Korean Dictionary
How to say "Supporting Character" in Korean
“Supporting Character” in Korean is 조연 (pronounced "joyon").
조연
joyon
Usage & Context
A character who plays a secondary role in the drama. Supporting characters often provide comic relief or emotional support. They can become fan favorites despite not being main characters.
Example Sentence
조연도 정말 중요해!
Supporting characters are really important too!
How to use 조연 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Supporting Character” is 조연, romanized as joyon.
Usage tip
Drama lines are memorable, but some expressions are emotional or exaggerated compared with everyday Korean.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 조연.
Pronunciation Guide
For '조연' (joyon), 'jo' sounds like 'jo' in 'joke'. 'Yon' sounds like 'yon' in 'beyond' (without the 'b'). The stress is fairly even across both syllables.
More Example Sentences
Praising a drama's cast, highlighting the impact of secondary roles.
이번 드라마는 조연들의 활약이 정말 돋보였어.
The supporting characters really shined in this drama.
Discussing an actor's career progression in the entertainment industry.
그 배우는 조연으로 시작해서 지금은 주연급이 됐어.
That actor started as a supporting character and is now a lead-level actor.
Reflecting on memorable dramas and the impact of supporting roles.
주인공보다 조연이 더 기억에 남는 드라마도 많아.
There are many dramas where the supporting characters are more memorable than the leads.
Cultural Context
In K-dramas, '조연' (supporting character/actor) refers to the actors who play secondary roles, not just the characters themselves. Many veteran actors are highly respected for their strong '조연' performances, often stealing scenes from the leads. The term '씬 스틸러' (scene stealer), a direct loanword from English, is commonly used to describe particularly impactful supporting actors who leave a lasting impression.
Editorial note
We review drama-style expressions like 조연 for tone, because lines that sound natural in a scene can feel too emotional or direct in everyday Korean.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
조연 배우.
Supporting actor.
조연이 빛나다.
A supporting character shines.
조연이 감초 역할을 하다.
A supporting character plays a comic relief/charming role.
Related Expressions
주연
juyeon
Main role / Lead actor/actress
단역
danyeok
Minor role / Extra
특별 출연
teukbyeol churyeon
Special appearance / Cameo
씬 스틸러
ssin seutilleo
Scene stealer
More K-Drama Expressions Words
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