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Tatler Asia
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
12 K-dramas where the leading lady does all the saving
2. 'The King: Eternal Monarch' (2020) Leading lady: Jung Tae-eul (Kim Go-eun) In this parallel-universe epic, Emperor Lee Gon (Lee Min-ho) crosses into modern-day Korea in search of a mysterious woman who once saved him. That woman turns out to be Detective Jung Tae-eul (Kim Go-eun), a rational, no-nonsense cop who's unimpressed by titles and palaces. Despite the cosmic romance, Tae-eul is rarely the one being rescued. Instead, she uncovers massive conspiracies, faces off with traitors and grounds Gon with her unwavering logic. She's not a royal consort; she's the backbone of the story's moral compass. Also, she's often the one charging in first. 3. 'Tale of the Nine Tailed' (2020) Leading lady: Nam Ji-ah (Jo Bo-ah) Nam Ji-ah (Jo Bo-ah) is a fearless TV producer obsessed with unravelling her parents' mysterious disappearance. Her investigation leads her to a supernatural underworld populated by gumiho (nine-tailed foxes), evil spirits and her eventual love interest, the immortal Lee Yeon (Lee Dong-wook). While Lee Yeon has centuries of power, it's Ji-ah who uncovers the truth, resists possession by malevolent forces and repeatedly chooses to fight for her destiny. She's not content to be the fox's damsel. Instead, she's his equal, with a spine of steel and instincts sharper than any fang. 4. 'Sell Your Haunted House' (2021) Leading lady: Hong Ji-ah (Jang Na-ra) Hong Ji-ah (Jang Na-ra) is more than a real estate agent. She's also a cold, calculating exorcist who rids properties of lingering spirits. She teams up with fake psychic Oh In-beom (Jung Yong-hwa), but make no mistake: she's the expert, he's the sidekick. While In-beom fumbles through the supernatural, Ji-ah takes charge with her talismans and spirit-slaying savvy. She's haunted (literally) by past trauma, but her emotional journey is hers to conquer. She fights ghosts and toxic masculinity, one haunted house at a time. 5. 'Inspiring Generation' (2014) Leading lady: Gaya Deguchi (Im Soo-hyang) Set in 1930s Shanghai, this historical action drama is filled with revolutionaries, mobsters and bare-knuckle brawls. At the centre of it all is Shin Jung-tae (Kim Hyun-joong), a street fighter with a tragic past and a bruised heart. But among all the testosterone is Gaya Deguchi (Im Soo-hyang), the Japanese-Korean heiress of a powerful gang. In fact, Gaya is the one who's pulling the strings amid all the chaos. She chooses strategy over sentiment and often saves Jung-tae from political death traps and emotional self-destruction. Her choices shape the plot as much as his fists ever could. 6. 'Hotel del Luna' (2019) Leading lady: Jang Man-wol (IU) Jang Man-wol (IU) is the centuries-old CEO of a hotel for ghosts with unresolved grudges. She's vain, vindictive and dresses like a runway model from the Joseon Dynasty. Beneath the designer hanboks, however, is a heart that slowly heals. Goo Chan-sung (Yeo Jin-goo) may help her process her trauma, but she's the one who protects him from rogue spirits and darker forces. She doesn't just lead the hotel—she commands it. And when it's time for one final sacrifice, it's Man-wol who walks into the fire on her own terms. See more: Dressed to dominate: 6 ways K-drama heroines used fashion to showcase their power 7. 'Strong Girl Nam-soon' (2023) Leading lady: Gang Nam-soon (Lee Yoo-mi) What did you expect when the plot revolves around a family wherein all the women have super strength? In this spin-off of Strong Woman Do Bong-soon , we meet Gang Nam-soon (Lee Yoo-mi), a quirky, lovable girl with superhuman strength who returns to Korea after being lost in Mongolia as a child. She's not only physically powerful (lifting everything from grown men to airplanes) but emotionally resilient, even after being separated from her family for years. Nam-soon uses her strength to take down an international drug cartel infiltrating Korea's elite circles, while juggling a budding romance with Detective Gang Hee-sik (Ong Seong-wu). Hee-sik may be the cop with the badge, but Nam-soon is the one busting drug rings and dragging villains to jail (sometimes literally by the collar). While he admires her, she doesn't wait around to be saved—she's the one doing the smashing and rescuing. 8. 'Search: WWW' (2019) Leading lady: Bae Ta-mi (Im Soo-jung), Cha Hyeon (Lee Da-hee), Song Ga-kyeong (Jeon Hye-jin) Three powerhouse female leads run the show. Set in the cutthroat world of web portals and tech giants, these women aren't wielding swords but also data, strategy and epic clapbacks. While romance threads through the story, these women are far more focused on saving their careers, reputations and personal agency. For example, Ta-mi's (Im Soo-jung ) relationship with Park Morgan (Jang Ki-yong) is sweet, but she never lets it derail her ambition. 9. 'My Name' (2021) Leading lady: Yoon Ji-woo (Han So-hee) This gritty revenge noir follows Ji-woo (Han So-hee), who joins a crime syndicate and infiltrates the police force to uncover the truth behind her father's death. She doesn't wait around for a man to take vengeance for her. Instead, she becomes the weapon. Ji-woo fights, bleeds and outsmarts men in both gangs and law enforcement, relying only on herself (and some serious knife skills) to survive. 10. 'The Glory' (2022–2023) Leading lady: Moon Dong-eun (Song Hye-kyo) In this gritty drama, Dong-eun (Song Hye-kyo) orchestrates an entire symphony of vengeance against the rich and remorseless bullies who ruined her youth. With intelligence, patience and icy resolve, she systematically dismantles each villain's life. While there's a gentle male ally (Lee Do-hyun), he's a supporting character in her game. Dong-eun saves herself and exposes the rot behind Korea's elite. 11. 'Arthdal Chronicles (2019-2023) Leading lady: Tan-ya (Kim Ji-won / Shin Se-kyung) Tan-ya (Kim Ji-won in Season 1) starts as a spiritual figurehead but slowly builds political power in a war-torn, fantasy civilisation. By the second season, she's (Shin Se-kyung) no longer just the emotional compass—she becomes a sharp strategist outplaying warlords, tribes and even her love interest, Eun-seom (Lee Joon-gi), when needed. She may wear a ceremonial robe, but make no mistake: Tan-ya saves everyone. 12. 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' (2022) Leading lady: Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin) Yes, she may need someone to open her water bottles and escort her through revolving doors, but Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin) is as fierce as they come. As a rookie attorney on the autism spectrum, Young-woo doesn't just survive the challenges of a rigid legal world—she triumphs. With a brilliant mind, creative logic and emotional growth, she wins court cases, handles discrimination with grace and even converts sceptics. Male leads support her, but she's never dependent on them. Her victories are hers alone.
Time Out
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
New yakiniku restaurant opens in the heart of Central
Hong Kong has no shortage of yakiniku spots, but this newcomer is already sitting high up on our list. Sitting on Wyndham Street among the chaos of the LKF area, Yakiniku Sho brings something different to the table. It's a straightforward Japanese-Korean barbecue joint where quality Wagyu meets the soulful flavours of Korean home cooking – all at prices that won't make your wallet weep. The restaurant offers two omakase-style sets featuring the finest A5-grade Japanese Black Wagyu and a selection of rare cuts based on what's available each day. The $490 'Don't Think Yasu' set offers six premium cuts that might include anything from velvety Misuji shoulder to wine-marinated Hokkaido pork ribs, while the $790 'Don't Think Sho' adds premium touches with additions like Wagyu tartare and Hokkaido scallops draped in salmon roe. Everything's grilled right at your table – no fuss, just good meat cooked properly. What makes Yakiniku Sho different from the rest is the Korean dishes that are anything but some half-hearted fusion gimmick. Recipes were passed down from the owner's mother, including the homemade kimchi (fermented for three years), spicy tofu hotpot that comes bubbling to your table, and traditional Korean-style steamed egg stuffed with crab meat. They've also got a decent range of sake with pairings chosen to complement both the rich beef and the bolder Korean flavours. While the sets are the stars, à la carte options like the Yaki-Sabu (A5 sirloin with signature sauce) and the gomtang oxtail soup are worth the calories. And their sea salt caramel soft serve is the kind of simple-but-perfect ending this meal deserves.
What's On
04-04-2025
- Business
- What's On
In pics: A huge food and games hub just opened in Dubai Mall
It has 22 different food outlets… Click through the gallery to see more… 3 of 12 Social Distrikt has now opened in Dubai Mall Fountain Views and it's about to be the ultimate urban food and entertainment hub. Spanning 42,000 square feet, it pairs diverse food options with fun and immersive entertainment. Founded by hospitality group, Limestone Lab, who are known for creating innovative social and dining concepts, Social Distrikt has 22 premium food options plus an arcade and a bar, and multiple immersive gaming zones. The selection of food is from all around the world and includes La Barra (Peruvian tapas), Alba (fine dining Japanese-Korean fusion), Saigon (Vietnamese kitchen), and Double Like Burger & Lobster (gourmet burger and lobster dishes), Choco Fondue (chocolate based desserts), meet my sweet (authentic arabic sweets). Social Distrikt also has a duck-pin bowling alley, arcade games and will host an evolving lineup of community events, from comedy nights to music acts. It sounds like the newest place to be in Downtown Dubai. Social Distrikt comes after the opening of SLRP in Dubai Mall too, a ramen-lovers favourite. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
What's On
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Embark on an innovative four-hands dinner with Chef Gio & Friends at Akira Back
Sponsored: Get set to be wowed by this collaboration… At Dubai's Akira Back, get ready for a scintillating four-hands dinner experience for one night only on Friday, March 28. This is your chance to experience a sizzling blend of Chef Giovanni Ledon's signature Japanese-Korean precision and Chef Roberto Segura's bold and contemporary take on Peruvian cuisine, on a menu that proudly showcases incredible flavours, seasonal ingredients, refined techniques, and artistic plating. Chef Gio is known for his exciting collaborations with world-renowned chefs from around the globe, curating exclusive, one-of-a-kind menus that showcase creativity and innovation with each edition, that literally and figuratively speak volumes of his culinary artistry and vision. This latest installment, his third of the series, is all set to introduce you to a supreme, sea-inspired menu which captures the essence of the ocean in every course, as it delivers a burst of flavors that will engage all of your senses. Located so you can savour stunning views of the Dubai skyline, Akira Back has earned a spot in the Michelin Guide Dubai for 2022, 2023, and 2024, an achievement that proudly showcases the exceptional quality and innovation that define the restaurant's culinary offerings. As for this specific series that's proven a great hit with connoisseurs of exclusive dining experiences in the city, you'll now be able to experience Chef Gio & Friends Series Vol. 3 ., led by Chef de Cuisine Giovanni Ledon, as he propels the renowned brand's signature specialities to new heights, offering a modern reinterpretation of the culinary classics it's come to be known for. Experience true culinary artistry and gastronomic mastery on Friday, March 28. Book here now, because seats are limited to only 24 diners. Akira Back, W Dubai – The Palm, Friday, March 28 (7pm and 9pm), Dhs599 dry, Dhs899 sake pairing. Tel: (0)4 245 5800. @akirabackdubai @wdubaipalm > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
