9 Reasons Why Drama Heroines Always Fall For The Bad Guy

In a previous post of mine, I had stated that “I don’t think I can ever understand the reason behind a K-drama heroine’s ultimate choice”. Today, I decided to put myself in the heroine’s place to see if I too would fall for the quintessential drama ‘bad guy’ or go for the extra-sweet second lead.

As much as I know myself, I am sure I will almost always pick the good second-lead because I like good boys. But since I have to understand the female lead’s motivation behind going for the rude male lead I had to compare dramas and see what exactly makes him so attractive.

One point common in most dramas is that these arrogant male leads are not out and out bad. They are mostly misunderstood. Most of the time they are bad only to those who are bad to others. They are just perceived as mean and selfish even when they are actually helpful and kind.

Here are some qualities of a bad guy that make him so appealing not only the drama heroine but also drama viewers.    

 

1. He will defy anything and anyone for her.

Image Courtesy: SBS

One thing a bad guy never cares about is his image. He feels that no matter what he does people will hate him so he pays no heed to people’s opinion of him and does not hesitate to break the norm. He can openly go against his family or even the law if it ever becomes an obstruction in his way to his lady love. 

Wang So in Scarlet Heart Ryeo bent all rules and traditions to have Hae Soo as his wife. He went against his father the King of Goryeo and fought against his brothers to keep her safe. Too bad they have a tragic love story but no doubt they were truly meant for each other.

 

2. He changes for her.

Image Courtesy: Dramax

As I said before, a drama hero is never all bad, he has a good side which comes out only when he meets his alter ego. He may be a workaholic or a taskmaster or even a savage assassin but the moment he meets ‘the one’ he is willing to go to any length to have her with him. Even if it means that he has to change certain qualities about himself.

In Something About 1%, the workaholic, stern, and obnoxious Jae In, becomes caring, considerate and kind after he meets Da Hyun. It was fun to see him transform into a family man in the last episode.  

3. He has eyes only for her.

Image Courtesy: CTS

In drama world, playboys turn firm believers of ‘one true love’ after meeting the other half of their OTP. Yes, it is rare in the real world but is rampant in dramas. And once he commits to her then he willingly wears horse blinkers to stay away from temptations. Even if a beautiful woman throws herself at him, he will act like a celibate and never show even slight interest in her. Whereas, no matter how unkempt and clumsy the heroine might be, our baddie hero will only find her sexy. Sounds like a dream man, right? Well, that’s the drama bad boy for you. No wonder female leads (and viewers too) fall head over heels for bad boys.

In Taiwanese drama, Mars, Chen Ling is a womanizer and has been with several women in his life. He does not take relationships and women seriously till Qi Luo enters his life. Luo is painfully shy and does not socialize. Ling falls madly in love with her and changes his philandering ways after he commits to Luo and becomes a more responsible adult.  

 

4. He is stylish.

Image Courtesy: KBS

What I personally like about drama bad boys is that they are all stylish. Some bad boys are even more fashionable than their lady love.

Joon from Love Rain is by far the most stylish bad boy I have seen in a drama. He is just drop-dead gorgeous and I don’t think Han Na is crazy to fall in love with the dominating and arrogant Joon.

5. He is successful.

Image Courtesy: Dramafever

Drama’s bad boy who lacks direction in life often feels inspired and motivated by the love of his life to do something better and become successful.

In My Secret Romance, Jin Wook may have been a slacker before meeting Yoo Mi but after their not so short encounter he suddenly changes and works hard to take his father’s business to higher levels. Which means that he is not rich just because of his inheritance but also because of his intelligence.

 

6. He is actually a softie inside.

Image Courtesy: TvN

Drama bad guy is often shown to have a soft heart which he protects with a tough exterior. The drama hero acts aloof and uncaring to the whole world including his family but will expose his softer side only to the woman he feels for.

Kang Ji Woon became sweet and considerate towards Ha Won in Cinderella and The Four Knights after he realized what he feels for her. He even made cute hearts for Ha Won when he was sloshed. hehehe

7. He will do anything to save her.

Image Courtesy: KBS2

By anything I mean ANYTHING!! He will jump into the pool to save her even if he doesn’t know swimming. He will jump in the line of fire just to shield her from being hit by a bullet. He will kill innumerable enemies just to keep her safe. The bad boy is not afraid of anything because he has to live up to his image, right?

Impertinent and haughty, Joon Young is dying from a fatal ailment in Uncontrollably Fond and has just a few more days to live. Instead of spending his last few days with his loved ones, he chooses to expose the woman who destroyed the life of Noh Eul, the girl he has been in love with since high school. He wants to avenge the injustice meted out to Noh Eul and fights death just to see her content in life. Wow! That’s like my ‘bad’ boy.

 

8. He is passionate.

Image Courtesy: Fuji Network System

Now there is no match to a bad boy’s passion. Every drama bad boy hero has a passion. Bikes, cars, football, ice hockey, or even computers, he has to be passionate about something in life. His passion is what makes him attractive.

In Rich Man, Poor Woman, Toru Hyuga is a boy genius for whom life is nothing beyond computers. Despite being insulted by Hyuga, Sawaki Chihiro cannot stop herself from falling for him as she admires his sincerity and passion for his work. Awww…Geeks are finally in demand.  

9. He is the best friend of every guy.

Image Courtesy: Fuji TV

Every drama addict knows that the bad buy is loyal to his friends. He will always be there when his friends need him. He may have a lot of enemies but his friends love him.

Satonaka Halu is the captain of his ice hockey team in Pride. However, he is not just a captain but a friend as well as a mentor to his team. He helps his teammates not only on-field but also off-field which is why everyone loves him. Aki likes Halu despite his cold demeanor and annoying behavior because she sees a true friend in him.

 

The drama bad boy has more layers than one to his personality. He is mysterious, high-handed, and sometimes even demeaning but he still wins over his girl because deep down he is an honest, shy, and lovable guy. And it takes only a female lead to see the good in him and accept him the way he is.   

 

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