Jo Joon-young Captivates as the Ideal Second Lead in Romance Drama ‘Bunny and the Boys’

Jo Joon-young, a promising actor under SM Entertainment, is winning hearts with his role in the MBC weekend drama ‘Bunny and the Boys’, produced by Kakao Entertainment. Playing a third-generation chaebol named Cha Ji-won, Jo perfectly embodies the quintessential ‘ideal older brother’ figure — warm, gentle, and heartbreakingly selfless.

In recent episodes of the romantic series directed by Kim Ji-hoon and written by Sung So-eun and Lee Seul, viewers saw Cha Ji-won make the difficult decision to leave for the United States, silently stepping back from his unconfessed love for Bunny (played by No Jeong-eui) as she grows close to another character, Hwang Jae-yeol (Lee Chae-min). This poignant moment cemented his place as a fan-favorite ‘second lead’, sparking what fans affectionately call ‘Second Lead Syndrome.’

Jo Joon-young’s performance elevates the conventional second-lead character. With refined acting, he captures Cha Ji-won’s emotional evolution — from initial curiosity to full-blown love. His deep commitment to the role is evident in his meticulous character work, incorporating nuanced vocal tones, gestures, and fashion choices to convey the charm and wealth of his character.

Beyond the romantic tension, Jo also shines in portraying Ji-won’s relationships with his younger sister Cha Hye-won (Chae Jenny) and Bunny’s group of friends, giving his character multiple dimensions of warmth and sincerity. Known for his off-screen camaraderie with the cast, Jo collaborated closely with fellow actors to deepen emotional performances on-screen.

This dedication has not gone unnoticed. He’s earned nicknames like “Unicorn Crush” and “Campus Heartthrob,” and has quickly emerged as a top pick for fans craving a sincere, dependable romantic lead. With episodes nearing their finale, anticipation continues to mount for how Jo Joon-young’s storyline — and growing stardom — will unfold.