Breaking stereotypes is indeed a compassionate journey we are all looking forward to. Korean drama has always been about happy-ending Cinderella stories where a rich guy falls in love with a miserable, beautiful girl, making females fragile and considering them to be happy only after they find a partner. But breaking up the pace of Korean industry has shown remarkable work portraying independent female characters and breaking stereotypes profoundly, showcasing their talent. Here is a list of the top ten Korean actresses who broke stereotypes in the drama industry by portraying diverse and unconventional roles.
1. Gong Hyo-Jin
Pyo NaRi is played by Gong Hyo-Jin in JEALOUSY INCARNATE. Na-Ri portrays an optimistic personality by playing the role of a weather broadcaster. She graduated from a three-rated college and has no money or connections; she is full of insecurities, but the hard work she shows to keep up her place at the station is remarkable.
2. Park Bo Young
Park Bo Young in STRONG WOMAN DO BONG SOON as Do Bong Soon Do Bong Soon is shown as a strong woman who beats up the gangsters fearlessly. She proves that girls are no less and can carry both a crown and a sword effortlessly. She has been shown to have both ladylike and heroic qualities.
3. Kim Go-Eun
Kim Go-Eun in GOBLIN as Ji Eun-Tak Her character in Goblin is indeed breaking stereotypes, as she plays the character of a strong-willed and independent female lead who had a challenging life from a young age. Despite playing the damsel-in-distress role like other K dramas, she takes charge of her life and makes her own decisions. Her role in THE KING: ETERNAL MONARCH is also remarkable as it contributes to a diverse representation of women in Korean dramas, highlighting their strengths, complexities, and emotional depth. It also breaks gender stereotypes, as the character is equal to her male colleagues in the police force.
4. Kim Hye-soo
Kim Hye-soo in SIGNAL as Cha Soo-Hyun She plays the role of a tenacious, independent female senior detective who commands authority and respect from her colleagues, including male detectives. This challenges the stereotype of women portraying a male-dominated profession like law enforcement. Her performance reinforces the idea that women can excel in challenging and powerful roles in the crime thriller genre. She also goes through an emotional journey but comes out as a strong woman devoid of emotions.
5. Yoo Eun-Hye
Yoo Eun-Hye in COFFEE PRINCE and THE 1ST SHOP OF COFFEE PRINCE as Go Eun-chan The character of Go Eun-chan portrays a young woman who pretends to be a man to secure a job at the coffee shop. This role thus challenges traditional gender norms and societal perceptions of masculinity and femininity, especially those placed on women in South Korea. It also shows that love is not confined to heterosexual relationships, showing that genuine connections don’t need gender identities, as Han Kyul, initially unaware of Eun Chan’s true gender, develops feelings for her.
6. Son Ye-jin
Son Ye-jin in CRASH LANDING ON YOU as Yoon Se-Ri A successful and assertive businesswoman, Se Ri’s character breaks the stereotypes of female characters dependent on male characters in typical Korean dramas. It also showcases cross-border relationships, showing that love has no boundaries. Son Ye-Jin also plays a straight woman in PERSONAL TASTE who initially believes her roommate is gay; the drama shows stereotypes about sexual orientations.
7. JUN Ji-Hyun
Throughout her career, Jun Ji-Hyun portrayed strong and independent female characters who are not defined by their relationship with a male character, as in a typical Korean drama. She has showcased the versatility of her roles, from the feisty female lead in MY LOVE FROM THE STAR to the action-packed character in THE LEGENDS OF THE BLUE SEA. Also, her appearances on the screen have been influential in breaking beauty standards for her natural beauty. As an influential actress, she has gained global recognition and is an inspiring figure for women in South Korea.
8. Kim So-Hyun
Kim So-Hyun in LOVE ALARM and RIVER WHERE THE MOON RISES In Love Alarm, her character is portrayed as an independent woman who lives her dreams and ambitions rather than being confined to just a love relationship. In the drama Where the Moon Rises, she portrays Princess Pyeonggang as a courageous, determined woman who breaks gender stereotypes by leading her people as a leader and training as a warrior. The drama revolves around a female protagonist challenging traditional gender norms.
9. Lee Sung-Kyung
Lee Sung-Kyung in WEIGHTLIFTING FAIRY KIM BOK JOO as Kim Bok-Joo She portrays strong characters without portraying them as delicate or passive. She plays the role of a weightlifter, showing the power and strength of women in sports. Also, she brings out the issue women face due to their body image and motivates women to accept and love their bodies and empower them.
10. Han Ye-ri
SIX FLYING DRAGONS and MY UNFAMILIAR FAMILY star Han Ye-ri. In Six Flying Dragons, where she plays a strong, resilient martial arts expert challenging women to be weak and passive, she lives by her dreams and aspirations and achieves her goals of becoming a skilled martial artist and seeking justice for her family. Also in My Unfamiliar Family, she plays a woman who challenges societal expectations of women marrying and making a family, showing her focus on her career and personal growth. Both dramas show her portraying a strong, vital female character on the path of pursuing her goals of personal growth and self-discovery. These were the 10 top actresses who broke the stereotypes, got out of their Cinderella shoes, and showcased strong, resilient female leads, influencing women in the nation to break the barriers and shine bright in every field equal to men.
