- 130Shares
Traditionally, Korean drama is notorious for portraying stereotypically meek and helpless female lead characters, the kind that depend on the hero for their salvation and purpose of existence. However, this trend has been turning in the last decade or so with a slew of confident, intelligent, and self-reliant female lead characters. Not only can they hold their own, they even outshine the hero at times. In this article we cover 10 of the most capable, badass female lead characters from modern day Kdramas. Sageuk heroines are another day’s tale.
Yoo In Hye – Midas (2011)
Born to an incredibly rich yet cold hearted chaebol family, Yoo In Hye (Kim Hee Ae) may be one of the smartest and most accomplished female characters in Kdramas. She received her MBA in the US, worked as a securities broker in Wall Street, and is the president of her own multibillion-dollar hedge fund. She’s a powerful woman with brains and ambition, manipulating her way into controlling the equally ambitious hero and her family’s wealth despite her siblings’ endless plots against her. It’s refreshing to see her achieve such status with her own intelligence and hard work, as opposed to the typical family lineage or political marriage angles.
Cheon Song Yi – My Love From the Star (2013)
Who can be more diva and lovable at the same time than the alien-courting top actress Cheon Song Yi (Jeon Ji Hyun)? The answer is no one. The over-the-top confidence and no-nonsense straight shooter personality she exudes in every situation, even the most humiliating ones, are what makes her so badass and memorable as a character.
Oh Young – That Winter, the Wind Blows (2013)
What makes Oh Young (Song Hye Kyo), an orphaned and lonely heiress, so unique as a character is the fact that she’s physically disabled. Her legally blind situation and her social status make it hard for her to rely on and trust anyone, so she operates extremely independently and with much self-dignity. Her prickly yet witty comments, her incredible mental strength to get through life and weather the betrayals of those she trusted are inspirational to watch.
Kim Soo Hyun – God’s Gift – 14 Days (2014)
Kim Soo Hyun (Lee Bo Young) earns the bravest female lead title. Soo Hyun’s daughter gets kidnapped and murdered, but through a miraculous discovery, she’s able to travel back in time and given exactly 14 days to save her daughter’s life. As Soo Hyun tries to backtrack and change past events, she puts herself in more and more danger, and we witness a desperate mother’s immense courage and tenacity in risking her own life to save her daughter.
Go Eun Byul – Who Are You: School 2015 (2015)
Though Go Eun Byul (Kim So Hyun) appeared less than her twin sister in the series, she nonetheless left a deep impression on the audience with her audacity and bold confidence, particularly for a teenager. Upon discovering the existence of her long-lost twin sister, she sets out to look for her on her own without letting anyone else know. She’s keen to protect what’s important to her and ruthlessly schools her sister’s bully, letting all of us feel a breath of fresh air for justice being served.
Oh Cho Rim – The Girl Who Sees Smells (2015)
The specialness of Oh Cho Rim (Shin Se Kyung) doesn’t just end with her unique ability to see smells. Her bubbly personality, passion for gag, and courage to pursue a serial murderer all make her a delightful heroine. She’s made shrewd observations and sound deductions throughout the drama, proving to be the pivotal force behind solving the case, certainly more so than the overly hot headed hero and the other dense police detectives.
Jung Hye In – Wanted (2016)
How much can you pull through when you’re put under an extremely stressful situation such as hosting a reality show at the demand of your child’s kidnapper? Such is the unthinkable test that top actress and host Jung Hye In (Kim Ah Joong) is put through. She must beg, persuade, and blackmail every person of use keep the show on air and conquer every obstacle in her way to solve the missions from the kidnapper to assure her son’s safety, all the while maintain the composure to be able to host the show professionally. Indeed, she deserves the most stress tolerant and resilient heroine award.
Oh Yeon Joo – W (2016)
Oh Yeon Joo’s virtue as a heroine may not be obvious at first, but soon enough, she takes matters into her own hands and both literally and figuratively decides (or draws) the fates of those around her. She’s sharp at noticing patterns and quick to think on her feet. When the myriad of never-ending crazy situations and plot twists are thrown at her both in the real world and in the fictional manhwa world, she doesn’t give up and keeps pushing towards a happy ending for all.
Choi Yoo Jin – The K2 (2016)
In this action-packed political drama, one queen bee rules above all and her name is Choi Yoo Jin (Song Yoon Ah). She’s the daughter of a chaebol family, the wife of a presidential candidate, and an ambitious yet merciless boss lady. Though corrupt and extreme with her means, Yoo Jin is as sharp as an eagle, as ballsy as a lion, and as loyal as a wolf pack leader is to her underlings. Her savage actions juxtapose against her soft spot for the hero to coin a controversial yet pitiful character.
Do Bong Soon – Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (2017)
Do Bong Soon (Park Bo Young) is literally the strongest female lead ever, because she possesses supernatural strength. However, beyond physical fortitude, she’s got a big heart and has demonstrated immense character growth — conquering her inner fears about being different, and embracing her powers to save others from the despicable serial abductor.
Are there any other badass female lead characters who’s left a deep impression on you? Do share with us in the comments section below!
- 130Shares
- 130Shares