10 must-watch K-dramas with powerful female leads

New Delhi: It’s 2025, and women are taking centre stage with roles that inspire, challenge and empower. Gone are the days when female leads were confined to being sidekicks or damsels in distress. Today, they’re commanding attention with their bold personas and riveting performances.

From navigating life as a neurodivergent attorney to taking down a criminal syndicate, these female protagonists are breaking stereotypes while telling unforgettable stories.

K-dramas with powerful female leads

Whether you’re a seasoned K-drama fan or a newcomer, this curated list of 10 dramas featuring powerful women is sure to leave you inspired and entertained. Let’s dive into the worlds of these incredible characters and the shows that brought them to life.

1. Moon Dong-eun – The Glory (2022)

Moon Dong-eun (Song Hye-kyo) is not your typical K-drama heroine. In The Glory, she’s a woman on a mission, fueled by the scars of her traumatic past. After years of bullying, she plots an intricate revenge against her tormentors. What sets Dong-eun apart is her quiet yet unyielding strength. With Song Hye-kyo delivering a career-defining performance, this dark and emotional series will keep you hooked until the very end.

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2. Jin Ha-kyung – Forecasting Love And Weather (2022)

Jin Ha-kyung (Park Min-young) is a dedicated meteorologist who juggles a demanding job and complicated relationships. Ha-kyung’s character is refreshing, portraying a woman who refuses to let societal pressures dictate her choices. The drama brilliantly blends workplace challenges with a dash of sizzling romance, Forecasting Love And Weather is a must-watch for those who love strong, relatable female leads.

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3. Yoon Ji-woo AKA Song Ji-woo AKA Oh Hye-jin – My Name (2021)

Yoon Ji-woo (Han So-hee) is the epitome of resilience and grit. After witnessing her father’s murder, Ji-woo infiltrates a crime syndicate and becomes a double agent to uncover the truth. Han So-hee transforms herself into a solid fighter girl who is both intense and awe-inspiring. My Name is a gritty, action-packed drama that proves the actress is a force to be reckoned with.

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4. Noh Da-hyun – Link: Eat, Love, Kill (2022)

Noh Da-hyun (Moon Ga-young) is as endearing as she is resilient. She balances mystery, romance and a touch of fantasy. This drama follows Da-hyun as she becomes entwined with a chef with whom she shares something that is less than love but more than a crush. Her determination and charm make her a standout character in a story full of twists and turns.

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5. Woo Young-woo – Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

Hands down, Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin) is a trailblazing character who redefines what it means to be a protagonist in K-dramas. It has whales, a cute office crush and lots of emotions. As a brilliant attorney with autism, Woo Young-woo faces societal prejudices head-on while solving cases with unparalleled intellect. Her character is someone you’ll root for from start to finish.

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6. Hong Cha-young – Vincenzo (2021)

Hong Cha-young (Jeon Yeo-been) is a lawyer with a sharp tongue and an even sharper mind. Partnering with a mafia consigliere, she brings a mix of wit, determination, and unpredictability to the story. Cha-young’s unapologetic demeanour and her ability to hold her own in a male-dominated space make her a standout in this wildly popular drama.

7. Jang Man-wol – Hotel Del Luna (2019)

Jang Man-wol (IU) is the enigmatic owner of a hotel for wandering souls. With her opulent wardrobe, biting sarcasm and deep-seated regrets, our Jungkook’s beloved crush IU plays a character like no other. Played to perfection, she seamlessly blends humour and heartbreak, making Hotel Del Luna a magical ride that lingers long after the final episode.

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8. Do Bong-soon – Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017)

Going back to the days of Dubsmash, Strong Girl Bong-soon has every element to give you butterflies and laughs. Do Bong-soon (Park Bo-young) is tiny but mighty, literally. Born with superhuman strength, she dreams of being a game developer but finds herself caught up in protecting her community from danger. This charming mix of action and romance is elevated by Bong-soon’s courage and kindness, making her one of the most beloved K-drama heroines of all time.

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9. Jung Tae-eul – The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)

Jung Tae-eul (Kim Go-Eun) is a detective who finds herself entangled in a parallel universe storyline. As she navigates royal intrigue and an inter-dimensional romance, Tae-eul remains grounded and fiercely independent. Kim Go-eun’s nuanced performance ensures that Tae-eul stands tall as a powerful character in a visually stunning drama.

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10. Ko Moon-young – It’s Okay To Not Be Okay (2020)

Ko Moon-young (Seo Ye-ji) is a children’s book author with a dark, mysterious past. Her bold personality, unfiltered opinions, and journey toward healing make her a truly compelling character. Paired with a heartwarming love story, It’s Okay To Not Be Okay offers a raw and emotional exploration of mental health and relationships.

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Which of these powerful K-drama leads inspire you?