10 Cool female lead K-dramas with one soft spot—him

He is Psychometric | Image Via: tvN
He is Psychometric | Image Via: tvN

K-dramas have captivated the world with numerous intriguing characters. Along with the storylines, characters also play a massive role in the success of a K-drama.

Though many K-dramas have heartwarming romances, the storyline gets even more engaging when the female leads are strong and independent with a hint of coldness.

These female leads slowly harbour feelings for the male leads, and their relationship always grabs the attention of the viewers. These K-drama female leads are not any damsel in distress but are rather completely capable on their own.

This dynamic between a strong female lead and a male lead often breaks social norms and is a refreshing take. So, if you are looking for K-dramas that celebrate empowered women who are incredibly strong, self-reliant, and have a soft spot for male leads, then this list is just for you. So, let’s dive right into it.


10 cool female lead K-dramas with one soft spot—him

1) He is Psychometric

He is Psychometric | Image Via: tvN
He is Psychometric | Image Via: tvN

In this K-drama, Shin Ye-eun’s acting in the role of Yoon Jae-in is the true definition of a strong female lead. Even though she had her own troubles, she tried her best to hide her secrets. She put on a brave face.

As the story progresses, Jae-in’s past is revealed. How she was bullied forced her to become stronger and move forward as a strong woman. Even though, initially, her interaction with Lee Ahn is filled with hostility, which adds to the humor, she slowly warmed up to him.

Her resilience is truly worth appreciating. Their dynamic is endearing and quickly becomes a favorite of the viewers of this K-drama. She can balance her strength with soft-heartedness, which the viewers have loved.


2) Hotel Del Luna

Hotel Del Luna | Image Via: tvN
Hotel Del Luna | Image Via: tvN

Even with the supernatural aspect of this K-drama, Man-wol’s strength as the lead character truly stands out. From the very first episode, we get to see her cool and calm nature.

As the story progresses in this K-drama, the complications that arise after Chan-sung’s arrival are intriguing. Through all the years she has lived, she has remained the same. She is sharp-tongued, quick-witted, and also quick to dismiss others.

Everything slowly starts to change with Chan-sung. Her dynamic with Chan-sung is unique. He consistently challenges her. He also sees past her tough facade and understands the loneliness that she feels within. Even though her actions are rough, she has constantly protected and cared for him throughout the K-drama.


3) Vincenzo

Vincenzo | Image Via: tvN
Vincenzo | Image Via: tvN

Though this K-drama stands out because of the intriguing plotline, which keeps viewers hooked throughout, the strength of the female lead cannot be denied. She starts as an associate and then becomes the CEO of Jipuragi Law Firm.

As a lawyer, we see her cold demeanor and sharpness as an associate as truly commendable. She is witty, and throughout the series, there are numerous times when we see her quick thinking outsmarting people.

Her spot towards the male lead manifests in the form of her unwavering loyalty towards her. The quiet understanding and the deep connection she forms with him are truly intriguing.


4) Happiness

Happiness | Image Via: tvN
Happiness | Image Via: tvN

The aspect of zombies in this K-drama is not the only intriguing factor. This K-drama is filled with impressive action sequences, along with a strong female lead who can tackle any difficult situation with ease.

As a member of a Special Operations Unit police squad, she is already incredibly resourceful and tough. Her focus always remains on finding the solutions instead of panicking. Her observant nature shone throughout.

She started with Yi-hyun as friends, but slowly, their dynamic shifted. The trust and shared history she has with him resonates with the viewers. Their connection is built on mutual respect, which makes their bond feel authentic.


5) Descendants of the Sun

Descendants of the Sun | Image Via: KBS2
Descendants of the Sun | Image Via: KBS2

Throughout the K-drama, we see Dr. Kang Mo-yeon handle different difficult situations. Even with the initial misunderstanding between the male lead and her, she stood strong and wanted to protect her patients no matter what.

To her, her duty as a doctor comes before anyone. She would not think twice before saving the lives of the patients, even when guns are literally pointed towards her. The life of a doctor is not an easy one. She hardly gets time to date.

However, slowly, her relationship with the male lead evolves. Her heart warms up to him. Her soft spot for Yoo Shi-jin humanizes her even more. This K-drama has depicted the ability of even the strongest individuals to be capable of emotional attachment.


6) King The Eternal Monarch

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

Detective Jeong Tae-eul’s character in this K-drama truly stands out for her fierce valor and cold nature. She is unlike many of the stereotypical female leads in TV shows, who are portrayed as damsels in distress.

Even when she faced numerous complications, she stood her ground and faced the danger with strength and might. She is physically capable and also has a strong moral compass.

Her initial skepticism about Lee Gon added to the overall intrigue of the K-drama. She slowly develops a soft spot for him as the story progresses. She understands that Lee Gon has suffered from a deep loss, and they slowly start to understand one another on a deeper level.


7) It’s Okay to not be Okay

It’s Okay to not be Okay | Image Via: tvN
It’s Okay to not be Okay | Image Via: tvN

Having antisocial personality disorder quickly made Ko Moon-young’s character different from the other female leads.

However, even with her cold and distant nature, her bonding with the other characters has resonated deeply with viewers. She is a force of nature. Ko Moon-young’s strength and resilience made her almost detached from others.

She also had a lack of empathy, which she slowly changed after meeting the male lead of this K-drama. Her soft spot for Gang Tae makes her truly a compelling character. She depicts that even the strongest individuals have their vulnerabilities.


8) Queen Of Tears

Queen Of Tears | Image Via: tvN
Queen Of Tears | Image Via: tvN

In this K-drama, Hong Hae-in perfectly embodies the strong and cold female lead archetype, which the viewers love. As the chaebol of the Queens Group, hardly anything impresses her.

However, her life takes a turn when she encounters Hyun-woo. Their economic disparity is insignificant to her. However, after they get married, things start to change. They start to get distant from one another. However, when Hong Hae-in finds out about her illness, they slowly start to get closer once again.

Their strained marriage starts to gain the initial warmth they once had. Ha-in’s coldness isn't a lack of emotion but a carefully constructed barrier. Her dynamic with Hyun-woo in this K-drama depicts the profound manner in which connections form between people.


9) My Liberation Notes

My Liberation Notes | Image Via: JTBC
My Liberation Notes | Image Via: JTBC

This K-drama has a very realistic depiction of the world, especially the depiction of the female lead, Mi-jeong’s character. She is introverted, quiet, and hardly ever expresses her feelings openly.

Yet her immense inner strength can be seen throughout the K-drama. As she starts to form a connection with Mr. Gu, her coldness starts to melt away. She slowly opens up about her feelings.

She also expresses her anger and moments of vulnerability to him. Though their relationship is not built on grand gestures, the quiet companionship between them resonates deeply with the viewers. Her soft spot for him is about the rare and powerful connection that allows her to be truly liberated.


10) Itaewon Class

Itaewon Class | Image Via: JTBC
Itaewon Class | Image Via: JTBC

From the beginning of this K-drama, we get to see the strength and sheer cold demeanor Jo Yi-seo has. Right after she becomes the manager of DanBam, she constantly tries to help Sae-ro-yi out.

Her soft spot for him is evident right from the start in this K-drama. Even though she does not have any empathy, she starts to care about him and her co-workers as well. She does not offer pleasantries and is incredibly direct to everyone she speaks to.

She also does not hesitate to point out the flaws of someone else. Her spot for him humanizes her. Slowly, her cold demeanor cracks. She becomes fiercely protective of him and dedicates her talent to helping him achieve his dreams as the K-drama progresses.


For more such interesting pieces, stay tuned to Soap Central.

Edited by Debanjana