Annyeong, my fellow K-drama lovers! After fangirling over a bunch of amazing K-dramas and bawling my eyes out while watching the final episodes, I finally realised that I need to get my life together and enlighten all the readers with some interesting Korean drama information that they may or may not have asked for because it literally pays my bills. As I said, I love binge-watching K-dramas and swooning over the lead couple, but I have to admit that I can’t stop myself from falling in love with the female leads who inspire me. These female characters prove that they are not damsels in distress or some manic pixie dream girls whose only job is to inspire the male lead. Some of them are empathetic, caring, and can change the world with kindness, while others are badass, opinionated, and can make an adult shiver with their intense death stare. All and all, these unnies know how to get things done, if you know what I mean! So, without further ado, let’s meet the kweens of K-drama land!
1. Attorney Woo Young Woo (Park Eun-Bin) From Extraordinary Attorney Woo
If you will ask me to name one character who is extremely smart and cute, I will definitely say Attorney Woo Young Woo and I know that a lot of people will agree with me. The protagonist of the 2022 Korean drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo is is a lawyer who has autism spectrum disorder, she works for a top Korean law firm after graduating from a prestigious university. Initially, she finds it difficult to fit in, but with her adorable personality and her unique way of solving tricky cases, she proves that she is anything but an ordinary attorney. Go for it, girl!
2. Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-Jin) From Crash Landing On You
Okay, I will admit that Yoon Se-ri, played by actress Son Ye-Jin stole my heart in 2020 with her powerful personality and swoon-worthy fashion choices. The leading lady of Crash Landing On You is a successful businesswoman and believes in fighting for what she wants. When she falls in love with North Korean soldier Ri Jeong-hyeok, she faces all the challenges fearlessly and even takes a bullet for him (sighs and makes finger heart for Son Ye-Jin and Hyun Bin), if that doesn’t prove that she is a strong character, then I don’t know what will.
3. Do Bong Soon (Park Bo-Young) From Strong Woman Do Bong Soon
Brace yourself, people! Now we are going to talk about Do Bong Soon who can literally break your bones in seconds while looking cute as a button. Portrayed by actress Park Bo-Young, the protagonist of the K-drama Strong Woman Do Bong Soon is born with superhuman strength, it is a trait that gets passed on to the women in her family and that’s the reason why she smashes the stereotype that women are weak with ease. All and all, she is a force to be reckoned with and will definitely steal everyone’s attention immediately.
4. Goo Ryeon (Kim Hee-Sun) From Tomorrow
The list also includes a powerful Grim Reaper but not many people know that she is a total softie. Goo Ryeon (Kim Hee-sun) from Tomorrow is a kind-hearted Grim reaper who leads a risk management team. Along with her two teammates, she can cross any limit to help people with suicidal tendencies. But she also punishes the perpetrators because she is a true badass, you know!
5. Cha Soo Young (Sooyoung) From Tell Me What You Saw
To be honest, Cha Soo Young from Tell Me What You Saw is the most talented police officer in K-drama land. Played by singer-actress Kim Sooyoung, this cutie cop has a special power that sets her apart from other strong K-drama characters. She uses her photographic memory to solve tricky cases and catch the culprits, what a flex!
6. Yoo Ji Woo (Han So-hee) From My Name
If you are looking for a female K-drama character with some exceptional fighting skills, then Choi Ji Woo from My Name is a perfect choice. Played by actress Han So-hee, Ji Woo is a tough girl whose heartbreaking story made us cry but her exceptional fighting skills made us swoon over her.
7. Do Hana (Kim Sejeong) From The Uncanny Counter
To state that Do Hana from The Uncanny Counter is the most badass female lead ever is to state the obvious. Played by Kim Sejeong, she is a ‘Counter’ aka an evil spirit hunter who is capable of fighting demon-possessed by using her superpowers. She is the superwoman of K-drama land!
8. Kang Se-byeok (Jung Ho Yeon) From Squid Game
If you don’t know about Kang Se-byeok aka player number 067 from Squid Game, I’m judging you right now. Played by Jung Ho Yeon, Kang Se-byeok is a North Korean defector who wants to win the deadly game to take care of his younger brother. She was portrayed as someone who was mean, cold, and self-centred. But towards the end, we witness a change in her and her death broke everyone’s heart. To be honest, Kang Se-byeok deserved better!
9. Kang Soo-Jin (Lee Bo-young) From Mother
First of all, Mother is the most underrated K-drama ever that deserves everyone’s attention. And Kang Soo-Jin is the best female character in K-drama land. Played by actress Lee Bo-Young, she is a temporary elementary school teacher who saves her student after learning that she is getting abused at home. She kidnaps the little girl and goes against the law to protect her.
1o. Na Hee-Do From (Kim Tae-ri) Twenty Five, Twenty One
Hallyu star Kim Tae Ri starred in Netflix’s ‘Twenty-Five Twenty-One as a fencing star, Na Hee Do, alongside Nam Joo Hyuk. She joins the fencing team in her high school but her dreams of becoming a fencing star get shattered when the team gets disbanded due to the South Korean financial crisis. However, Naa Hee Do finds another way to achieve her dream and after facing innumerable obstacles, she finally becomes a part of the national fencing team. That’s the reason why Naa Hee Do is the most inspiring woman in K-drama land and we can learn so much from her journey.
All and all, we take some lessons in girl power from these K-drama women.