BBC Highlights Transformation Of Female Leads In K-Dramas
Recently, the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) spotlighted the transformation of female leads in K-Dramas. They revealed that some of this year’s biggest hits included The Glory and Extraordinary Attorney Woo, showing that K-Dramas are now just as likely to have a female lead as a male.
Traditionally, the role of women in K-Dramas was not this diverse. In the past, dramas were made for the whole family, and taboo subjects were never shown.
In the 1990s, Korean dramas were mainly about “chaebol -rich heirs- loving poor women.” That’s not the case now. The female protagonist has changed: she’s very independent, has a professional job, and is not really bothered by marriage.
Actress Uhm Jung Hwa, who starred as the female lead in the Netflix series, Doctor Cha, expressed how happy she was to have played a strong female character.
Now we can see many strong female characters boldly embracing life on their own terms, and I feel fortunate and happy to be able to tell women’s stories, even at my age. Doctor Cha chooses to pursue her dreams, saying that she’s done her part as a mum. Her journey is incredibly inspiring.
Hong Eun Mi, vice-chair of the Korean Screenwriters’ Association, added that it’s harder for scripts featuring women to receive a big budget.
It is difficult to receive investment for a script featuring a woman. When a woman is the main character, the budget is very small. I am very disappointed by that.
Although she no longer has to think about budget when she writes, she worries about the quieter narratives that might not receive the spotlight due to the more loud and violent shows.
K-Dramas are also beginning to shed more light on different genders and sexuality, showing them in a respectful way.
The hit drama Itaewon Class featured a transgender character who was treated with respect. The show was adapted from a webtoon – a comic designed to be read vertically on a smartphone – which often have millions of international fans, acting as a sort of barometer for any drama reversion.
On the other hand, Forbes’ K-Drama critic Joan MacDonald, who is all for the change in female leads, hopes it doesn’t change too much.
I think one of the reasons women are drawn to K-dramas is the way they portray men. They might pretend to be macho at the beginning, but inside, they’re tender and very romantic.
I hope it doesn’t change too much because we like it for what it is. Perhaps it is time for men to take note of what women’s fantasies entail. Women have been catering to men’s fantasies for centuries.
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