Audiences familiar withK-dramasknow thatseveral series are led by incredible women. Many popular K-dramas are filled with cheesy but lovable clichés or action plots that are led by men or women lacking depth, which doesn’t always make way for strong and inspiring female leads. Still, there are a great number of series led by women, and the number of such shows seems to increase more and more as the years go by.
Though many of the K-drama’s protagonists do find themselves in a romantic relationship, they aren’t defined by their male counterparts and are just as complex characters as individuals.The women leading these series are entertaining and amazing for a variety of reasons. The women inThe Glory,Happiness, andStrong Girl Bong-soonare physically tough and find themselves taking down others for drastically different reasons. InAgencyandMemorials, the leading women are ambitious and career-driven. No matter their defining personality trait, each of the best women leading K-dramas is uniquely engaging and inspiring.
Love To Hate You
Cast
Love to Hate You is a 2023 series featuring the intertwined lives of an attorney who dislikes losing to men and an A-list actor with a mistrust of women. Despite their initial disdain, they find themselves in an unexpected romantic entanglement when circumstances force them to date.
Due to its shorter season and quick pace,Love to Hate Youis aneasy K-drama to binge in a day. The series' entertaining characters and dynamic add to this, as audiences are likely to become absorbed inthe enemies-to-lovers storyunfolding inLove to Hate You. In the K-drama,Yeo Mi-ran (Kim Ok-vin) is a lawyer working with celebritieswhen she meets one of the biggest actors in Korea, Nam Kang-ho (Teo Yoo).
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The two have had unpleasant dating experiences in the past, causing them to despise anyone of the opposite gender. However, both Mi-ran and Kang-ho learn love isn’t as terrible as they thought when they begin falling for one another. As a character,Mi-ran is passionate and always does what she feels is right, especially when it comes to defending her clients. Known for series likeArthdal ChroniclesandThe Blade and Petal, Kim rarely gets the opportunity to show off her comedic talents, but she does so effectively inLove to Hate You.
Memorials / Into the Ring
Into the Ring follows a determined young woman as she enters civil service, lured by a lucrative salary from a district representative position. Partnering with the demoted Seo Gong Myung, they work together to combat political corruption, navigating the intricacies of local governmental machinations.
Most K-dramas with political themes have a dated setting or feature over-the-top storylines that heighten characters' acts of backstabbing and betrayal. However, one of the more understated and modern K-dramas with political elements isMemorials. The series is led by Nana, an actor known best outside of TV and films for being a former member of the girl group After School. InMemorials, Nana playsKoo Se-ra, a woman struggling in the workplace, having been fired multiple timesdue to being nosy and overly passionate.
Throughout the series' 16 episodes, audiences watch Se-ra navigate her fierce competition with ambition and resilience.
However, one day, Se-ra decides she’s had enough and chooses to step up her professional game by working in the District Assembly and running for office. Throughout the series' 16 episodes, audiences watch Se-ra navigate her fierce competition with ambition and resilience. Nana is a compelling actor to watch, and it doesn’t take much for audiences to root for Se-ra and become invested in her journey.
Inspector Koo
Inspector Koo: A reclusive ex-police officer turned insurance investigator is drawn back into a world of crime, unraveling intricately staged crime scenes crafted by a cunning serial killer. As she unravels these mysteries, she must confront her own past and the dangers lurking in the present.
Following the tragic death of her husband,Inspector Koo’s titular character, a once accomplished police officer, turns to alcohol and gaming to get through the days. However, Koo Kyung-yi (Lee Young-ae) isn’t entirely without work as she gets a job as an insurance investigator. Kyung-yi quickly returns to crime-solving after she suspects someone is purposefully making murders look like accidents.As the protagonist,Kyung-yi is relatable and inspiring. She’s not unlike any other grief-stricken or crime-solving woman seen in other TV shows.
Still, Kyung-yi’s determination to get justice is a joy for audiences to watch.Inspector Koodoes a great job at seamlessly blending its multiple genres, asthe K-drama’s mystery keeps audiences guessing, and its supporting characters provide the laughs. In addition toInspector Koo, Lee is best known for her work inthe historical K-dramaJewel in the Palaceand the dark thriller filmLady Vengeance.
Sell Your Haunted House
Sell Your Haunted House is a 2021 South Korean television series featuring a real estate agent specialized in exorcising haunted properties. The narrative follows her collaboration with a con artist to unravel a personal 20-year-old mystery while dealing with vengeful spirits.
An underratedfantasy K-drama,Sell Your Haunted Houseis centered aroundexorcist real estate agent Hong Ji-ah(Jang Na-ra). In the series, Ji-ah is still grappling with her mother’s death 20 years later. Having inherited the power to perform exorcisms from her mother, Ji-ah’s job is to clear out buildings where ghosts heavily reside.
Ji-ah is accompanied by a male character throughout the show, but there’s no hint of a romantic connection between them.Sell Your Haunted Houseis instead more concerned with its fantasy and supernatural elements as Ji-ah and con artist Oh In-beom (Jung Yong-hwa) team up to solve the mystery behind their loved ones' deaths.
As a performer,Jang balances the series' comedic tone well with her character’s moments of vulnerability, particularly those relating to her mother’s death. Before starring inSell Your Haunted House, Jang had a role in other celebrated K-dramas, likeHello MonsterandConfession Couple.
Fight For My Way
Fight For My Way is a South Korean television drama series that aired in 2017. Starring Park Seo-joon and Kim Ji-won, the show follows the lives of four young adults struggling to achieve their dreams in the face of societal expectations and everyday challenges. The series explores themes of friendship, ambition, and romance, offering a nuanced portrayal of the hardships and triumphs faced by its characters.
Considered to be botha K-drama about friendshipand romance,Fight for My Wayhas an amazing woman at the center of it all. The overall premise ofFight for My Wayseesa group of friends hoping to succeed in life, though their dreams feel nearly impossible at the moment. One of these friends is Choi Ae-ra (Kim Ji-won). In the series, Ae-ra works at a department store, but her dream is to be a news anchor one day.
Ae-ra does have a romantic connection with one of her friends, Ko Dong-man (Park Seo-joon), who dreams of being a professional martial artist. The two encourage and help one another achieve their goals, falling in love in the process. Still,Ae-ra is a fascinating character on her own. She faces humiliation and setbacks along the way, but none of it stops her from being determined to achieve success.
Agency
Agency (2023) is a South Korean drama series featuring a cutthroat advertising executive who fiercely battles her way to the top in a male-dominated industry. Shin Min-a stars as the ambitious, strategic protagonist who confronts numerous challenges and adversaries, exposing the intense pressures and intrigues of the corporate world. The series delves into themes of power, ambition, and the sacrifices required for professional success.
Many TV shows see protagonists break free from adversity and achieve their dreams, but very few series have a compelling and believable journey to get there. A K-drama that does both isAgency, in which its main character, Go Ah-in (Lee Bo-young), sets out on a path to become the first female executive member of an advertising agency. However, Ah-in’s journey to success isn’t so simple.
Agencywas a hit with audiences when it was airing on TV, and there’s no question as to why. For much of her life, Ah-in has had to face various hardships. Therefore,it’s inspiring to see her make a name for herself and take control of her life. As an actor, Lee has starred in more TV shows than films, includingSeoyoung, My DaughterandMother. Both series earned Lee a handful of award nominations and a few wins as well for her performances.
Twenty-Five Twenty-One
Twenty-Five Twenty-One is a South Korean television series directed by Jung Ji-hyun. Set amidst the aftermath of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the series follows the lives of a fencer and a reporter as they navigate love and ambition. Starring Kim Tae-ri and Nam Joo-hyuk, the show delves into themes of resilience and growth as the characters strive to achieve their dreams in a time of uncertainty.
The 1997 Asian financial crisis impacted the lives of many, including the characters withinTwenty-Five Twenty-One. The series' story begins to unfold afterthe female lead’s daughter uncovers her mother’s old diary. Set in the late ’90s, Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri) is a promising fencer whose dreams are halted due to the financial crisis. Though a romance begins to bloom between her and Baek Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk), the two eventually drift apart.
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Twenty-Five Twenty-Oneis a widelybeloved K-drama by audiencesdue to its nostalgic setting and characterization of Na Hee-do and Baek Yi-jin. After being made available to stream on Netflix, the K-drama was among the streaming service’s most-watched international shows for 10 weeks straight. Though she’d starred in other notable projects likeMr. Sunshine, following her performance inTwenty-Five Twenty-One, Kim earned greater recognition and a boost in popularity.
Happiness
Happiness (2021) is a South Korean drama series directed by Ahn Gil-ho. Set in a post-apocalyptic world plagued by a deadly virus, the plot centers around a group of people quarantined in an apartment complex as they navigate survival and psychological challenges. Park Hyung-sik and Han Hyo-joo lead the cast, portraying characters who face moral dilemmas and societal breakdowns while striving to maintain their humanity.
Some ofthe best zombie TV showsare K-dramas, andHappinessis one of them. The outbreak in the series kicks off after users of a failed drug called “Next” slowly become zombies. Leading the series is Han Hyo-joo as Yoon Sae-bom. As a member of a Special Operation Unit,Sae-bom is smart and resilient, and after being scratched by an infected person, she discovers she’s immune to the ravaging disease.
Sae-bom is one ofthe toughest women in K-dramas, and despite being set in a world overtaken by zombies, she’s also impressively well-rounded. Much of this comes fromHappiness' interest in exploring desire and human nature, making sure to dedicate enough time to the characters' experiences.Happiness’fresh take on the zombie subgenre, the way the series handles its characters, and Han’s leading performance all have allowed the show to become a hit with audiences.
Strong Girl Bong-Soon
Strong Girl Bong-Soon is a South Korean television series released in 2017, starring Park Bo-young as Bong-soon, a woman born with superhuman strength. She navigates the challenges of concealing her powers while working as a bodyguard for a CEO, played by Park Hyung-sik. The series delves into themes of justice, romance, and self-discovery, creating a compelling narrative that balances humor and action.
Aside from being a charming and entertaining character, the lead inStrong Girl Bong-soonmight be the strongest woman in all the K-dramas. In the series, the titular character (Park Bo-young) inherits a superhuman strength that’s passed through strictly the women in her family. Despite her nonthreatening exterior,Bong-soon proves to be a useful resource in taking down a local kidnapper.
The fusion of genres also allows Bong-soon to be multidimensional as well, which is a rarity in K-dramas, as strong women are typically solely defined by their physical strength.
Strong Girl Bong-soonhas a bit of everything, including action, crime, romance, and comedy. The fusion of genres also allows Bong-soon to be multidimensional as well, which is a rarity in K-dramas, as strong women are typically solely defined by their physical strength. Park, who got her acting start in 2006, is natural in the role. Seeing as her character finds herself in both comical and life-threatening situations,Park’s performance is as layered as it needs to beto pull off such an inspiring character.
The Glory
The Glory is a South Korean television series that follows the journey of Moon Dong-eun, a woman who seeks vengeance against those who tormented her during her school years. As she meticulously executes her elaborate plans, the show explores themes of bullying, revenge, and the lasting impact of trauma. Directed by Ahn Gil-ho and written by Kim Eun-sook, the series stars Song Hye-kyo in the lead role.
Partially inspired by true events,The Glorywas a hit series that earned a great amount of acclaim and recognition from critics and audiences alike.The series follows Moon Dong-eun(Song Hye-kyo), a former victim of bullying when she was a kid. Now, as an adult,Dong-eun works as a teacher and seeks to get revenge against her childhood bullies.The Glory’s thrilling revenge-filled narrativehas an important message at its core, as the series wishes to highlight the long-lasting impact of bullying.
The Gloryhas an 80% rating onRotten Tomatoes.
For her performance inThe Glory, Song earned high levels of praise from critics. Song’s performance is moving and gives space for the K-drama’s touching themes to shine through and linger with audiences for quite some time. Song was nominated for several crucial awards, winning some as well, including Best Actress at the Baeksang Arts Awards and the Asian Academy Creative Awards.
