K-drama's 'Furious Type' Male Leads Rise: Korean Media Reveals Xu Nanjun's Fatal Charm in 'My Rival Royal Family'
Translated from Chinese and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
At a glance
- The SBS K-drama 'My Rival Royal Family' is gaining significant attention for its "furious type" male lead, played by Xu Nanjun.
- Xu Nanjun's character, Cha Se-gye, a chaebol heir, transforms from cold-hearted to an overly affectionate "big dog" once his romantic feelings are ignited.
- Viewers are captivated by the character's intense portrayal, particularly his "fierce yet pure" contrast and rapid shifts between anger and affection, which has led to soaring ratings.
A new breed of male lead is emerging in South Korean dramas, and the SBS series 'My Rival Royal Family' is at the forefront with its "furious type" character, Cha Se-gye, portrayed by Xu Nanjun. The drama has seen a surge in discussion, with the latest episode captivating the internet thanks to this dominant, yet passionately devoted, male protagonist.
I can only see that woman in my eyes.
Initially presented as a cold and sharp-tongued chaebol heir, Cha Se-gye undergoes a dramatic transformation once his romantic feelings are awakened. His character shifts into an uncontrollably affectionate "big dog" type, famously declaring to the female lead, played by Lim Ji-yeon, "I can only see that woman in my eyes." This direct and intense declaration has resonated strongly with female viewers, leaving many captivated.
There are finally male leads with a 'sick' vibe in Korean dramas lately.
The character's appeal lies in his "fierce yet pure" persona and his rapid emotional shifts. Despite his outwardly aggressive demeanor, he is shown to be deeply smitten, even going so far as to personally find the lost female lead and protect her while she is drunk. The drama culminates in a "wrist grab + forceful kiss combo," which sent Korean online communities into a frenzy.
We haven't seen this kind of charging romance in so long.
Audiences have flooded social media with comments praising the character's "sickly" intensity and the long-awaited return of such a "charging" romance. Xu Nanjun's performance is particularly lauded for seamlessly switching between a menacing chaebol and a lovestruck fool, a contrast that viewers find incredibly compelling. This dynamic portrayal has propelled 'My Rival Royal Family' to record-breaking ratings, with each episode surpassing previous viewership numbers.
Xu Nanjun is simply the most dangerous man of 2026.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.