Genuinely Kind MLs For Faith In Humanity
They make me have more hope in Male Leads (MLs) in dramas/movies, as well as just men in real life. Lol.
In somewhat of an order.
May or may not contain spoilers. You have been warned!
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1. Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!
Japanese Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
Needs no further explanation. The reason I made this list in the first place.
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2. Kieta Hatsukoi
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
Two words: Sincerity and Honesty.
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3. From Me to You
Japanese Movie - 2010
One of the best and kindest ML's I have ever seen in a Japanese movie.
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4. Extraordinary You
Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes
The ML (Ha Ru) was such a quiet and gentle soul <3
Brownie Points: The chemistry between him and the FL was so wonderful and their relationship was just absolutely precious. Protect it at all costs! Also, they made my heart flutter.
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5. Youth Report
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
One of the most wonderful, non-toxic, respectful, kind, and not-cold ML's I've seen in a drama. Also, very charming.
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6. You Never Eat Alone
Thai Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
Diew is just a ray of sunshine, even without including his yellow clothes. And Mix is simply incredibly attentive, caring, and sweet.
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7. Romance is a Bonus Book
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
Doesn't lie to the FL when it would benefit him. That almost never happens in a drama.
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8. Light On Me
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
One of the most real and legitimate love triangles due to how great both of the love interests are. Most will be torn when watching it.
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9. My ID is Gangnam Beauty
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
This man does not fall for people's bullshit. Not at all! The opposing FL sets up "traps" and potential misunderstandings to occur between him and the FL (Mi Rae) and he never walks into them. He catches the lies incredibly easily, isn't fooled by crying or anything, and doesn't generally assume Mi Rae had bad intentions. So refreshing!
And while he appears "cold" he obviously isn't one of those typical cold and jerkish MLs. He quietly and publicly does good things for/defends/shows his affection for Mi Rae and is really just nice to who he wants to be nice to and isn't to others. Simple.
The rest of his "coldness" is just his sarcastic and dry humor he naturally has.
He is also respectful in general even when it comes to rejection and truly sees Mi Rae as a person. Not some object or something for him to be possessive of.
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10. Nee Sensei, Shiranai No?
Japanese Drama - 2019, 6 episodes
So much understanding!
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11. Karafurable
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
One of the most, if not the most, progressive ML's you will ever see.
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12. He's Coming To Me
Thai Drama - 2019, 8 episodes
I don't have words for either of the ML's. Their actions speak louder than my words ever could.
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13. Youth of May
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
Will make you cry though. So, there is that to take into account.
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14. Lovely Writer
Thai Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
A consent king. And, does not pressure the other to come out but is there for him through it all.
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15. Shujin-ko
Japanese Drama - 2019, 6 episodes
Let me just cite his reaction to his friend coming out. He says what everyone in the LGBT+ community should and deserves to hear.
And, he is just a genuine soul the rest of the drama.
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16. L♥DK: Two Loves Under One Roof
Japanese Movie - 2019
Best description: Gentle and caring husband material.
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17. He is Psychometric
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
He (Ahn) is goofy yet charming, and incredibly emotional and sincere.
His relationship with the FL showed everything that was good about him. He sees their relationship as being equal and leans on her as much as she leans on him. He supports her even when they weren't together. Other than that, he is just generally kind to her and it's so obvious he cares for her a great deal.
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18. Shall I Have a Cup of Coffee?
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
He's just so precious, well-intentioned, considerate, and respectful.
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19. Word of Honor
Chinese Drama - 2021, 36 episodes
Cao Wei Ning (SML) himself and his smile was literal sunshine and rainbows. You may not know this man but you are legally required to adore him. Deal with it.
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20. To My Star
Korean Drama - 2021, 9 episodes
Just to praise the character first: He's the embodiment of a golden lab retriever. I mean that in absolutely the best way possible!
He's respectful and knows when it's appropriate to push a topic as well as when to back away, and when to make the first move or hold out. He's incredibly patient and a very caring and attentive partner.
This. This is the type of person I think anyone would want to date.
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21. Blue Birthday
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
Very caring (obviously) and sweet!
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22. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
A considerate king! Take your crown, you amazing man you!
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23. No Time For Love
Korean Drama - 2018, 8 episodes
He tries his best and accidentally wears his heart on his sleeve :)
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24. Aoki Vuanpaia no Nayami
Japanese Drama - 2021, 8 episodes
One of them tries to act like he isn't kind but fails miserably. Lol. And he is not offended or pissed at someone mistakenly thinking he is in a relationship with a man when he isn't. Because there's nothing wrong with that so why should he be upset? Exactly.
And every episode they're both helping someone in some way.
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25. Differenza di anno
Japanese Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
Sweet, trusting, communicative, and genuinely cares about his wife and is always thinking of her when he believes something may hurt or help their relationship.
Also, let's just take a moment to appreciate Harumi (ML) being respectful for a certain character (in spite of them being rude) in asking about pronouns/name when he was unsure. It was a small moment, that may have gone unnoticed by many watching the drama, but it added to his character.
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26. Because This is My First Life
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
ML is very respectful of her making her own choices and living her own life as well as her personal space. Not just that but he does ask for consent to hug and kiss her (multiple times).
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27. Amore e guinzagli
Korean Movie - 2022
Let me see...
He's not cool with homophobia, sexism/sexual harassment in the workplace, he's helpful and considerate... In short, he's just a really great and non-judgmental guy.
Also, he's just got the sweetest smile :)
Brownie Points: The FL is respectful in her curiosity about BDSM.
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28. Kill Me, Heal Me
Korean Drama - 2015, 20 episodes
The ML was incredibly kind and an absolute sweetheart. You could tell within just the first five minutes or so.
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29. One Fine Week
Korean Drama - 2019, 10 episodes
Outwardly kind and never pressured or did anything out of malice.
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30. 46 Wan
Thai Drama - 2021, 18 episodes
The ML was very genuine and kind but needed to grow a backbone. Luckily, he did.
And, for the most part, he was respectful of boundaries.
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31. W
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
His "character" is supposed to be written as arrogant but he is anything but. Lol.
Brownie Points: The FL is not a damsel in distress or ditzy but a woman with agency and the ability to get herself and the ML out of tough situations. And their relationship involves mutual respect.
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32. Behind Cut
Korean Drama - 2021, 8 episodes
If the main ML in To My Star is a Golden Retriever then this man is a rabbit. He's so peaceful, sweet, and easygoing when it comes to romance (while also being delightfully shy).
Brownie Points: Side character Dad was such a comforting and openly emotional father. Down with toxic masculinity! -
33. Moment at Eighteen
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
Such a down-hearted and sweet ML. He's such a good-natured person that he sometimes lets things slide or doesn't stand up for himself enough when he should though. But, he is true to himself and his morals, and he does stand up in his own way later on.
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34. Run On
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
He's generally pleasant and kind-hearted. Actually, he's almost kind to a fault. Lol.
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35. Miss Independent Ji Eun
Korean Drama - 2018, 8 episodes
He does little caring gestures that just show how great a guy he is. He notices when the FL is going through something and does what he can to help her out in subtle ways.
Brownie Points: Is aware of periods and not grossed out by them.
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36. Suiyobi 22-ji dake no kare
Japanese Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
Just a soft and honest guy without a malicious bone in his body.
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37. Abyss
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
He is just so sweet and thoughtful :) This man deserves the world!
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38. My Roommate is a Gumiho
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
He's just legitimately so soft. How can someone be so sweet and thoughtful?
He does his best to tell the truth and communicate with the FL. He's also very understanding and patient. And when he makes mistakes, at the very least, it's understood he truly had good intentions and meant well.
Brownie Points: The FL is also great at communication and is her own person with ambitions and dreams.
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39. Her Private Life
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
He's an LGBT+ ally, and a supportive and thoughtful boyfriend. Enough said.
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40. What's Wrong with Secretary Kim
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
He's somehow sweet and likeably arrogant. Such a clueless but good guy!
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41. While You Were Sleeping
Korean Drama - 2017, 32 episodes
This is actually for the SML (not that there was anything bad about the ML).
He was sweet, supportive, and adorably shipped the ML and FL. Very uncharacteristic of a 2nd ML! He was just the best. He clearly saw that they liked each other and didn't try to force himself between them. Instead, he rooted for them.
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42. Enchante
Thai Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
Akk is just the most patient and loving soul.
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43. The Eclipse
Thai Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
He presses not pressures Akk, understands consent, and truly gives his partner the space to breathe and take accepting his sexuality at his own pace without pressure from him.
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44. I Don't Want To Do Anything
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
He's so freaking sweet and gentle! His little acts of kindness speak volumes.
Side Note: Also, I loved that the actor grew out his hair for this. Really suited this character.
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45. One and Only
Chinese Drama - 2021, 24 episodes
He's just the best! He's thoughtful, genuine, and caring; treats the FL like she is an independent person to be admired for her talents; respects the decisions the FL makes and doesn't try to pressure or control her . . . In short, we stan this very kind man!
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46. My School President
Thai Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
The sheer amount of care, respect, consideration, and thoughtful intent to communicate in an honest and open manner is insane. And I'm talking about both MLs!
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47. Move to Heaven
Korean Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
Geu Roo is so wonderfully determined to understand others.
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48. Some Day or One Day
Taiwanese Drama - 2019, 13 episodes
The main ML is just . . . Yeah.
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49. Kikazaru Koi niha Riyuu ga Atte
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
He is so sneakily considerate and sweet! Not to mention he actually pushes back against her and challenges her (in a good way).
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50. Sweet Teeth
Chinese Drama - 2021, 22 episodes
Just a sweet, well-intentioned man . . . Who is also a good kisser. Lol.
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51. Silent
Japanese Drama - 2022, 11 episodes
The SML gives up the girl because he knows he needs to. And he does it to accept reality and make her happy, not for himself. What more can I say? He's just a good man.
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52. The Day I Loved You
Filipino Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
*cries in get me a boyfriend like Eli or Nikko* They're literal green flag, golden lab retriever MLs.
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53. Are You Human Too?
Korean Drama - 2018, 36 episodes
He's more human than many MLs. I mean, just . . . He deserves the world.
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54. Happiness
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
Try and find a better man. Try.
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55. Itaewon Class
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Truly, a ML for the ages. Mature, mentally strong, morally upright, and forgiving beyond measure. Underneath his desire for revenge, his duty to his conscience and his stronger desire to care for "his people." Not everyone deserves a Saeroyi, but goodness, would it be nice to have one to lean on or go to for advice. Also, he said Trans rights!
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56. Kimi to Nara Koi wo Shite Mite mo
Japanese Drama - 2023, 5 episodes
Ryuji is just a genuinely good, hard-working, respectful human who happens to be a man.
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57. My Mister
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
He's a good person. Truly.
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58. Last Twilight
Thai Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
Mhok is one of the best MLs to ever ML. He gives Day his own agency to make decisions he disagrees with even though he is in a position of power, respects consent, and is attentive beyond measure.
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59. Koidesu! Yanki-kun to Shiro Tsue Garu
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
This "Black Panther" is more like an adoring kitten. We love him.
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60. Hidden Love
Chinese Drama - 2023, 25 episodes
He is so . . . So . . . You know!
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61. Shanai Marijjihani
Japanese Drama - 2020, 7 episodes
Man seeks enthusiastic verbal consent as well as is just totally whipped for his wife. We love to see it!
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62. During the Snowstorm
Chinese Drama - 2024, 30 episodes
My man doesn't just love his girlfriend; he respects and values her as an individual. He wants to see her succeed and pursue her career. He asks for consent, he's caring and attentive . . . In short, my man is the most green flag to ever green.
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63. Useless Lies
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
Let's see . . . He doesn't lie, communicates, freely expresses his emotions, actively works on himself, is attentive and sweet . . . Yep! Man is such a green flag of a ML he might as well be a tree!
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64. Non l'avrebbe mai saputo
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
This ML had one small red flag in the beginning but then became a giant green tree.
The way Hyun Seung approached Song Ah not just with good intentions but with a level of sincerity most men would not dare to show. He didn't play games, beat around the bush, or do things in half-measures; he loved honestly and fully, even when he had no hope or was given less in return. It was truly refreshing to see a ML take a chance with his whole heart.
Also, the respect he had for her as a person?! He didn't take things into his own hands to remove her from a potentially dangerous situation. He respected her agency, stood to the side, and asked, "Do you want me to?"My hearrrrrt!
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65. Monster Next Door
Thai Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
Both of the MLs respect consent and each other to a heartwarming level