10 best K-dramas with strong female leads who break all stereotypes

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon | Image Via: JTBC
Strong Woman Do Bong Soon | Image Via: JTBC

The world of K-dramas often brings us an unconventional depiction of female leads. These characters defy societal expectations. They break norms. These characters become an inspiration for millions of women all around the world.

The K-drama leads are not damsels in distress like the ones we are used to seeing in TV shows, but rather are the rescuers themselves.

These strong female leads have carved their own ways in high-stakes professional environments and also in their day-to-day lives. These characters navigate through the complex relationships, confront systemic injustices, and pursue their dreams without stopping. So, let’s dive right in.


10 best K-dramas with strong female leads who break all stereotypes

1) My Name

My Name Image Via: Netflix
My Name Image Via: Netflix

It is uncommon for K-dramas to depict female leads who are not scared of anything and do not need to be saved by a prince. Most K-drama female leads are strong and self-reliant. In this K-drama, Ji-woo’s nature is just like that.

She does not back down when life gets hard. She fights back with utmost vigour. Her life has been difficult after the death of her father. In this K-drama, we get to see Ji-woo’s plan to take revenge on the killers of her father.

She plans meticulously and even joins the police force so that she is able to become the mole for Dongcheon. The way this K-drama has depicted Ji-woo’s character is truly incredible.


2) Happiness

Happiness Image Via: tvN
Happiness Image Via: tvN

The plot of this K-drama not only depicts the intense nature of the zombie apocalypse but also shows us a strong female character. Yoon Sae-bom does not get scared by the dangerous virus, rather, she fights tooth and nail.

This K-drama has truly depicted an intriguing female lead. The story is fresh and keeps the viewers hooked throughout.

We get to see Se-bom and her best friend, Jung Ji-hyuk, try their best to protect one another through such an apocalyptic situation. This K-drama is truly inspiring.


3) The Uncanny Counter

The Uncanny Counter | Image Via: Neo Entertainment
The Uncanny Counter | Image Via: Neo Entertainment

This K-drama has some of the most intriguing female characters. Do Ha-na and Choo Mae-ok’s characters have kept the viewers hooked throughout. Both of their storylines are filled with heartbreaking pasts.

It adds to the overall intrigue of the K-drama. On one hand, we have Ha-na, who lost her family and is the sole survivor, and on the other, we have Choo Mae-ok, who lost her son.

Their past served as a propelling factor for the way they were. Even though they have been through a lot, they did not lose their valour and grit.


4) The King: Eternal Monarch

The King: Eternal Monarch | Image Via: SBS TV
The King: Eternal Monarch | Image Via: SBS TV

This K-drama not only has an intriguing and unique storyline that focuses on two parallel worlds, but also the female protagonist steals the show every time she is on the screen.

In this K-drama, Kim Go-eun has done a commendable job in depicting such a strong female lead. Jeong Tae-eul is not a damsel in distress. As a detective, she takes her job very seriously.

She is smart, observant, and does not get confused even when the situation is dangerous. Even though the whole parallel world concept is bewildering, she keeps her calm and is fiercely protective of her colleagues.


5) Queen of Tears

Queen of Tears | Image Via: tvN
Queen of Tears | Image Via: tvN

The first aspect that creates a distinction between this K-drama and the many others is the concept of the female lead being the rich chaebol, unlike the male lead, which we usually see in K-dramas.

Hong Hae-in's character is the perfect example of a strong female character. The way she meticulously manages her huge business is truly inspiring.

Another aspect about Hong Hae-in that intrigues the viewers is the fact that she is not just simply handed over her business; she has earned it through hard work and merit. Her unwavering determination to make her business thrive even further makes her a true inspiration.

She is emotionally mature and handles difficult situations with ease, unlike her husband. She truly embodies the meaning of a strong female character in a nuanced manner.


6) Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo | Image Via: MBC TV
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo | Image Via: MBC TV

Everything about this K-drama depicts the perfect portrayal of a strong female character. From the very beginning, we get to see Kim Bok-joo’s determination in becoming a successful weightlifter.

She handles the stress and difficulties with ease. Even when the situation is difficult, she does not back down. This K-drama is not just a love story but so much more. Bok-joo’s strength is not just physical but is ingrained deeply in her character as well.

She is truly unapologetically herself. It highlights her authenticity in a nuanced manner. Her journey represents the fact that strength comes in many forms.

Even though her physical prowess is evident the manner in which this K-drama has depicted her dedication towards her dreams and the ability to overcome obstacles is truly remarkable.


7) Extraordinary Attorney Woo

Extraordinary Attorney Woo | Image Via: ENA
Extraordinary Attorney Woo | Image Via: ENA

Each and every aspect of this K-drama depicts the strength and resilience of the female lead. Since her childhood, she has suffered from discrimination because of her autism. She faced bullying and other difficulties.

Yet one thing that remained constant throughout her life. It is her resilience to achieve her dreams. She lives in a world where the hurdles she had to face become more and more difficult. Yet she remained adamant.

This K-drama is truly inspiring. Especially when we see the depiction of acceptance. This heartwarming story challenges societal perceptions.

This K-drama reminds us that being different does not mean less. Young-woo is a powerful woman with the ability to achieve great things and inspire millions.


8) Descendants of the Sun

Descendants of the Sun | Image Via: KBS 2
Descendants of the Sun | Image Via: KBS 2

This K-drama truly depicted a great, strong female lead, which resonated deeply with the viewers. Dr. Kang Mo-yeon has faced so many hurdles and difficult situations throughout the K-drama; it is truly inspiring.

From the very beginning, we see her get rejected for a professorship and someone less efficient getting her job. Even though she worked hard for the job, she did not lose hope. When she was posted in Uruk, she faced an earthquake and the outbreak of a virus.

Both of which were equally dangerous and difficult to handle. Yet she managed and fought through the situations with resilience and determination. She is calm, professional, and quick to make decisions.

Even when she was held at gunpoint, she did not falter. She has always prioritized her patients and done her duty diligently as a doctor.


9) The Glory

The Glory| Image Via: Netflix
The Glory| Image Via: Netflix

Moon Dong-eun has faced immense difficulties since her childhood. She did not get the support of her parents and faced constant bullying at her school. The level of bullying she had faced left a deep impact on her.

So, she decided to take revenge on all the people who had made her suffer. Throughout this K-drama, we see how she meticulously plans to achieve her revenge.

The bullying she had faced was not just physical but left her with deep emotional and physical scars. Her strength lies in the manner in which she has unwavering resolve to achieve her revenge.

Her strong mind, spirit, and unshakeable commitment to justice make her an intriguing female lead. Her character truly leaves a lasting impact on the viewers.


10) Strong Woman Do Bong Soon

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon | Image Via: JTBC
Strong Woman Do Bong Soon | Image Via: JTBC

Do Bong-soon truly breaks all the stereotypes one might have about female leads. The K-drama starts off by telling us about Boong-soon’s family and how she is different from others.

In Bong-soon’s family, every female child is born with powers. Now these powers are not any ordinary ones. They get immense strength, and this power is passed down through generations.

Bong-soon tries to hide her powers but often gets herself into hilarious problems. Now, she has a dream to become an office employee and work at a gaming company.

Later, she is hired as a bodyguard for the CEO of a gaming company. Throughout the K-drama, we see Bong-soon protecting Min-hyuk. She protects him from all the attacks and difficult situations.

These moments add to the overall humor of the K-drama. It is truly inspiring to see Bong-soon's character. Even when she loses her powers, she tries to protect others in every way she can.


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Edited by Zainab Shaikh