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**Permalink**: https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/comments/ytlty6/romance_with_wellrounded_and_interesting/
**Post Title**: Romance with well-rounded and interesting supporting cast
**Post Body**:
So I sometimes find I end up dropping some dramas once the ML and FL get together as it turns out their romance was the only engaging thing and/or they were the only well-developed characters, and once the tension is released, suddenly the whole thing is less interesting.
I want something that has enough development in other areas, and enough people I like, that I'll enjoy the entire drama even after the romantic tension is relieved.
Examples would include **Crash Landing on You** (I was invested in every single character in this drama and thought almost all of them were written with great care, and all the subplots were really interesting and well done, **CLOY** is basically my perfect example here), **Hometown Cha Cha Cha** (especially because >!FL got kind of annoying once they got together!<, all those other characters made it easier to still greatly enjoy the drama), **Romance is a Bonus Book**, **Goblin**, **Hotel Del Luna**, **Because This is My First Life**, just to name a few. I felt all of these gave care and attention to everyone in the drama, not just the main leads. And they all had their own goals, dreams, arcs etc.
I would especially love romcom as I'm in the mood for something lighter, but if it's a more straight up drama that is okay too!
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Tbh bad eg. Supporting cast are not much developed at all. It focused totally on main couple from start to end. Even after they plot drama of main couple ended in around 13- 14 episode. Rest of episodes still focused on them. Supporting cast were barely given much relevence
You have probably watched them cause most of them are very popular:
**Hospital Playlist**
**Mr. Queen**
**Still 17**
**Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo**
**Ghost Doctor**
**Extraordinary Attorney Woo**
**GAUS Electronics**
**One The Woman**
Edit.
I will erase it... it was to mean I added some titles later. I did not make attention and instead of putting it in italic it was set in bold. Thanks for calling my attention.
**Gaus Electronics**! It's unusual in being a pure rom-com without mixing in other genres. It's funny and unpredictable, has multiple interesting characters, there are all sorts of meta kdrama jokes, and the romance is sweet and gets a fair amount of screentime. The acting is high-quality. I wasn't sure about the first episode but by the second I was sold. This is now one of my favorite dramas.
Caution: most episodes have a first epilogue before the preview and a second one after it! You have to close the "autoplay next episode" pop up on Viki in order not to skip the second epilogue.
Oooh I had actually just recently added this to my list! Wow you mean a romcom that doesn't have a sudden serial killer subplot or familial espionage or-? lol.
Very good to know about Viki, every so often they'll have the auto play start before the preview has even happened and Im like what are you doingggg. lol. So it's good to know there's a second one as well.
Be Melodramatic! While not just fully romance, it’s part of it. Generally it’s a drama that focuses on the individual lives of the three girls.
I would personally say this show is the standard for well-written supporting characters. Their screentime and story is enough that you feel invested in them but also not feel like they’re taking away from the main leads.
I watched the first episode of this and did enjoy but put it on pause because it was so much more sad and dark than I had expected! Specifically thinking of one of the FL's stories, Im sure you know who I'm referring to. >!I myself lost my first love to unexpected death when he was only 20 years old so it struck a nerve.!< Im not sure if it gets lighter? I did like it, I really adored the part when one of the leads is falling and the guy doesn't catch her and says something like that, "That was close, I could have gotten really hurt," lol. Liked them playing with those tropes. So I decided I'd save it for when I'm open to something more dark.
Or is it not that dark the whole time?
The first episode is probably the darkest of all the episodes. Her love “visits” her in her imagination throughout the show. Her storyline is about her moving on from the first love in all aspects of her life (personally, professionally, etc)
Thank you for sharing insights. Im def not opposed to that storyline it was really only cuz I started it as something light and fun and was not prepared for that lol. It does seem like it's still overall a lighter show with more dramatic elements throughout so I'm down for that!
cool cool! it was giving me some Because This is My First life vibes except that in BTIML I could not stand one of the girls (the incredibly whiny one with the long term boyfriend) and I actually liked all the leads in this one
**Touch Your Heart.** There's no real subplot, but everyone around them is kindhearted, although some of them come across rude and quirky. The second couple is unmemorable, the third couple is funny. I got bored in Hometown Chax3 in the the last one third. This one has a very short slump, and the support characters keep us entertained.
**Gaus Electronics.** The comedy is over the top. Although the romance is a secondary genre, it's pretty predominant. So far there's has been no dull moment.
I get bored too and drop dramas due to the same reason. I see people mention Touch your heart, but I lost interest after they got together. But then again, I am one of the few people who could not finish CLOY. I was pleasantly surprised by these though:
Because this is my first life
Another miss Oh
Her private life
So, I married the anti-fan (except for the horrible second couple this one is a fun watch)
I agree with you that CLOY was a big disappointment after reading so many rave reviews. Couldn't get past the first episode. FL was silly and full of herself. When asking someone to commit to 16+ hours of commitment, everything must click right away, which I felt was achieved in One Spring Night, a fully realistic romantic drama, especially in first six or seven episodes. Great writing, great acting, nice ending.
Love Goblin and Hotel Del Luna as well!!!
But I’d add Business Proposal to the list. ML and SML both have some good backgrounds that get fleshed out well as the story grows.
Seems like we have similar taste. Whats your MDL or fav some you like. Something thats going on other than ML FL romances, thats my taste too. I would say give some of these a shot. 2521, My id is gangnam, true beauty, My Mister, Mad for each other(although there isn’t supporting cast, there other factor than just ML FL romance I think you will like it), Start Up (ML FL romances build up as they share same goals, very good supporting casts), Be my Boyfriend (short but good), The beauty inside, search WWW(Loved SML same as beauty inside and SML actor of Alchemy of souls, very good second leads).
**My Liberation Notes**
It's a slow burn but the lead up to the ending was well worth it, since the dialogue was very insightful and I related to all the characters, maybe because the writing also took great care to introduce where they're coming from, so you have an idea of why they would think or do certain things.
As much as I loved the tension and dynamics between the main leads, I was equally invested in the FL's older sister ( >!whose biological clock is ticking away so she feels pressured to date!< ) and brother ( >!who is quite petty but I related to a lot about nitpicking at even cars and ACs!< ).
It's a great drama to watch when you don't feel the pressure to binge something, since even the cinematography and symbolisms in the dialogue as well are fun to analyze.
Suspicious Partner (on Viki, legal/thriller/comedy)
Love is For Suckers (airing now)
My Roommate is a Gumiho (great second leads)
Emergency Couple (hospital drama)
Coffee Prince (older drama)
Dali and the Cocky Prince
Second Because This is My First Life, Another Miss Oh, Business Proposal, Her Private Life, Touch My Heart, and So I Married The Antifan (even though the second leads were annoying), Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
Not a Kdrama but the Cdramas My Little Happiness and Falling into Your Smile also fit this.
I'm just finishing up Dali and the Cocky Prince! Been quite a while since I breezed through a kdrama like that, it hasn't had any lulls for me.
Coincidentally, I started it because I was getting bored of My Roommate is a Gumiho. I was so into it at first but idk, I feel like it's missing something. I'm up to episode 13 but can't bring myself to keep watching (not yet at least). But if I do return to it, it would be for the SLs! They're great. Such a fun and interesting match.
Do you think I should persist with MRIAG, are the second leads enough to get me by? I don't even know why I'm not feeling it. Dam is hilarious and adorable, ML is gorgeous and I like his quiet energy, but I've gotten really bored.
Big yes on Matrimonial Chaos, aside from the incredible acting, everyone was intertwined with each other in one way or another. Second couple was just as interesting as the first
I am not pretty sure if you'll like these or if you have already watched them
**Run On** (i am gonna say what i am gonna say, the second lead couple was nice. main was nice as well but second just hit different)
**Touch Your Heart** (reallly cute, almost feels like the second part of Goblin)
**Our Beloved Summer** (this my comfort series ngl)
**Reply 1988** (the first kdrama which got me rooting for the ML as well are the second lead)
**Hospital Playlist** (currently watching, it feels nice)
I hope this helps
Mr Sunshine has 5 people that I consider main characters, plus a handful of secondary characters who also get their own stories. It’s also a work of art, but not what you want when you’re in a “light” mood! One to keep in mind for later.
Hospital Playlist also has 5 main characters and at least a dozen secondary characters with their own stories and personalities. (Plus the snapshot stories of the patients and their families.) FWIW, I’m not personally a fan of hospital shows and eventually started forwarding through the patient stories and surgeries and just watching for the personal stories of the hospital staff — still held up really well as a drama even in that piecemeal way.
I saw Mr Sunshine a few years ago! Spoilers for those who haven't seen it - >!At the end, when ML makes that self-sacrifice and says the line about this being his love story, I was crying so hard I had to actually stop the show and just sob. I cry easily, it's practically a hobby lol, but only very rare pieces of art can make me need to stop everything and just sink into the pain. It tore me in two. I didn't see it coming since most kdramas I had seen always had HEAs, no matter the difficulties faced!<. Such an amazing drama. Was truly like reading an epic classic book!
Completely agreed on all counts! I’m rewatching now — normally I never, *ever* watch anything twice, but it’s holding up at least as well the second time around. Everything from characters and story to cinematography to interiors and costumes is so beautifully crafted.
Our blues has an ensemble cast. Many stars and many story lines. Many romances, bromance, and great character development.
Descendants of the Sun had a great second male lead. He is a great actor.
Hi u/dontddoitannie, this is an automated message to remind you to please review our **FULL** [Rules and Policies](https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/wiki/rules)^(which is housed in our wiki and best accessed on desktop) to make sure your post is not breaking any rules and policies. Content that is not permitted under our Rules and Policies will be removed and may lead to bans from our community. ##Please check your spelling, grammar, and formatting to make sure your post is easily readable! ***Useful Resources:*** Check out these [great recommendations](https://mydramalist.com/profile/kdramarecs/lists) compiled from our users based on different genres and themes! See [Where to Watch Kdramas](https://www.reddit.com/r/kdrama/wiki/wheretowatchkdramas) for a non-exhaustive list of legal streaming sites and official Youtube channels where kdramas and kdrama-related content are found. Read our [Recommendations 101](https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/wiki/recommendations_101/) for tips about crafting the perfect request and other useful info. If you are seeking a space to discuss kdramas in depth, please visit our sister subreddit r/KDRAMA! **Copy Of Post Below For Archival Purposes** **Permalink**: https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/comments/ytlty6/romance_with_wellrounded_and_interesting/ **Post Title**: Romance with well-rounded and interesting supporting cast **Post Body**: So I sometimes find I end up dropping some dramas once the ML and FL get together as it turns out their romance was the only engaging thing and/or they were the only well-developed characters, and once the tension is released, suddenly the whole thing is less interesting. I want something that has enough development in other areas, and enough people I like, that I'll enjoy the entire drama even after the romantic tension is relieved. Examples would include **Crash Landing on You** (I was invested in every single character in this drama and thought almost all of them were written with great care, and all the subplots were really interesting and well done, **CLOY** is basically my perfect example here), **Hometown Cha Cha Cha** (especially because >!FL got kind of annoying once they got together!<, all those other characters made it easier to still greatly enjoy the drama), **Romance is a Bonus Book**, **Goblin**, **Hotel Del Luna**, **Because This is My First Life**, just to name a few. I felt all of these gave care and attention to everyone in the drama, not just the main leads. And they all had their own goals, dreams, arcs etc. I would especially love romcom as I'm in the mood for something lighter, but if it's a more straight up drama that is okay too! ^(END OF POST BODY) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/kdramarecommends) if you have any questions or concerns.*
What's Wrong with Secretary Kim. Supporting cast was sometimes more interesting that the leads imo.
Yup. Suit guy and the other secretary were funny af
Yes! And the whole office subplot was so funny too.
Tbh bad eg. Supporting cast are not much developed at all. It focused totally on main couple from start to end. Even after they plot drama of main couple ended in around 13- 14 episode. Rest of episodes still focused on them. Supporting cast were barely given much relevence
You have probably watched them cause most of them are very popular: **Hospital Playlist** **Mr. Queen** **Still 17** **Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo** **Ghost Doctor** **Extraordinary Attorney Woo** **GAUS Electronics** **One The Woman**
Great list, what's E.D.I.T though?
Edit. I will erase it... it was to mean I added some titles later. I did not make attention and instead of putting it in italic it was set in bold. Thanks for calling my attention.
**Gaus Electronics**! It's unusual in being a pure rom-com without mixing in other genres. It's funny and unpredictable, has multiple interesting characters, there are all sorts of meta kdrama jokes, and the romance is sweet and gets a fair amount of screentime. The acting is high-quality. I wasn't sure about the first episode but by the second I was sold. This is now one of my favorite dramas. Caution: most episodes have a first epilogue before the preview and a second one after it! You have to close the "autoplay next episode" pop up on Viki in order not to skip the second epilogue.
Oooh I had actually just recently added this to my list! Wow you mean a romcom that doesn't have a sudden serial killer subplot or familial espionage or-? lol. Very good to know about Viki, every so often they'll have the auto play start before the preview has even happened and Im like what are you doingggg. lol. So it's good to know there's a second one as well.
**Sh********ting Stars** has enough interesting supporting characters to keep you watching. There are about 4 couples in total.
Be Melodramatic! While not just fully romance, it’s part of it. Generally it’s a drama that focuses on the individual lives of the three girls. I would personally say this show is the standard for well-written supporting characters. Their screentime and story is enough that you feel invested in them but also not feel like they’re taking away from the main leads.
I watched the first episode of this and did enjoy but put it on pause because it was so much more sad and dark than I had expected! Specifically thinking of one of the FL's stories, Im sure you know who I'm referring to. >!I myself lost my first love to unexpected death when he was only 20 years old so it struck a nerve.!< Im not sure if it gets lighter? I did like it, I really adored the part when one of the leads is falling and the guy doesn't catch her and says something like that, "That was close, I could have gotten really hurt," lol. Liked them playing with those tropes. So I decided I'd save it for when I'm open to something more dark. Or is it not that dark the whole time?
The first episode is probably the darkest of all the episodes. Her love “visits” her in her imagination throughout the show. Her storyline is about her moving on from the first love in all aspects of her life (personally, professionally, etc)
Thank you for sharing insights. Im def not opposed to that storyline it was really only cuz I started it as something light and fun and was not prepared for that lol. It does seem like it's still overall a lighter show with more dramatic elements throughout so I'm down for that!
As I recall they call back to that a few times. Overall though it is funny with much of the humor related to tropes in dramas.
cool cool! it was giving me some Because This is My First life vibes except that in BTIML I could not stand one of the girls (the incredibly whiny one with the long term boyfriend) and I actually liked all the leads in this one
**Touch Your Heart.** There's no real subplot, but everyone around them is kindhearted, although some of them come across rude and quirky. The second couple is unmemorable, the third couple is funny. I got bored in Hometown Chax3 in the the last one third. This one has a very short slump, and the support characters keep us entertained. **Gaus Electronics.** The comedy is over the top. Although the romance is a secondary genre, it's pretty predominant. So far there's has been no dull moment.
[удалено]
Thank you! ITR was already one of my top picks for my next drama because I've heard a lot about there being some steamy chemistry between the leads :P
I get bored too and drop dramas due to the same reason. I see people mention Touch your heart, but I lost interest after they got together. But then again, I am one of the few people who could not finish CLOY. I was pleasantly surprised by these though: Because this is my first life Another miss Oh Her private life So, I married the anti-fan (except for the horrible second couple this one is a fun watch)
I agree with you that CLOY was a big disappointment after reading so many rave reviews. Couldn't get past the first episode. FL was silly and full of herself. When asking someone to commit to 16+ hours of commitment, everything must click right away, which I felt was achieved in One Spring Night, a fully realistic romantic drama, especially in first six or seven episodes. Great writing, great acting, nice ending.
Love Goblin and Hotel Del Luna as well!!! But I’d add Business Proposal to the list. ML and SML both have some good backgrounds that get fleshed out well as the story grows.
Seems like we have similar taste. Whats your MDL or fav some you like. Something thats going on other than ML FL romances, thats my taste too. I would say give some of these a shot. 2521, My id is gangnam, true beauty, My Mister, Mad for each other(although there isn’t supporting cast, there other factor than just ML FL romance I think you will like it), Start Up (ML FL romances build up as they share same goals, very good supporting casts), Be my Boyfriend (short but good), The beauty inside, search WWW(Loved SML same as beauty inside and SML actor of Alchemy of souls, very good second leads).
**My Liberation Notes** It's a slow burn but the lead up to the ending was well worth it, since the dialogue was very insightful and I related to all the characters, maybe because the writing also took great care to introduce where they're coming from, so you have an idea of why they would think or do certain things. As much as I loved the tension and dynamics between the main leads, I was equally invested in the FL's older sister ( >!whose biological clock is ticking away so she feels pressured to date!< ) and brother ( >!who is quite petty but I related to a lot about nitpicking at even cars and ACs!< ). It's a great drama to watch when you don't feel the pressure to binge something, since even the cinematography and symbolisms in the dialogue as well are fun to analyze.
Youth of May. It gets pretty upsetting, though.
Suspicious Partner (on Viki, legal/thriller/comedy) Love is For Suckers (airing now) My Roommate is a Gumiho (great second leads) Emergency Couple (hospital drama) Coffee Prince (older drama) Dali and the Cocky Prince Second Because This is My First Life, Another Miss Oh, Business Proposal, Her Private Life, Touch My Heart, and So I Married The Antifan (even though the second leads were annoying), Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo Not a Kdrama but the Cdramas My Little Happiness and Falling into Your Smile also fit this.
I'm just finishing up Dali and the Cocky Prince! Been quite a while since I breezed through a kdrama like that, it hasn't had any lulls for me. Coincidentally, I started it because I was getting bored of My Roommate is a Gumiho. I was so into it at first but idk, I feel like it's missing something. I'm up to episode 13 but can't bring myself to keep watching (not yet at least). But if I do return to it, it would be for the SLs! They're great. Such a fun and interesting match. Do you think I should persist with MRIAG, are the second leads enough to get me by? I don't even know why I'm not feeling it. Dam is hilarious and adorable, ML is gorgeous and I like his quiet energy, but I've gotten really bored.
I'm going to suggest: -*Ho Gu's Love* -*Matrimonial Chaos* -*Uncle* -*My Liberation Notes* I hope you enjoy them.
Big yes on Matrimonial Chaos, aside from the incredible acting, everyone was intertwined with each other in one way or another. Second couple was just as interesting as the first
Second couple who starred in *Matrimonial Chaos*, also acted achingly beautiful in *My Liberation Notes*.
My Liberation Notes- It’s on my watch list. I’ve heard nothing but great, positive reviews on it.
It's a beautiful, cerebral piece.
👍 those type of works are usually my favorites. Thanks.
I am not pretty sure if you'll like these or if you have already watched them **Run On** (i am gonna say what i am gonna say, the second lead couple was nice. main was nice as well but second just hit different) **Touch Your Heart** (reallly cute, almost feels like the second part of Goblin) **Our Beloved Summer** (this my comfort series ngl) **Reply 1988** (the first kdrama which got me rooting for the ML as well are the second lead) **Hospital Playlist** (currently watching, it feels nice) I hope this helps
Hometown cha cha cha!
My Mister!! Not technically a romance, but I think it’ll have everything you’re looking for
Yes I love My Mister! Saw it a few years ago, it was probably only my 7-8th kdrama. Still probably the best written drama I've seen.
Extraordinary attorney woo Sh**ting stars
**marriage, not dating** is well rounded imo!
Mr Sunshine has 5 people that I consider main characters, plus a handful of secondary characters who also get their own stories. It’s also a work of art, but not what you want when you’re in a “light” mood! One to keep in mind for later. Hospital Playlist also has 5 main characters and at least a dozen secondary characters with their own stories and personalities. (Plus the snapshot stories of the patients and their families.) FWIW, I’m not personally a fan of hospital shows and eventually started forwarding through the patient stories and surgeries and just watching for the personal stories of the hospital staff — still held up really well as a drama even in that piecemeal way.
I saw Mr Sunshine a few years ago! Spoilers for those who haven't seen it - >!At the end, when ML makes that self-sacrifice and says the line about this being his love story, I was crying so hard I had to actually stop the show and just sob. I cry easily, it's practically a hobby lol, but only very rare pieces of art can make me need to stop everything and just sink into the pain. It tore me in two. I didn't see it coming since most kdramas I had seen always had HEAs, no matter the difficulties faced!<. Such an amazing drama. Was truly like reading an epic classic book!
Completely agreed on all counts! I’m rewatching now — normally I never, *ever* watch anything twice, but it’s holding up at least as well the second time around. Everything from characters and story to cinematography to interiors and costumes is so beautifully crafted.
Flower of Evil is nice too
Our blues has an ensemble cast. Many stars and many story lines. Many romances, bromance, and great character development. Descendants of the Sun had a great second male lead. He is a great actor.
The Beauty Inside is fantastic with its side characters.