Breaking the mould: 7 recent feminist K-dramas you need to watch

From demure to dominant, strong women take centre stage in series like Love To Hate You, Thirty-Nine, Crash Landing on You, and Little Women

Love To Hate You, Little Women, Thirty-Nine, Hi Bye, Mama!, My Name, Crash Landing on You and Extraordinary Attorney Woo are some must-watch K-dramas 

South Korea has been known for its entertainment industry, specifically its K-dramas, which have become popular worldwide. However, the recent feminist series from the country has taken the spotlight for portraying women in a new light.

These series break the conventional portrayal of women as demure and submissive and present them as strong-willed and commanding. Here are some of the recent feminist K-dramas that you must watch.

Love To Hate You (2023)
The series centres around Yeo Mi-ran, a new attorney at Gilmu Law Firm that specialises in the entertainment industry. She is fiercely independent, a player, not interested in romantic relationships, and refuses to lose to men in any capacity. Mi-ran's focus on her career and refusal to engage in romantic relationships highlights the importance of female autonomy and self-sufficiency.

Thirty-Nine (2022)
Thirty-Nine is a drama about three women in their late thirties who are struggling with the challenges of adulthood. The show examines the pressure society places on women to marry and have children, and the judgement that comes with being single and childless. It also touches on issues of infidelity, sexual harassment, and sexism in the workplace. The three main characters – Cha Mi-jo (Son Ye-jin), Hong Yi-young (Jeon Mi-do), and Jang Sun-woo (Chae Jung-an) – are complex, flawed, and relatable, making Thirty-Nine an emotionally resonant series.

Little Women (2022)
The series centres around three sisters who share a deep connection and have experienced poverty throughout their childhood. The plot follows their thrilling journey as they become entangled in a significant incident and confront the wealthiest family in the country. The sisters are courageous and determined, and their struggles and triumphs highlight the importance of female empowerment and resilience.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)
The series follows Woo Young Woo, a 27-year-old lawyer with an autism spectrum disorder. As a new attorney at a top law firm, she confronts various challenges, both in and out of the courtroom. The show features a strong, intelligent female lead who breaks barriers and challenges stereotypes surrounding autism and women in the legal profession.

My Name (2021)
My Name is an action thriller series that tells the story of Yoon Ji-woo (Han So-hee), a woman who joins a criminal organisation to uncover the truth about her father's death. The series showcases women as powerful and resilient, who are not afraid to take on the world and fight for justice.

Hi Bye, Mama! (2020)
Hi Bye, Mama! is a fantasy drama that tells the story of a ghost, Cha Yu-ri (Kim Tae-hee), who is given a second chance at life to spend time with her husband and daughter. The series showcases a strong female character who is determined to make amends and fulfil her responsibilities as a mother, despite the challenges she faces as a ghost.

Crash Landing on You (2019)
Crash Landing on You is a romantic comedy that tells the story of a wealthy South Korean woman, Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin), who accidentally crash-lands in North Korea and falls in love with a North Korean soldier, Ri Jeong Hyeok (Hyun Bin). The series showcases a strong female character who is resourceful, resilient, and takes charge of her own destiny.

In conclusion, these feminist South Korean series challenge traditional gender roles and portray women as strong, independent, and capable of achieving their goals. They tackle important issues such as workplace inequality, societal pressures, and gender discrimination, and present women as complex characters with their own stories and aspirations.

These series are a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the evolving portrayal of women in the entertainment industry.

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