Spectators of Korean dramas are feasted on a range of things, whether it's a swoon-worthy romance, lovely cinematography, original storylines, or incredible characters. K-dramas are usually entertaining to monitor, but they become even more appealing when the female protagonist stays the center of attention or plays a significant role in the story. We can always count on seeing women in positions of power, whether it is through challenging authority figures or contesting social norms about what a woman should be. Despite their success, their characters are liberated, fearless, and persistent in achieving their goals. Seeing female characters play an active part in the narrative gives them much more agency and is reassuring. Nothing is more motivating than seeing other powerful, accomplished women. Below are the top 10 K-Drama female characters who inspired us to put ourselves first.
1. Kang Mo Yeon (Descendants Of The Sun)
Song Hye Kyo's character, Kang Mo Yeon, does not submit to relationships and rankings. She may be impulsive, but she also has strength, independence, and a firm commitment to her beliefs. She thinks rank and connections are less important than competence, but she quickly discovers the hard truth. Kang, though, is unwavering in her commitment to her values. Her rejection of romantic advancements from the hospital's director led her to become a volunteer in a war-torn city. It's encouraging to witness someone with Mo Yeon's self-assurance and belief in her skills, especially when she's confident in her ability to turn the tide.
2. Ae Ra (Fight For My Way)
The protagonist, Choi Ae Ra, exudes assurance, tenacity, and relatability. As she tries to manage life, we watch her be overflowing with joy, deflated with defeat, and even do her best aegyo. We witness her ups and downs as she tries to establish herself in the entertainment industry to become a brilliant star behind a microphone. We also see how persistent she is in the face of adversity. Instead of living her life according to what others think she ought to be doing, she is capable of defending her rights and leading a life with her preferences.
3. Hong Cha Young (Vincenzo)
Hong Cha Young, a charming and accomplished lawyer (played by Jeon Yeo-bin), has a witty tongue and a fantastic sense of humor. She transitioned from being a ruthless attorney representing wealthy clients who loved capital and notoriety to one who defends the less fortunate predominantly pro bono. Although her father's passing may have contributed to this decision, it is inspirational to see how her character has grown to take on a multinational that's forcibly evicting tenants from their homes and places of business. However, Cha-young is vicious and will stop at nothing to succeed when it comes to the people she cares about the most.
4. Jo Yi Seo (Itaewon Class)
Park Sae-Ro-Yi teams up with Jo Yi Seo (Kim Da-mi), a sociopathic social media star, to exact retribution on the heir to one of South Korea's biggest catering businesses. Yi Seo doesn't adhere to predetermined standards of good and wrong and will take any action, no matter how heinous, as long as it advances her agenda. Yoi Seo, Sae-Ro-Yi's bistro manager, handles all problems uniquely. After the show, though, we witness her transition from a committed social media celebrity to a prosperous businesswoman.
5. Kim Mi So (What’s Wrong With My Secretary)
Lee Young-Joon, the vice president of a multinational corporation, employs competent secretary Kim Mi-so (played by Park Min-young). As a result of her perceptions of being overworked and undervalued, Mi-so submits her resignation to the drama. Even when they argue, Young Joon doesn't diminish her in the story because all her emotions are acknowledged. You can't assist but relate to Min-young's portrayal of secretary Kim and feel motivated to demand what you're entitled to at work since she is appealing.
6. Lee Ji An (My Mister)
In My Mister, IU's character Lee Ji-an experiences a lot of challenges. She is now responsible for caring for her ill grandmother alone after losing both of her parents. She is treated poorly by her co-workers at work, to the point of being nearly invisible, and is simply a temporary employee who might get substituted at any time. In essence, Ji-an is someone who doesn't give up despite her circumstances because she continues to push forward and try to live a happy life. Ji-an strives to uphold her grandmother's advice that leading a fulfilling life is the best way to express gratitude to those who have supported her along the road.
7. Kim Myung Hee (Youth Of May)
The most suitable way to characterize Go Min Si's character Kim Myung-hee is to say that she is a warrior—not only a fighter in the meaning of being able to pound and boot—but a fighter who can overcome all of life's challenges. Myung-hee, a nurse in a hospital, is capable of defying her supervisors and advocating for patients even when doing so will have negative consequences in the long run. She puts in a lot of effort to support her family as the breadwinner and is prepared to give up what she values to do.
8. Go Ae Shin (Mr. Sunshine)
A two-edged sword is Go Ae-Shin (played by Kim Tae-Ri). She was born into a wealthy, socially stratified family and an aristocrat's daughter. She fights for a cause she fervently believes in while also being a deadly resistance fighter. It's also unthinkable to even consider that a noblewoman would carry a pistol because of her status. This lady, willing to risk her life in service to her nation, demonstrates that anything a man can do, she can do it sufficiently by fighting until the very end for what she believes in. Despite what society would have him do, Go joins the Righteous army as a sniper.
9. Kim Bok Joo (Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo)
Regarding Kim Bok Joo (played by Lee Sung Kyung), there are many things to be influenced by in the drama Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo. She challenges the notion that weightlifting is only a male sport. Despite her intimidating demeanor, she is a young woman just like any other, going through love, maturing, and always pursuing her aspirations. Another message from Bok Joo to his audience is that it's alright to fail occasionally as long as you get back up and keep going.
10. Yoon Se Ri (Crash Landing On You)
Yoon Se-ri (played by Son Ye-jin) is the founder and CEO of a prosperous fashion firm and always gets what she desires. She is a South Korean successor who has a paragliding casualty and ends up in North Korea. Yoon Se-ri is renowned for her courageous and competitive demeanor in addition to her immaculate sense of style, which we have previously seen in these two places. She struggled with suicidal ideas because of all the loneliness, but she prevailed. Despite her difficult circumstances, she developed powerful liberty and fortitude and went on to create her brand and commercial empire. She may have been a survivor because of her perseverance because when she crash-landed in North Korea, she had to deal with even graver hazards in her life. She had an incredible will to live and overcome all the obstacles.
