Subversive dramas
Well done dramas (mostly romance) with subversive elements including but not limited to: noona storylines; "strong female characters"; multiple complex female characters (or even just one ;_;); explores societal standards of beauty, relationships, life goals, gender; etc.
Will probs have to include multiple of aforementioned elements. And sometimes it's just vibes
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1. Do Bong Soon, une force de la nature
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
she strong...duh. could crush him like a lil grape
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2. The Beauty Inside
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
FL turns into different people, very cool explorations on identity (kickass sign language scene)
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3. My ID is Gangnam Beauty
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
well developed commentary on beauty and beauty standards (i have a full review on show)
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4. Romance is a Bonus Book
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
noona storyline, female lead is wonderfully complex, female divorcee going back into the workforce (societal expectations on women, on divorced women)
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5. It's Okay, That's Love
Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes
competent and cool female lead, addresses intimacy and relationships well (on hold but will eventually finish bc i do think that second lead dude and young girl are kinda a weird plotline tbqh as of where i am)
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6. Search: WWW
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
my queens, doing queen things, making queen mistakes
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7. Because This is My First Life
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
well written female lead, very introspective, great female friendships
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8. Mr. Queen
Korean Drama - 2020, 20 episodes
gendered body switch (which doesnt automatically put a show on this list but i think this one does it well). great colorful cast of female characters. added element of exploring gender in two separate eras of different yet samely derivative societal expectations on women's roles
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9. Fight For My Way
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
i watched so long ago i kinda forget but i think the female lead is written well lmfao
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10. I Hear Your Voice
Korean Drama - 2013, 18 episodes
noona storyline, female lead is a bitch and i love her for it
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11. Mr. Sunshine
Korean Drama - 2018, 24 episodes
valentines day wish: me, Ae Shin, and her gun at my head *heart eyes* Dong Mae u can come too
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12. Sunbae, Don't Put On That Lipstick
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
noona storyline
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13. Hotel del Luna
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
thats a girlboss gaslight gatekeep if ive ever seen it
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14. Witch's Romance
Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes
noona storyline, confident (and can back it up) female lead
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15. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
shes psycho but cute
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16. When the Camellia Blooms
Korean Drama - 2019, 40 episodes
noona storyline, single mom
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17. The Tale of Nokdu
Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes
male cross dresser lets goooooo
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18. Live Up to Your Name
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
shes a doctor ur honor
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19. Cunning Single Lady
Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes
love me a plotting, scheming woman. show portrays her sympathetically so it's not like she becomes typical evil washed up scheming lady stereotype
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20. Angry Mom
Korean Drama - 2015, 16 episodes
shes a mom bullying kids. its ok they had it coming
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21. Coffee Prince
Korean Drama - 2007, 17 episodes
wasn't gonna add it bc i didnt think female protag dressing up as a guy was enough but then remembered the queer elements which makes it very distinct from other romances where the female lead also dresses up as a man. **spoiler** unlike most of those other shows, the male lead doesnt find out shes a girl until after they get together so i just love how that added queer complexity to this show