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India Today
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Feminism in K-dramas: A growing voice or still a whisper?
K-dramas have become our comfort genre. We watch them for the slow-motion stares, the perfect OSTs (original soundtracks), pretty characters, and their dramatic lives. But, as much as we swoon, cry, and binge like there's no tomorrow, there's a quiet question in the background: Are K-dramas empowering women or just putting feminism in a pretty dress and calling it a day? Let's explore in our weekly you have seen K-dramas like 'The Heirs', 'Boys over Flowers', and 'Playful Kiss', you would have noticed the female leads are mostly poor but hardworking, clumsy yet adorable and always sacrificing, crying, or waiting for a rich, emotionally unavailable guy in a black suit to save them. Their ambitions are usually limited to passing an exam or winning a guy's heart. They aren't exactly feminist icons. However, that narrative seems to be changing all began with a 2007 show titled 'Coffee Prince'. The drama challenged gender norms in its own pretty little way. The protagonist, Go Eun-chan, disguises herself as a man to work at a cafe, stirring questions about gender identity. Even though the show leaned more on romantic comedy than activism, it subtly critiqued traditional gender norms and opened space for acceptance of more unconventional female leads. But, no other show until 'Descendants of the Sun' in 2016 could do for feminism what 'Coffee Prince' introduced. The Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-ko-starrer featured women in uniform and went on to become an iconic show. One of the most celebrated dialogues from the drama, 'You don't have a boyfriend because you are too busy,' perfectly captures the social commentary it tried to drama introduced us to Dr Kang Mo-yeon, played by Hye-kyo, a charismatic and accomplished surgeon who thrives in the male-dominated field. While romance played a key role, it didn't shape the narrative of Kang's professional excellence. She was portrayed as a smart and ambitious woman who didn't let a man define her worth. In 2018, you got another swooning K-drama, titled 'Crash Landing on You', starring dreamy Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin (now a real-life couple). A scene in the show features Se-ri confidently walking to her funeral. A bold and successful CEO who, quite literally, crash-lands in North Korea, is never found losing her independence and leadership qualities. Far from a damsel in distress, Se-ri takes charge of her narrative, lifting others as she grows. She proves that even in a fairytale, the heroine can be her own hero. The 2020s brought a new era of K-drama where being bold wasn't enough; the portrayal of emotional resilience and mental fortitude were also necessary for independent individual Name: Her story, her way (2021)The story involved Ji-woo (Han So-hee), a woman who infiltrates a police force to avenge her father's death. Unlike many action dramas that reduce women to sidekicks, Ji-woo dominated the screen with grit and physical strength and emotional depth. As the title suggests, she creates her own identity and doesn't rely on her father's name, who is a big gangster. Her portrayal isn't about ticking the 'strong female character' box, her story is authentic, filled with pain and resilience. Thirty-Nine, and Little Women: Redefining womanhood!2022 witnessed two major K-dramas that explored feminist themes, each in its unique way. In the first half, the audience was captivated by the heartfelt drama, 'Thirty-Nine'. The portrayal of female friendship, self-worth, and emotional growth offers a refreshing representation of women navigating life on their terms in their late thirties. It featured societal expectations of a woman, and how the balance of personal and professional life is necessary to mark a woman's contrast, the latter half of the year was marked by 'Little Women', which boldly centred women at the heart of a high-stakes narrative. It followed two sisters who worked hard to make ends meet and save money to fund their younger sister's education. They challenged the systems of power and corruption and asserted their agency in a world that often seeks to silence them. Together, these dramas show that feminism isn't one size fits all. Whether it's the strength to face everyday complexities of life or the courage to expose a corrupt system, both narratives celebrate women owning their power on their to Hate You: Not just isn't your average romantic comedy; it's a sassy high-speed smack-down on every outdated stereotype in the book. It centred on Mi-ran, a sharp-tongued, high-kicking lawyer who doesn't just break glass ceilings, she shatters them with flair. Whether she's calling out workplace sexism, flipping the script on toxic masculinity, or setting clear boundaries on consent, Mi-ran does it all with confidence and comedic timing. It's fierce, funny, and refreshingly feminist, proof that romance can be equal parts heart and power play. My Dearest Nemesis: Breaking norms, owning dreams!This drama might have just flown under the radar, but it offered a refreshing feminist twist. The female lead didn't chase a Chaebol; she carved her own path with ambition. It dared to portray a woman who's unapologetically flawed, complex, and driven. She didn't need a rich man to complete her; she built her own story, guided by purpose, not romance. The show portrayed that feminism also means embracing women in all their layered, messy brilliance.K-dramas have taken a drastic leap, trying to showcase more complex, competent, and independent female leads who are not defined by beauty or a man but rather by who they are. While not all K-dramas can be labelled feminist, there is a clear shift in how women are portrayed. Earlier tropes of the 'damsel in distress' or the 'Cinderella story' still appear, but they now coexist with narratives of women who are strong, vulnerable, flawed, and unapologetically challenges exist, and gender stereotypes persist, especially in secondary characters. Stories often fall short of overtly addressing systemic issues like patriarchy or workplace discrimination. Feminism in K-drama may not always roar, but it is no longer a whisper. Through characters who break the moulds of traditional women, they challenge the entire 'rich boy, poor girl' trope. This genre is slowly but steadily embracing more feminist themes. As global audiences demand richer, more inclusive narratives, K-dramas are rising to one bold heroine at a Watch advertisement
Tatler Asia
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
10 K-drama tropes that never fail to win hearts
2. The makeover equals self-worth upgrade Frumpy becomes fabulous in one montage. This trope suggests that the path to success (and sometimes love) begins with a haircut and better foundation. Unfair? Yes. Effective TV? Also yes. Watch it here: True Beauty (2020), She Was Pretty (2015), My ID is Gangnam Beauty (2018). In all these shows, beauty becomes a plot device, and personal growth sometimes takes a backseat to BB cream. See more: 7 inspiring makeovers in K-dramas 3. Enemies to lovers (with bonus slapstick) They bicker. They glare. They share an elevator ride that ends in romantic tension and spilt coffee. This is one of those slow-burn K-drama tropes that thrive on delicious friction, sarcastic banter and unresolved sexual tension disguised as disdain. Watch it here: What's Wrong With Secretary Kim? (2018), My Lovely Sam Soon (2005), Business Proposal (2022), I Am Not a Robot (2017). We love it when insults turn into I love yous. Don't miss: K-drama love language: How characters say 'I love you' without ever saying it 4. The wrist grab (because communication is overrated) Why talk when you can yank someone by the wrist like a human yo-yo? This trope usually signals a pivotal moment of drama, a declaration of 'Don't go!' or just plain emotional constipation. Watch it here: Boys Over Flowers (2009), Playful Kiss (2010), The Heirs (2013) and Temptation of Wife (2008) all demonstrated this classic move. The wrist grab has practically earned its own genre. 5. Amnesia (plot twist in a coma) Fact: Amnesia may be included on this list of K-drama tropes, but it's a universal soap opera standby. Forget your past, your lover, your identity—just not your skincare routine. This soap-operatic gem resets relationships with the emotional finesse of a wrecking ball. Watch it here: Winter Sonata (2002), Save Me (2017), Stairway to Heaven (2003), Lie to Me (2011), Queen of Tears (2024) all displayed bouts of amnesia, proving that memory loss may be inconvenient, but it makes for an easy plot. 6. Only one bed Classic setup: two leads are forced to share a room and—gasp!—there's only one bed. Cue awkward glances, back-to-back sleeping arrangements and a blanket line down the middle like a DMZ of sexual tension. Watch it here: Because This Is My First Life (2017), Fated to Love You (2014), Oh My Venus (2015) and Full House (2004) demonstrate that one bed is more than enough for simmering sexual tension. 7. Rich guy, poor girl plot He's a cold chaebol with issues. She's scrappy and adorable and lives in a tiny rooftop room. The bank accounts are unbalanced, but the chemistry is perfectly calibrated. Watch it here: Secret Garden (2010), Boys Over Flowers (2009), Business Proposal (2022), It's Okay to Not Be Okay (2020), Queen of Tears (2024), The Heirs (2013) and My Fair Lady (2009) are only some of many K-dramas where wealth, entitlement and dramatic declarations collide. 8. Second lead syndrome He's kind. He's loyal. He's not the main lead, which means he's destined to cry in the rain while holding a ring he'll never get to use. Second leads are the patron saints of K-drama heartbreak. This is perhaps one of the most beloved of all K-drama tropes. Watch it here: Start-Up (2020), Reply 1988 (2015), Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016) and Love Alarm (2019) all portray second leads who are too pure for this cruel K-drama world. See more: 7 memorable second leads that K-drama fans can't get enough of 9. Found families When friends, coworkers, neighbours or fellow inmates turn into your family, it's not just wholesome—it's therapeutic. This trope delivers laughs, tears and group meals that heal childhood wounds. Watch it here: Crash Landing on You (2019), Prison Playbook (2017), Racket Boys (2021), Hospital Playlist (2020) and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016) perfectly show circumstances when your squad is your real safety net. Also read: 11 heart-warming found families in K-dramas (THIS IS NOT PUBLISHED YET) 10. Terminal illness, beautifully lit No trope has broken more hearts (or tissue budgets). Usually involving one lead getting sick just as the relationship hits peak fluff, this trope is the ultimate emotional rug-pull. Watch it here: Uncontrollably Fond (2016), I'm Sorry, I Love You (2004), Just Between Lovers (2017), The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2018). In these shows, the tears are inevitable, but at least they're cinematic.
Pink Villa
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
The Heirs star Lee Min Ho invites fans to renew their subscription to him; here's what it's all about
Lee Min Ho is once again inviting fans to be part of his official fan club—MINOZ—as the 16th membership recruitment begins for 2025. This annual membership opportunity is a highly anticipated event for fans across the globe, offering exclusive access to content, events, and special merchandise tied to the actor's activities. Enrollment is open to both domestic and international fans (excluding residents of Japan), and registration must be completed through the official website Enrollment and Membership Period The recruitment period runs from May 2, 2025, at 14:00 KST to June 20, 2025, at 23:59 KST. The membership will be valid for one year, from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026. What Membership Includes Lee Min Ho 's fans of the 16th MINOZ fan club term will receive the following: Official MINOZ 16th Membership Card One-time Special Membership Kit, with shipping scheduled to begin in August 2025 Access to Fan-Only Content on the official site, including updates and multimedia Priority access to official events, depending on availability and organizer policies. About MINOZ Lee Min Ho' s MINOZ is the official fan club, serving as a platform for fans to receive verified updates, engage with exclusive content, and stay informed about the actor's upcoming projects and public appearances. Membership is offered on a periodic basis and is managed directly by MYM Entertainment. For those who are still unfamiliar with Lee Min Ho, he is a prominent star who has made a significant impact in the Korean entertainment industry through a range of dramas. Lee Min Ho's next project, Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint: The Prophet, is scheduled for release in July 2025, marking another exciting chapter in his career. Other than Lee Min Ho's latest project, the actor is known for the Boys Over Flowers series. The 37-year-old actor went on to star in several popular series, including The Heirs, Legend of the Blue Sea, The King: Eternal Monarch, and Pachinko. He is also set to appear in the upcoming drama When the Stars Gossip (also known as Ask the Stars). Fans interested in joining are advised to complete their registration within the recruitment window.
Gulf News
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Park Shin-hye channels Blackpink 'Like Jennie' on the dancefloor, fans react: 'Even her hair moves gracefully'
It was a joy for Park Shin-hye fans, when she showed her dance skills and performed to Blackpink member Jennie's hit song Like Jennie. The performance, which surfaced online, quickly garnered attention for Shin-hye stunning' moves. Dressed in a stylish ensemble reminiscent of Jennie's stage outfits, along with short hair, Shin-hye danced to the popular tracks with flair and poise, with fans flooding the comment sections. 'What can she not do,' one wrote. 'My favourite actress and my favorite kpop idol jennie,' another excited fan wrote. 'Okay I did not know that she dances so well,' one added. Park Shin-hye, who turned 35 this year, evolved from South Korea's beloved 'Nation's Little Sister' is known to have cut across different genres, and refusing to be typecast. Beginning her career with notable performances in dramas like Stairway to Heaven and Tree of Heaven, she gained widespread recognition with hits such as You're Beautiful, The Heirs, and Pinocchio. Her film repertoire includes the critically acclaimed Miracle in Cell No. 7 and the thriller #Alive. Beyond acting, she is also known for her philanthropic efforts through the Starlight Angel Project and has been featured multiple times in Forbes Korea's Power Celebrity 40 list.
