Korean dramas, or K-dramas, have a magical way of pulling us into their world of romance, heartbreak, and unforgettable characters. But let’s be honest: sometimes, the characters we fall in love with are walking red flags. Thanks to the charm of the actors and the allure of the storytelling, we often overlook their toxic behaviour. Here’s a look at five K-Drama characters who are as problematic as they are captivating.
Red Flag Characters From K-Dramas
Park Jaeon (Song Kang) in Nevertheless (Netflix)
Park Jaeon, played by the ever-charming Song Kang, is the poster boy for toxic charm. With his smouldering looks and mysterious aura, he’s the kind of guy who makes you forget he’s emotionally unavailable and manipulative. Throughout ‘Nevertheless’, Jaeon strings along Yoo Nabi (Han So Hee), leaving her and viewers confused and frustrated.
Despite his glaring red flags, we can’t help but root for him. Song Kang’s magnetic performance makes it easy to overlook Jaeon’s emotional games.
Kim Tan (Lee Min Ho) in The Heirs (Zee5)
Kim Tan. Lee Min Ho’s portrayal of this chaebol heir in ‘The Heirs’ is the epitome of ‘rich, handsome, and problematic.’ Kim Tan is possessive, intrusive, and downright controlling, especially when it comes to Cha Eun Sang (Park Shin Hye).
Lee Min Ho’s charisma is so overpowering that we often excuse Kim Tan’s toxic behaviour. His brooding stares and grand romantic gestures make it easy to forget that his actions are borderline obsessive.
Ahn Sooyoung (Moon Ga Young) in The Interest of Love (Netflix)
Ahn Sooyoung, played by Moon Ga Young, is the queen of mixed signals in ‘The Interest of Love’. She’s the kind of character who leaves a trail of broken hearts, including Ha Sangsoo (Yoo Yeon Seok) and Jeong Jonghyun (Jung Ga Ram). Her inability to commit and her emotional games make her a walking red flag.
Yet, the drama somehow makes us empathise with her. Moon Ga Young’s nuanced performance adds layers to Sooyoung’s character, making her flaws seem almost relatable.
Ko Dongman (Park Seo Joon) in Fight for My Way (Netflix)
Park Seo Joon’s Ko Dongman in ‘Fight for My Way’ might seem like the perfect guy at first glance. He’s supportive, ambitious, and has a heart of gold. But scratch the surface, and you’ll find a guy with a possessive streak and a sexist attitude.
Jo Yiseo (Kim Da Mi) in Itaewon Class (Netflix)
Jo Yiseo, played by Kim Da Mi, is a fan favourite in ‘Itaewon Class’. She’s bold, confident, and unapologetically herself. But let’s not overlook the fact that her pursuit of Park Saeroyi (Park Seo Joon) crosses some serious boundaries.
Yiseo’s inability to respect Saeroyi’s feelings and her relentless push to make him reciprocate her emotions is a major red flag. While her character is celebrated for breaking stereotypes, her toxic behaviour in the name of love is hard to justify.
K-Dramas have a knack for making us fall in love with characters who are, frankly, not great role models. Whether it’s Park Jaeon’s emotional manipulation, Kim Tan’s possessiveness, or Jo Yiseo’s boundary-crossing, these characters remind us that charm can often hide toxicity.
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