In recent years, Korean dramas, or K-dramas, have undergone a significant transformation in their portrayal of female characters, breaking away from traditional narratives. The shift is evident in the emergence of strong, independent women as lead characters, marking a departure from the conventional "Candy Girl" genre prevalent in the 1990s.
Notable successes like "The Glory," centered on a woman seeking revenge against her bullies, and "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," featuring an autistic female lawyer, highlight the evolving landscape of women's roles in K-dramas. Unlike the earlier focus on chaebol (rich heirs) and Cinderella stories, contemporary female protagonists are portrayed as independent professionals unswayed by societal expectations of marriage.
Veteran actress and singer Uhm Jung-hwa, considered one of the most powerful women in Korean entertainment, acknowledges the substantial shift from the '90s, when women's life goals were often confined to finding the perfect man. The changing portrayal of women as strong, self-reliant individuals pursuing their dreams is evident in recent series like "Doctor Cha," where a middle-aged woman decides to fulfill her medical aspirations after two decades of prioritizing family over personal goals.
This transformation in women's representation is attributed to South Korea's remarkable economic development, which brought about changes in societal norms. While K-dramas continue to feature powerful and affluent characters, women now occupy these roles, as seen in global hits like "Crash Landing On You."
Forbes' K-drama critic Joan MacDonald notes the influence of streaming platforms in fostering diverse narratives, allowing for more risk-taking. The COVID-19 lockdown further accelerated these changes, with K-drama viewership tripling during the pandemic, reflecting a demand for nuanced storytelling.
Female narratives challenging societal taboos have become more prevalent, as seen in Baek Mi-kyoung's "Mine," which depicted a love story between two women, breaking new ground for Korean TV. However, Baek acknowledges the initial resistance to such narratives, emphasizing the need for continual efforts to break boundaries and redefine storytelling norms.
While streaming platforms have provided increased freedom of expression and larger budgets for productions, concerns arise about potential shifts toward more action-packed content at the expense of quieter, female-centric narratives. The success of globally acclaimed series like "Squid Game" underscores the industry's evolving dynamics.
Despite these changes, K-drama remains a global phenomenon, attracting a diverse audience. As the industry navigates the balance between traditional elements and evolving storytelling, the portrayal of women in diverse roles reflects a broader cultural shift in South Korea's entertainment landscape. The continuing investment from streaming giants suggests that empowering female narratives will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of K-dramas.