And just like that, another year is coming to a close. Though 2021 may not have turned the way you thought it would, if you’re reading this list, chances are you’ve ticked off a lot of K-dramas on your watch list. These swoon-worthy characters gave us something to look forward to at the end of rough days/weeks/months, and made us believe in love again. To bid farewell to 2021, here are some K-drama characters that helped us through the year:

The Uncanny Counter’s So Mun (Jo Byung-gyu)

Being the newest addition to a badass team was not easy, especially for someone who’s been bullied all his life. But So Mun proved that he had enough courage to face evil demons and protect people, in spite of his young age.

Watch this drama here.

Run On’s Kim Seon-gyeom (Im Si-wan)

This soft-spoken track and field athlete has always cared about those around him. Although he grew up under immense pressure from those around him, he has always tried to stay true to himself. So when he finally starts to open up to someone, he does everything he can to protect the one he loves (talk about goals).

Watch this drama here.

Law School’s Han Joon-hwi (Kim Bum)

This mysterious student always has top grades. While he may seem cold on the outside, he cares about those around him. After being a person of interest in a murder case, he vows to investigate the death of his uncle who became his second father growing up.

Watch this drama here.

Vincenzo’s Vincenzo Casano (Song Joong-ki)

Vincenzo Casano would probably get the title of Most Badass K-Drama Character of 2021. As a mafia consigliere, he handles some of the toughest mafia members in Europe. After a failed assassination attempt, he flees to Korea, only to find himself involved in a case that involves high-ranking personalities.

Watch this drama here.

Squid Game’s Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon)

After looking for his brother for years, he discovers a mysterious “game” that involves people risking their lives for money. To expose the heinous game, he goes undercover to find out who’s behind the mysterious human killing game.

Watch this drama here.

Youth Of May’s Hwang Hee-tae  (Lee Do-hyun )

This medical student has always been kind to those around him. He doesn’t let the constant pressure from his father get the best of him. His life changes when he experiences a traumatic accident that forces him to prolong his graduation.

Watch this drama here.

Yumi’s Cells’s Goo Woong (Ahn Bo-hyun )

This cute game developer may have 0 experience in love, but because of the person he likes, he starts to open up. He may be dense and emotionless on the outside but deep down (as portrayed by his cells) he’ll do everything to protect the person he loves.

Watch this drama here.

Hometown Cha Cha Cha’s Hong Du-sik (Kim Seon-ho)

And of course, who can forget this lovable all-around handyman with an engineering degree? As a man who values the simplicity of life, he always sticks by his rules. He makes sure to protect those around him and doesn’t get swayed easily. Even though he’s been through a lot, he never fails to put others first.

Watch this drama here.

What was your favorite k-drama of 2021? Share them below!