Atypical Drama Gentlemen
These are the boys in dramas that do not fit into the perfect mold set up for them. They aren't afraid to take the support role or to stand by their lady's side instead of in front. These are men who are not very possessive and trust their significant other, but also remain a good solid character. They are still strong and capable, just in their own ways.
So... I'm going to kinda need help with this list as well... I'm way more aware when this happens to the woman than to the men... I'm just more sensitive to it. So if you know a guy that breaks out of their mold, please tell me. Thank you in advance! ^.^
I feel like I should put some disclaimers on these 2 lists... I don't necessarily find something wrong with the others not on this list, but your basic characters in drama's tend to hold back one's capabilities or put unrealistic pressure on people, this list is made to celebrate those characters that break out of those molds made for them, and instead do their own thing, they may not be perfect at it, but they are a site for sore eyes. >.< Also, I'm not perfect at finding these all the time. These are just characters that I've found.
In a way this video (about Newt Salamander from Fantastic Beasts) basically sums up what I'm looking for.
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1. Run On
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Ki Seon Gyeom played by Im Shi Wan
Aaand being the 2nd time (even though he's first on the list, makes Im Shi Wan a favorite of mine lol.Ki Seon Gyeom is great. Absolutely fantastic. I love him so much. He's extremely socially awkward, not understanding a lot of the way people talk(acronyms, shortened words, lingo) or how to interact. However being really rich from a powerful family, he will use his resources and position to help those who are being hurt, even if it is not advantageous to him. I am 100% sure even if he wasn't he would stand up for those who need it. He is so careful about others feelings that he actually makes those around him for not being as selfless. However he remains strong and unwavering when faced against injustice still, because that is what he feels is right. For this same reason that made people mad at him, it is also what makes them appreciate and love him. He is told at a point in the drama that he motivates people. He doesn't try to, but they see him working hard and helping others, that they are pulled to do the same thing. As I said earlier though, he is very socially awkward, which can make him hard for some to understand in the beginning, however he works to understand anything he doesn't.
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2. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
Ahn Min Hyuk played by Park Hyung Shik
When SWDBS is brought up, most people think of Do Bong Soon. Understandable, as the show is named after her and she is both cute and girly while also being super strong, but personally I find Ahn Min Hyuk to be equally (if not more), special than Bong Soon.
Min Hyuk (here on out referred to as Min Min for... reasons >.>) understands and respects that Bong Soon is different. In fact, that is why he falls for her in the first place. Min Min isn't afraid, then, to be her support, the role that is usually reserved for woman in dramas. He takes this role, and does everything he can to make sure that Bong Soon is safe while she is out beatin' up baddies. What I also love about Min Min is that when the two are getting closer, he is not afraid to just fully show his love and be crazy adorable.
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3. Misaeng: Incomplete Life
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
Jang Geu Rae played by Im Shi Wan
"Saving face. Dignity. Pride. I don't care about them at all. They're totally useless now." - Geu Rae (Episode 1). Geu Rae does not have a lot of qualifications for the job he's fond himself in. No work experience ('cept for part-time jobs). He didn't go to highschool, and only has a GED (or equivalent in Korea (don't know if it's the same but Netflix said GED)). He doesn't know any foreign languages. Gau Rae is well aware of these facts however, instead he remains well aware of them. He's not afraid to ask questions, or ask for help, no matter how may times he has to. Even with all this, though, he remains a strong independent character. He learns quickly, and adapts to situations well. He uses what he does know (Go or Baduk), and what he is really good at, in order to understand and get through the current problem facing him. He's not perfect. He is beautifully flawed, and is not afraid to admit it.
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4. River Where the Moon Rises
Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
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5. To. Jenny
Korean Special - 2018, 2 episodes