7 K-drama Characters Who Totally Deserve Their Own Spin-Off Series
- Anwaya Mane
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Die-hard K-drama fans know the undeniable impact of supporting characters and second leads. While they may not be the central focus, many of them exude serious main character energy. These roles aren’t just well-written—they’re brought to life with such brilliance by the actors that they become unforgettable, often stealing the spotlight from the leads. Their performances elevate these characters to iconic status, etching them into the hearts and minds of fans forever.
With such a strong presence and lasting appeal, it's no wonder fans believe they deserve more than just the sidelines—a spin-off or even a full-fledged series of their own. The following list includes a mix of standout individuals and beloved couples who’ve more than earned their time in the spotlight.
Han Ji Pyeong – Start-Up (2020)
Kim Seon Ho in a still from Start-Up (Image via tvN) Is anyone even surprised he made the list? Kim Seon Ho’s standout performance as Han Ji Pyeong—an angel investor and rock-solid mentor—won hearts everywhere and catapulted him into stardom, earning him a devoted fan base. Among the four leads in Start-Up, Han Ji Pyeong arguably had the most definitive character arc and the most emotionally compelling storyline. His bond with halmoni (Korean for grandmother), who served as his guardian, added depth and warmth that resonated deeply with viewers. Fans have long called for a second season centerd on Ji Pyeong and halmoni, wanting to see more of the character who truly felt like the heart of the show.
Han Seo Jun – True Beauty (2020-2021)
Hwang In Yeop in a still from True Beauty (Image via tvN). Another Han makes the list—Han Seo Jun, portrayed by Hwang In Yeop. Adapted from the popular webtoon of the same name, fans have often pointed out that Hwang In Yeop not only bears an uncanny resemblance to the illustrated version of Han Seo Jun but also embodies his personality with effortless authenticity. His portrayal was so compelling that many fans found themselves less concerned about whether he ended up with Lim Ju Kyung (Moon Ga Young) and more invested in seeing Han Seo Jun headline a series of his own. His charm, depth, and untapped story potential make him a perfect candidate for a spin-off.
Seo Dan – Crash Landing On You (2019-2020)
Seo Ji Hye in a still from Crash Landing On You (Image via tvN). Crash Landing On You’s elegant second female lead, Seo Dan, is one of those rare K-drama characters who undeniably deserved better. Quiet, fierce, and level-headed, she has harbored feelings for Ri Jeong Hyeok (Hyun Bin) since middle school and is even arranged to marry him. But once she realizes his heart belongs to Yoon Se Ri (Son Ye Jin), Seo Dan gracefully steps back and tries to move on.
Though heartbroken, she eventually falls for the charming Gu Seung Jun (Kim Jung Hyun)—only for that love story to end in tragedy with his devastating death. Despite the heartbreak, Seo Dan finds the strength to start anew. Fans strongly believe her story deserves a second chance—perhaps even with a new love interest—in a spin-off series of her own.
Cha Sung Hoon and Jin Young Seo – A Business Proposal (2022)
A Business Proposal is one of those rare shows where the second leads effortlessly upstaged the main couple. Kim Min Kyu and Seol In Ah, who portrayed Cha Sung Hoon and Jin Young Seo—the quintessential best friends of the leads—captured fans’ hearts with their chemistry and charm. Their romance was not only more compelling to many viewers, but also delivered one of the show’s most iconic moments: the unforgettable kiss scene where Sung Hoon takes off his glasses to keep the momentum going. Fans have been vocal about wanting to see a second season focused entirely on Sung Hoon and Young Seo’s love story.
Ji Sang Woo and Na Yu Ri – When The Phone Rings (2024-2025)
Heo Nam Jun and Jang Gyu Ri at the press of When The Phone Rings (Image via X/@TheAnnyeongOppa). There’s no denying that the main leads’ sizzling chemistry lit up the screen, but it was the second lead couple—Ji Sang Woo and Na Yu Ri, played by Heo Nam Jun and Jang Gyu Ri—who brought a sweet and endearing charm to the story. While their relationship was heartwarming, it felt like there was so much more left to explore. Fans believe Sang Woo and Yu Ri had untapped potential, and a dedicated spin-off could give their story the depth and screen time it truly deserves.
6. Go Yeong Hun and Park Mi Jung – Undercover High School (2025)
Anyone who’s watched Undercover High School can vouch for the hilarious chemistry between Jo Bok Rae and Yoon Ga Yi as Go Yeong Hun and Park Mi Jung. This unlikely duo brought laughter and charm to the screen, forming an unexpected bond as they pretended to be a couple for the sake of their mission. From awkward cover-up kisses to genuinely falling in love—complete with a surprise pregnancy announcement—their storyline had all the ingredients of classic K-drama gold. Fans have been vocal in their calls for a spin-off, wanting more screen time and comedic moments from this delightfully quirky pair.
Hwang Jun Ho – Squid Game (2021)
Wi Ha Joon in a still from Squid Game (Image via Netflix). At this point, nearly every character in Squid Game feels iconic enough to carry their spin-off—and if Netflix ever pursued that idea, they'd be printing money. Among the standout characters, one who truly deserves his series is Hwang Jun Ho, played by Wi Ha Joon. As a determined police detective, Jun Ho infiltrates the deadly game in search of his missing brother, only to discover that he’s none other than The Front Man, portrayed by Lee Byung Hun. A spin-off exploring their backstory, their fractured family dynamic, and the path that led them to opposite sides of the game has the potential to become yet another global hit for Netflix.
All of the K-dramas mentioned above are available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, and Amazon Prime Video. Which of these characters or couples do you think deserves their spin-off series? Let us know in the comments below!