ML is anti-hero type

Dec 31, 2020 04:07 am

I watched the Japanese drama May I Blackmail You?, which is labeled a romantic comedy, but there is no romance between the ML and the FL. I was so disappointed because I loved the plot and the dynamic between the two leads, especially where the ML wasn't necessarily a good guy, but he also wasn't a jerk. I'm looking for a drama with a ML that has an anti-hero characteristic but not where he is problematic. I prefer Kdramas, but I'm open to others as well. Some examples I can think of are Hwayugi and Legend of the Blue Sea. Thanks!

emi

Dec 31, 2020 04:36 am

I feel like Lee Joon Gi is really good at portraying anti-heros in his dramas! Here are a few kdramas where I think that the ML exhibits anti-hero characteristics :

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Flower of Evil
Lawless Lawyer

xinya

Dec 31, 2020 08:23 am

I agree with everything emi recommended.

Healer - ML is a criminal, one with a code of honor, but still, his job is illegal.

The K2 - ML worked as a mercenary in the past. He's not quite as dark as he initially seems, but he's still someone who lives on his fighting skills, is seeking revenge, etc.

MARS - I watched the Japanese version, but I think the Taiwanese one is supposed to be better. ML is a bad boy biker type, prone to violence. You could probably call him a jerk, but he's definitely not a jerk towards the FL.

The Rise of the Phoenixes - ML is quite ruthless in his political scheming.

Some other possibilities that I don't think match what you're looking for quite as much.

Six Flying Dragons - I would definitely call ML an anti-hero, but you might be disappointed by the romance. It's more of a politically focused show. I highly recommend it though!

The Smile Has Left Your Eyes - ML definitely could be considered a jerk (or worse), but not in the typical arrogant rom com lead type of way. It's kinda hard to say much more about him without giving spoilers.

City Hunter - ML is a vigilante taking revenge. He also has a code of honor, but definitely works outside the law. He is an arrogant jerk, though, or at least puts on the act of being one as his cover ...

The MLs of these drama are problematic by contemporary standards, but if you consider that they are kings/emperors in historical settings ... you might feel differently ... or you might not ...

The King's Woman - He's very ruthless.

Empress Ki - ML definitely can be considered an anti-hero, but rather than being "bad," it's more like he's weak/cowardly, though his character goes through multiple transformations. He's one of the most imperfect romantic leads of any show I've watched, though he can also be rather sweet and charming.

These leads are "bad" in the sense that they all approach the FL with ulterior motives.

The Great Seducer

The Innocent Man

A Love to Kill

Last Cinderella

irieiris

Dec 31, 2020 11:42 am

Goblin (Guardian: the lonely and great god) would be my top recommendation for rom-com with an anti hero type ML.

Hotel del Luna is good too but the reverse where the FL is the anti hero.

I liked Meteor Garden the 2018 Chinese adaptation of the classic Hana Yori Dango where the ML is a lovable bully. I find the Korean adaptation is a bit cringey.

I second the recommendation of Empress Ki and highly recommend The Princess Wei Young; where the main antagonist Tuo Ba Yu is a total badass hottie. He falls somewhere between anti hero and villain in my opinion.

NiSkywalker

Dec 31, 2020 02:15 pm

here are anti hero ML-s, without cliche "wanna be bad boys", only really good dramas, because even character is good, if drama is bad, you will not enjoy

sorted by greatness of drama:

Cruel City - a real anti hero, he is practicaly gangster + great mature romance where sex isn't tabo, amazing acting, characters, story and unpredictable plot,

Flower of Evil amazing drama, and best acting as I've ever seen in asian dramas, not only from ML, but FL is on highest level

Memories of the Alhambra greatest show, unpredictable, unforgetable, Cold ML very charismatic, must see drama

The Rise of Phoenixes great drama! ML is kind of ruthless, very smart, he has kind of dark side and he is that kind of lead who goes to target like chess player

A Love To Kill sad story, there will be tears. ML is ruthless to FL, because she is target of his revenge

Lucifer there are 2 ML-s, one is detective and second is mastermind criminal, his revenge is real mastermind, both guys love 1 girl, and girl loves bad one "devil" even knowing who he is

The Smile Has Left Your Eyes kind of dark ML and super charismatic

Kill It detective FL who chases contract killer ML

The Innocent Man he really is anti hero, and interesting love triangle between 2 girl and 1 guy

A Man's Story SML is anti hero and not good person, but he is more star of the show than ML (practicaly they are both MLs) this story isn't usual "good guy" wins over "bad guy", or bad guy has redemption, everyone in this show except FL are against SML but he never looses

Hello Monster ML has questionable moral decisions, but other him there are 2 greatest antihero (villain) characters, but drama doesn't treats them in traditional black/white way, it's very complex and unusual plot/characters relationship and maybe most emotional bromance. it's really must see drama

Lady & Liar

The King's Woman

p.s. flower of evil, smile has left, memories and rise of phoenixes - MLs in these dramas, are less anti heroes then others, but all of them has dark charisma and really great character development, they feel like more anti heroes and dark MLs, then "city hunter" (who is more bed written hero), Great seducer or K2 (which is great drama/character, but he is just serious, kind of rude badass guy with tragic past)