There are a lot of strong female characters in K-Dramas, especially in historical settings. We’re all aware that during those times, women were seen as inferior to men. Hence, the resilient and strong female characters in these historical dramas serve as icons!
Whether they assume the roles of queens, princesses, court ladies, or commoners, their strength remains evident, irrespective of the presence or absence of a male partner. Now, let’s get to meet some of the strong female leads in historical K-dramas!
Yoo Gil Chae of “My Dearest“
Before we dive in, let’s welcome the newest character to this list: Yoo Gil Chae (Ahn Eun Jin) of “My Dearest!” This historical melodrama just premiered last August 4, and it’s a romance story between a mysterious man and a nobleman’s daughter set amidst the hardships caused by the Qing invasion during the Joseon dynasty. Yoo Gil Chae, a nobleman’s daughter full of confidence, crosses paths with Lee Jang Hyun (Namkoong Min’s character), and as she goes through wartime, she gradually matures and falls in love.
Lee Yeon Joo of “Joseon Attorney: A Morality“
Lee Yeon Joo (WJSN Bona) of “Joseon Attorney: A Morality” is one of this year’s best female leads! She is a princess who pretends to be a maidservant so she can take care of her people and help the victims of lawsuits by teaming up with an attorney! She’s a fearless character who won’t back down and is the kind of female lead who will save the male lead, defying the usual dynamics where it’s always the male lead saving the female lead!
Ye So Rang of “The Forbidden Marriage“
Ye So Rang (Park Joo Hyun) of “The Forbidden Marriage” is not your ordinary female lead; she’s the kind of character you won’t forget! She is a shaman/swindler who claims to possess the spirit of the late crown princess, which is the reason why the king doesn’t want to marry. But wait, I know that description might sound off, but you’ll learn to fall for So Rang’s charm and strong personality as you get to know her more in every episode. P.S. Her dynamics with the king (Kim Young Dae) are the funniest you’ll see in a historical romcom!
Yoo Eun Seo of “The Tale of Nokdu“
Yoo Eun Seo (Kim So Hyun) of “The Tale of Nokdu” is an icon in historical K-Dramas! Despite the societal constraints during her time, her intelligence, courage, and refusal to conform to traditional gender roles make her an empowered character! She challenges the norm, pursues her own path, and fights for justice to achieve her goals.
Ah Ro of “Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth“
Ah Ro (Go Ara) of “Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth” is one of K-Dramas’s empowered female characters because of how she defies convention by displaying intelligence, independence, and a strong sense of self despite living in a male-dominated society during the Silla Dynasty. Her determination to become a skilled doctor and protect the people she loves makes her a memorable character we all love.
Hong Ra On of “Love in the Moonlight“
“Love in the Moonlight” is one of the most loved K-Dramas, and one of the reasons is the female lead: Hong Ra On (Kim Yoo Jung)! Raised to become a male eunuch, Ra On is a popular and street-smart person who can achieve anything she sets her mind to. She has the ability to adapt to challenging circumstances and always stands up for what is right!
Han Ga Eun of “The Emperor: Owner of the Mask“
Han Ga Eun of “The Emperor: Owner of the Mask” is one strong female lead in the Joseon era. Ga Eun is a daughter of a deputy magistrate who has a strong-willed character. Using her wide knowledge of medicinal herbs, she helps the crown prince fight against an oppressive regime that is hurting the Joseon people.
Queen Hwaryeong of “Under The Queen’s Umbrella”
The most loved Queen this year is Queen Hwaryeong (Kim Hye Soo) of “Under The Queen’s Umbrella!” The drama follows the story of Queen Hwaryeong as she protects the people around her despite all the difficulties of being part of the royal family. The drama shows that the Queen is willing to do anything for her children, and a mother’s love is the greatest of all.
As you can see, women are as powerful as men and can achieve a lot, even in the past! So, which one of them is your favorite? Let’s all watch and meet them by subscribing to KOCOWA+!
