10 Must-Watch K-Dramas with Badass Female Leads

K-dramas have become a global sensation, and a big part of their appeal is the portrayal of strong and badass female characters. If you're ready to dive into a world where women take charge, here are 10 must-watch K-dramas that redefine girl power.

10. My Name (2021)

My Name is a crime thriller that tells the story of Yoon Ji-woo on her quest for revenge after the death of her father by joining an organized crime network led by powerful crime boss Choi Moo Jin.

Disguised as a police officer, Ji-woo uncovers shocking truths about her father's death while working with the police, leading to unexpected revelations and a gripping narrative.

9. Strong Girl Bong-Soon (2017)

This crime fantasy revolves around Do Bong-soon, a petite woman with incredible strength handed down through generations. When her super strength catches the attention of game company CEO Ahn Min-Hyuk after she saves his life, he hires her as a bodyguard.

Their mutual deal becomes complicated when they develop feelings that coincide with a series of kidnappings in Bong-soon's neighborhood. Beyond her physical strength, Bong-soon's bravery and instinct to help others shine through, exemplified by her pursuit of a criminal targeting her best friend.

8. The Uncanny Counter (2020)

Adapted from Jang Yi's Kakao Webtoon Amazing Rumor, the series centers on a group of Yung spirit-possessed characters known as Counters who hunt down loose evil spirits that murder people.

The show features not one, but two strong female leads: Choo Mae-ok, a warm-hearted mother with healing abilities, and Do Ha-na, a powerful fighter with unique skills. Together they form a powerful team at Eonni's Noodles, each bringing their unique and irreplaceable strengths to the group dynamic.

7. Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

This legal drama follows Woo Young-woo, a brilliant rookie lawyer with high-functioning autism, who overcomes professional hurdles thanks to her unique social skills. Despite initial challenges with her colleagues, she proves her legal prowess and earns the support of her peers, including her love interest, Lee Jun-ho.

Young-woo's resilience and determination are inspiring, making her an empowering woman and character for those who identify with her journey.

6. Her Private Life (2019)

This heartwarming rom-com tells the story of Sung Duk Mi, a skilled gallery curator who hides her identity as Cha Shi-an's fan girl beneath her professional shell. When rumors swirl that she is dating her idol, museum director Ryan Gold suggests she sets up a fake relationship.

Challenging stereotypes and highlighting the strength in pursuing personal interests, the series stands out as one of the top Korean dramas with a formidable female lead.

5. Vincenzo (2021)

In Netflix 's 2021 hit, Vincenzo Cassano, a Korean-Italian mob lawyer and consigliere of the Cassano crime family, returns to Korea with a mission to find a safe place to stash the mob's assets and explore new money-laundering opportunities.

Cha-Young, a former prosecutor seeking justice for her father's murder orchestrated by the corrupt Babel Group, partners with Vincenzo, showing her carefree attitude and relentless commitment to bringing down the powerful organization.

4. Bloody Heart (2022)

This fictional historical drama depicts the rise of King Seonjong to the throne following a rebellion and the subsequent succession of Lee Tae as the new King. Lee Tae falls in love with Yoo Jeong, the daughter of a noble family, and sees her as his Queen.

But winning the heart of the King comes second as Yoo Jeong is targeted by an evil villain who wants to gain power. However, this brave and free-spirited woman remains steadfast in the face of threats to herself and her family.

3. Happiness (2021)

In this apocalyptic thriller, the release of Next, a failed COVID treatment drug, triggers the global pandemic known as Rita, where infectious diseases have become the new normal. The story follows Yoon Sae Bom, a skilled special agent who secures an exclusive apartment for government officials by posing as the wife of detective Jung Yi Hyun.

Trapped in the complex during the quarantine, the drama delves into an exposed social caste system, showing the best and worst of the residents.

2. Link: Eat, Love, Kill (2022)

This crime thriller fantasy tells the story of Eun Gye-hoon, a renowned chef who experiences an unexpected ability to sense other people's emotions. Gye-hoon, who lost his twin brother two decades ago, opens a restaurant in search of his long-lost sibling and discovers a mysterious connection with a girl named Da Hyun as they share the same emotions.

Da-Hyun's determination to achieve her dreams and stand up to her mother highlights her resilience and independence, making the series an exceptional example of strong female-led K-dramas.

1. Vagabond (2019)

Fueled by the loss of his nephew Cha Hoon in the plane crash, stuntman Cha Dal-gun uncovers a web of terrorist and government conspiracies in this Netflix favorite epic historical martial arts series.

Teaming up with NIS agent Hae-ri, they join forces to uncover the hidden secrets and launch an investigation to bring justice to the victims and uncover the truth behind the complex conspiracy.