I'm such a goner when it comes to morally grey characters with a troubled past. Even when they are villains, there's something so engaging about them. Do you have any show recommendations with such characters? I want to ruin my life a little more!
I feel this ask hard. I’ve always been attracted to villains instantly, and I’m kinda trying these days to resist straight up murderers? …It’s a process :P
My favorite morally grey characters in K-Dramas
Side note: I’ve noticed that my list is mostly men…What’s up with that? Can anyone add any other awesome morally grey ladies to this list?
The Smile has left your eyes - Kim Moo-Young
Aside from this k-drama being a masterpiece that’ll leave you a pile of tears, Seo in Guk as Kim Moo-Young is the perfect example of a morally grey character you will fall in love with. He’s involved in a murder plot line, uses women to get what he wants and is clearly hiding something. You’ll try to resist being interested in him sure, but you’ll fail.
Come and Hug Me: Yoon Hyun-Moo
Everyone (and I mean everyone) in this show is extremely damaged with PTSD from abuse and it shows. Yoon Hyun-Moo is the neglected brother of Nah Moo the golden child, and the son of a murderer. He harbors a ton of resentment and is incredibly violent, but when he finally gets back in touch with his step mom and step sister, your heart will melt for him.
Goblin: Grim Reaper
Most of you have watched this drama but I’ll try hard not to spoil it. The Grim Reaper is such a hilarious character in the current time line but in order to be a Grim Reaper, you have to have done something “bad” to become one. His pain is deep and cutting and you’ll want to protect him.
Scarlet Heart Ryeo: Wang Soo a.k.a Everyone’s Favorite Morally Grey Character
Scarlet heart will destroy you, but you’ll also find yourself deeply empathetic to (and totally in love with) the most toxic of princes: Wang Soo. Cast out by his relatives, and treated like an animal he’s deeply wounded and despite knowing in your heart that he’s done terrible things, you’ll find yourself making excuses for him and imagining him as your boyfriend (wait…can you ignore that last sentence?)
Hello Monster: Lee Hyun and His Brother Jung Sun-Ho
Featuring two brothers who have a murderous backstory, both are morally grey. Sure one is definitely “orse” than the other when it comes to being a murder baby but let’s face it - they both have their problems (sorry, didn’t want to post any spoilers so that’s all I can say about that!)
The Crowned Clown: Ha-seon The King
The contrast between the good guy and the bad guy in this historical drama are so interesting to watch because one brilliant actor (Yeo Jin Goo) plays the same character. The king is insane and a murderer. He’s terrible in every way with literally no way to be redeemed but you’ll still feel for him…just watch.
Other Morally Grey Characters:
A Korean Odyssey: pretty much all of them?
This fantasy show follows a bunch of deities including Son Oh-Gong and Ma-Wang. Most of these deities take advantage of the humans on earth and like to cause trouble, making them obviously morally grey. Some are straight up evil but you’ll still love them and everyone will feel heart ache for the zombie girl.
Chicago Typewriter: Baek Tae-min
Baek Tae-min plays the brother of the lead who’s a famous author while he tries to make a name for himself doing the same thing. He’s super weak-minded and highly manipulative but dangit I felt so bad for him. His family is horrible to him and honestly I think the drama writers hate him because his other storyline makes him straight up evil.
It’s Okay that’s love: Jang Jae-yeol
This is one of those cold male leads that you’ll just end up liking even though he’s kinda the worst in that “Pickup Artist” type of way? I had this show listed in my top 10 but then I recently watched it again and realized I’ve made progress in my “don’t like jerks who display jerk behavior” because he’s kinda an ass. You’ll soften for him when the plot moves along for sure, but he’s aggressive and says really sexist things sometimes (as does most of the male characters honestly - i really need to remove this from my top 10)…
Are You Human Too: Human Nam Shin
Now, no one is really in love with Human Nam Shin - we are all in love with his AI version. BUT, because they are compared and contrasted so much, you’ll find yourself feeling bad for his very sad rich person’s back story. Plus he’s a straight up hottie.
Terius Behind Me: Jin Yong-Tae
Basically the bad guy in this show but he’s hilarious and just super quirky. Terius Behind me is an amazingly funny action/mystery show that I just straight up recommend but I really love the bad guy for reasons (no spoilers)
Legend of the Blue sea: Heo Joon-Jae’
I’m going to call this Morally Grey Lite. He’s not a villain or murderer but he’s definitely not a good guy in the current timeline. His job is a con artist and he basically steals and cheats people for a living, getting by on his good looks and…magic LOL?! But it’s fun and he’s likable – I think Lee Min Ho does best in these kinds of roles.
