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Second Lead Syndrome featuring BAEK IN HO from Cheese in the Trap

Cheese in the Trap follows the life and relationships of university students, particularly that of Hong Seol (Kim Go Eun), a returning student who had to take a break from college due to her family’s poor background. While she is welcomed heartily by her good friends, she also inadvertently catches the attention of Yoo Jung (Park Hae Jin), a handsome, athletic student with a hidden dark side—manipulative tendencies to destroy those he doesn’t like. Seol thinks he is why she had to quit a year ago and cannot understand why he is suddenly interested in her—and romantically too. She tries to avoid him because she doesn’t understand what he wants, but they soon begin an awkward friendship that develops into a relationship. The arrival of Baek In Ho complicates their rocky relationship further, as Jung and In Ho were once close childhood friends who have become enemies.

Who Is Baek In Ho?

Baek In Ho is a talented pianist and high school student. He and his sister, Baek In Ha, came from an impoverished background and were eventually adopted by the wealthy family of Yoo Jung. Jung and In Ho are best friends while they are growing up, but it changes when In Ho gets into a fight that damages his hand—a fight he believes Jung was responsible for instigating—ending his dreams of becoming a renowned concert pianist. In Ho goes to the same university as Seol and Jung.

Why Baek In Ho Gives Us Second Lead Syndrome

Baek In Ho’s story makes us want to wrap him in a blanket and protect him from the storms of life. Though he was adopted by Jung’s family, In Ho never really felt like it was his own family. As a result, he works hard to pay off his debt even while he is still a student. He does what he can for his sister because he cares for her (even if she has psychopathic tendencies).

After In Ho’s and Seol’s paths cross, they develop a solid friendship. He bickers with her, teases her, and they become genuine friends. As the drama progresses, he starts liking her but doesn’t act on it, knowing she is Jung’s girlfriend. Instead, he protects her and helps her however he can, such as giving her a bag of self-defence items when she has trouble with a stalker.

In Ho never once thought that he was entitled to Seol’s friendship (unlike Jung, who has everything about him screaming red flags from the start), nor did he try to interfere with Jung and Seol’s relationship and get her to try to like him. He is genuine and selfless—the complete opposite of Jung, who always seems ready to dump Seol if she ever thinks of leaving him first (sociopathic tendencies much, Jung?). In Ho’s character development throughout the series may be painful and, at times, frustrating to watch, but the end is beautiful.

Seo Kang Jun does a terrific job portraying the rash yet caring Baek In Ho, with his light-coloured eyes, unruly hair, and lips curled upwards. Despite his brash manner, you can’t help but feel for this poor little boy who only wanted to be part of a family.