The Editors' Guide to Writing for MDL
Drama: Designated Survivor: 60 Days (watch it, you cowards!)
GIF Source: Estelle-sim (Tumblr)
In the words of the comedian and king, Jackson Wang, "You know what it is! Helloooooo, annyeong haseyooo!" Welcome back to another really long article, courtesy of yours truly. This time we shall roll our sleeves up once again, and dive deep into the recesses of k-dramaland, to find characters who shall take the MBTI personality test!
Missed the first part to this article? Click here to be redirected to it.
Before we officially continue, I'd like to reiterate my criteria for selecting and then categorizing characters. Here we go again. *eye roll intensifies.*
The list of characters included is fairly subjective as my main criterion was picking characters I really enjoyed watching on screen.
My criteria for categorizing a character rest on the following four references:
16Personalities Official Site. (Quite honestly all you need to know)
This handy little chart that very simply, but very effectively categorizes the basics.
This wonderful YouTube channel.
And of course, watching the entire drama itself.
Lastly, taking the test emulating the responses the character would likely give.
Now finally, let’s get started, shall we?!
(click on the headers below if you wish to read more about each type.)
AKA THE MISUNDERSTOOD GENIUS
Kim Moo Young, The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2018)
Imagine sitting in a luxurious convertible, overlooking the brilliant skyline at the beach, while the rich person you are conning happily (and obliviously) sits next to you. Your goal was to scam them out of as much money as possible, but why do you feel empty? It's not that you have any emotional attachment to this person, nor are you known for being a model citizen. Is it the lack of thrill? Or is it the constant boredom that overtakes you every time you're surrounded by those who just cannot think on the same wavelength as you do?
No, INTPs (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving) are not con artists, and they are definitely not enshrouded by a wave of existentialism. It's actually self-doubt. Not questioning their abilities oh no, it's a question of how far they'll go, to find satisfaction in their little adventure. Everything is like a puzzle to them, sometimes even people. This might make an INTP seem detached and uninterested, when in fact they're just gauging where you stand in their eyes (ouch, I know.) Make no mistake, INTPs are incredibly affectionate to the rare people who see past their brooding nature.
Does that mean every tsundere male lead is an INTP? Definitely not, and saying so is an insult to INTPs everywhere. Quiet, intelligent, playful, and (in some instances) self-destructive Kim Moo Young, definitely is one though. Besides having a backstory that would quite literally drive anyone to the point of insanity, Moo Young (like Ryo, from the original series) is an excellent character with some very interesting talents, including but not limited to: a photographic memory. Standing out so much from others is sure to make anyone feel lonely and in desperate need of someone who can pull them back (literally), and be a shoulder to lean on. In Moo Young's case, the ever-steady and caring Jin Kang.
GIF source: Moveek
AKA THE ORACLE OF WISDOM
Dr. Frost (2014) |  Shin Yoo Kyung, King of Baking, Kim Tak Goo (2010) |  No Min Hyuk, Potato Star 2013QR3 (2013) |
They may be second in this list, but they were written about last. This is because I quite honestly didn't know where to start. It was impossible to generalize all three of them. The people mentioned above are three of my all-time favourite characters. I could very easily dedicate an entire article to each of them. Okay great, now that my gushing is out of the way, there's a reason why all three of these VERY different people are in fact, exactly the same!
You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant.
HARLAN ELLISON
All three of these people are incredibly informed about their surroundings. We have a genius psychiatrist, a prodigious student rebel organization member, and a genius businessman (I know, I was shocked too, because the wisdom he was dropping was unheard of — to me at least— in sitcoms). All three of these people are quiet enthusiasts, and more competitive than they let on. This is where INTJs (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging) truly shine. Working with problems others would give up on and deem lost causes, all three of our characters do just that. What other people may think of them shall never bother them, be it pursuing a case through questionable means; going on a revenge spree at the cost of love (and seeing it through till the end) when it would have been easier to look the other way; and lastly, making a lost cause of an organization stand back up on its feet. These people do what others wouldn't think twice before disregarding, and this is what makes them so much more qualified to give life lessons to generations for.
AKA DON'T MESS WITH ME... I WILL CRY
Ahn Jun Young, My Wife's Having an Affair This Week (2016)
If you were discouraged by the low EQ of our previous types, fret not. Here's a type (and a character) that feels for all the other types in their stead. Ahn Jun Young, for the lack of a better term, is smol (yes, I'm equally as embarrassed). He has two constant temperaments: misplaced bravado (pictured left) and a lost puppy that could tear up any moment, quite literally (pictured right). One thing's for certain, he exists for those around him, and there's no one more empathetic than he is.
ENFPs (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving) are free spirits who live in the moment and feel for each one like it's the most precious thing in the world. There are no games with them. They say how they feel, and they mean it. There's a reason why they're called campaigners. Their infectious energy sweeps everyone up with them. As a result, they might seem a little tiresome to others, when in reality they're just some of the sweetest people out there. ENFPs value their freedom and therefore get stressed in situations that may require conformity. Just look at Jun Young over here. He will be happy brainstorming and having fun sparring sessions with Bo Young (shout-out to an absolute queen), but he often becomes a fish out of water when faced with the technicalities and minutiae of things, that make him answerable to higher-ups.
 | Get you a best friend who cries over your problems more than you. Arghhh, I just want to give him a hug. T-T GIF Source: K-Drama Amino |
AKA I LOVE BEING THE UNDERDOG AND WINNING
Song Ga Ryung, Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People (2017)
Don't underestimate her just because she is adorable and tiny, Ga Ryung has a rock in her hand, and she's not afraid to use it. This woman has the strength to tame the most vicious of men, and single-handedly work her way out of the friend zone! What an absolute queen! She's driven, persistent, incredibly resourceful, and adaptive to her surroundings. With a smile that radiates throughout Hanyang, and melts the rock-solid hearts of everyone, Ga Ryung is simply put, the best!
ENFJs (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging) are people who are born teachers, based on their abilities to pick things up fairly quickly and pass them on with utter kindness. Their selfless nature, coupled with their incredible communication skills and an aura you can't help but fall for, makes them the ultimate companions. Their infectious enthusiasm and empathy towards others often end up in getting them involved in scenarios where they reflect others' problems unto themselves and begin to find faults within. This is where their selflessness may become a little too much. However, their inborn desire to do what's best is what makes them truly precious, and someone who should be treasured no matter what.
BEING ALONE DOES NOT MEAN I'M LONELY
Na Ji Young, Individualist Ms. Ji Young (2017)
Gosh, she was so still you almost didn't notice this was a GIF right? (Source: K-Drama Amino) That's Ji Young for you. I never once mentioned anything about the actors so far, but I firmly believe that NO ONE could have done justice to this role the way Min Hyo Rin did. Ji Young has all the makings of someone who would be deemed rude and aloof by society, but she's honestly so incredibly rich in her personality and demeanour, that you can't help but stare awestruck at the nuances the actress incorporated into her role. Ji Young lives her life in almost a clinical manner. No loose ends, no attachments, no problems. She is financially stable and is comfortable living all by her lonesome.
ISTJs (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging) are —as stated by the wonderful professor in GOT7's MBTI video— the salt of the Earth. 
GIF Source: answer me, my twenties (Tumblr)
AKA THE CARING AEGIS
Kim Je Ha, The K2 (2016)
If the header title wasn't convincing enough, this man's existence is proof that he is a born ISFJ (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging). For reference, just look at the pictures above. Kim Je Ha can go from this courageous demi-god like a fighter (pictured left) to this unbelievably adorable, often dorky cutie (pictured right) whom you can't help but gush over. Such is the duality of the ISFJs, born protectors and nurturers. Their guardian angel instinct, coupled with the need to provide and care for others makes them some of the best companions. ISFJs are born givers; people with hearts big enough for the entire population, if only you don't get on their bad side that is.
Kim Je Ha is an extremely resourceful agent. His quiet observation enables him to make sense out of situations that he should generally have no understanding of. This trait enables him to really go the extra mile and quite literally sort people's sh*t for them. ISFJs with these traits and their caring demeanour are truly godsends and should be appreciated more. That being said, ISFJs need to learn to relax every once in a while and think about themselves first.
GIF Source: Pinterest
AKA THE HAPPY CHAMELEON
Dr. Lee Hae Sung, D-Day (2015)
(Shoutout to all those working in the healthcare sector right now.)
If his beautiful, unruly curls weren't a sign enough, this man is as eccentric as they come. A living manifestation of the expression, 'out of the box,' Lee Hae Sung is a crafty dreamer. Working in an environment where strict adherence to the rules is a matter of life and death, he'll do anything to go against them, if it means he'll get to save his patients. Does he come close to losing his job? Multiple times. Does he give up his ways? Absolutely not.
ISFPs (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging) are born experimenters. They're unpredictable, and they often astound everyone with their abilities. They may seem unreadable to people at times, but they are exceptional at reading others, often knowing exactly what to say in any given situation. Perhaps the best people to take in constructive criticism, ISFPs will lose it if the said criticism is less helpful, and more BS. The world exists in swirls of colour, and an ISFP is an artist waiting to (in one way or another) control its flow with their brush.
GIF Source: Gifer
AKA SHE'S SWEET BUT A PSYCHO
(Note: This is in no way referring to the ESTPs out there, just the two ladies in question here.)
 Jung Man Wol, Hotel Del Luna (2019) |  Mo Seok Hui, Graceful Family (2019) |
Have you ever looked at someone and thought, "Oh man, they can destroy me with just a glare?" The two amazing ladies above can do that and oh so much more. I mean just look at the pictures: our incomparable Man Wol is giving the man in front of her (Gu Chan Seong) a once-over, as if assessing his abilities in a single, smirk-filled glance. Then, look to the right at our amazing Seok Hui, she's staring straight at us, inviting us for a challenge. That's exactly how these two women see the world, as a challenge, and they get a special kick out of causing a little chaos in it. After all, risk-taking is second nature to them.
Jung Man Wol is the (dare I say?) tamer of the two. Sure, they both enjoy drama (especially, causing it) but Mo Seok Hui really takes the crown here. Needless to say, both of our queens are trouble makers in their own capacity, and rules to them are just a boring dress they won't bother trying on again. That does not mean our ladies are completely lawless. Oh no, they have their own rules defined only by themselves.
ESTPs (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving) are just awesome people to be around. Their spontaneity, unfiltered opinions, excellent observation skills, and a generally prominent presence could very easily make them the life of the party if it weren't for those few people who are on the receiving end of the ESTP presence. That's where their grand steps falter a bit. Their passionate personalities often make them unable to discern when is the right moment to stop, and this might cause unintended trouble. Of course, ESTPs are extremely lovable too when they want to be, and this is a special talent.
GIF Source: Soompi
What's that? I see... I see the end of this long journey, approaching fast. I am a little sad now. But before we part, I have some closing remarks that I believe need some addressing. Firstly, your MBTI type does not in any way dictate exactly who you are as a person. It's just the tiniest speck of an outlook into the human mind. Secondly, okay... This deserves a section of its own.
Why KDramas?
The idea for these articles was originally supposed to be about characters from all over dramaland, including characters from movies. However, halfway through my research, I realized that not only were my findings dominated by KDrama characters, I was also unqualified to do standalone articles: like the one here (and its predecessor) for each specific country, since nearly 60% of what I watch is from Korea: followed by Japan, China, Thailand, and Taiwan (in roughly that order.)
I still have my notes for characters from the above-mentioned countries, but I doubt if they are on a spectrum broad enough to cover a lengthy topic like this. Therefore, here's my open invitation to anyone who might be interested in a collaboration. I would love to work with you regarding any of the countries mentioned above, so please feel free to leave me a message, it would really mean a lot!
If you made it here, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for surviving this long article!
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Whether you want to categorize a favourite character of yours, share your own MBTI type, or just rant about how long this article was, write it down! xD
Love,
Jojo
GOODBYE!
Drama: Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People GIF Source: Tumblr
Edited by: Cookie (1st editor), BrightestStar (2nd editor
