EML - Evolved Male Leads
A celebration of Drama Male Leads who did NOT treat the FL as lesser in any way. No patronising, no manipulation, no chauvinist "chivalry". Still plenty of sweet romance, showing it CAN be done
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1. Queen In Hyun's Man
Korean Drama - 2012, 16 episodes
This one was very special because the ML was definitely an alpha male - gifted in intellect and physical prowess. Yet he still treated the FL with respect and never looked down on her. A rare treat
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2. Bara no nai Hanaya
Japanese Drama - 2008, 11 episodes
Almost TOO nice, this ML still deserves a mention for his respectful treatment of the FL, even when she wronged him.
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3. Takane no Hana
Japanese Drama - 2018, 10 episodes
This ML was somewhat similiar to the ML in Bara No Nai Hanaya in terms of being VERY accommodating and acquiescing, the difference here being the gap in social and educational standing and skillsets of the two leads.
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4. In Time With You
Taiwanese Drama - 2011, 13 episodes
Pretty much the archetypal beta male, Chen Bolin's Da Ren was always supportive and never guilty of Dramaland trope treatment of the FL.
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5. Go Go Squid!
Chinese Drama - 2019, 41 episodes
Another Drama where the ML was definitely alpha, but respected the FL and treated her as his peer, even acknowledging her intellectual superiority. That alone was a joy to see.
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6. The Love Equations
Chinese Drama - 2020, 27 episodes
This one was sweet - the ML was undoubtedly "brighter" than the FL, but she was the alpha in the pair, and he was happy to have it that way.
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7. Okitegami Kyoko no Biboroku
Japanese Drama - 2015, 10 episodes
The ML in this was awesome, pretty much defining the way an ML should treat the FL. He acknowledged her unique talents and the challenges of her situation, and never tried to force his affection, or even his company, on her