive appearance even outshines his senior counterparts. In the drama, Shin Won Ho plays Tae Oh, a young and talented hacker with a reserved and cold demeanor. Despite his stoic nature, a few moments where Tae Oh shows vulnerability, jealousy, and care for the mermaid protagonist Shim Chung (played by Jun Ji Hyun) are enough to make viewers swoon. After just a few episodes of 'The Legend of the Blue Sea', Shin Won Ho's name became a hot topic, and many female fans began searching for more information about the young star. Born in 1991, Shin Won Ho was a member of the K-pop group Cross Gene before making a successful transition into acting.

When discussing Korean cinema in 2016, it's impossible to overlook the hit drama 'Descendants of The Sun.' Alongside the star power of Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo, Kim Jin Goo's name also gained significant popularity for his impressive acting skills and his equally complex love story. Playing Sergeant Seo Dae Young, Jin Goo stood out with his rugged and masculine appearance, as well as his action-packed scenes. While he didn’t have as much screen time as Song Joong Ki, Jin Goo had the chance to prove himself after 13 years in the industry, thanks to his role in 'Descendants of The Sun.'

Following the success of 'Descendants of The Sun,' a series of popular Korean dramas captured the attention of audiences, including 'Two Worlds.' From the very first episodes, viewers were excited by the appearance and performance of the supporting male character. Playing the loyal bodyguard Seo Do Yoon to Kang Chul (Lee Jong Suk), Lee Tae Hwan impressed fans with his handsome looks and muscular physique, especially in the boxing scene with Lee Jong Suk in episode 5. It's no surprise, considering Tae Hwan's background as a model in South Korea. Being cast in such a high-profile drama alongside seasoned veterans gave the 1995-born actor a significant opportunity to shine in his career.

Yoon Kyun Sang, originally a model with an impressive height of 1.90m, found his true passion in acting. His role in 'Doctors' marked a turning point, bringing his name to greater prominence. As Jung Yoon Do, a handsome and skilled doctor, Kyun Sang won the hearts of female fans with his striking looks and towering presence, often outshining the male lead. While he doesn't fit the typical image of a gallant, brave secondary character, his charming and endearing performance made him a favorite. Kyun Sang quickly became the 'heartthrob' of 'Doctors,' earning widespread support for his romance with the female lead.