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 

nanna_ avril 6, 2024
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  • Do Bong Soon, une force de la nature

    1. Do Bong Soon, une force de la nature

    Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

    10

    she strong...duh. could crush him like a lil grape

  • The Beauty Inside

    2. The Beauty Inside

    Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes

    9.5

    FL turns into different people, very cool explorations on identity (kickass sign language scene)

  • My ID is Gangnam Beauty

    3. My ID is Gangnam Beauty

    Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes

    10

    well developed commentary on beauty and beauty standards (i have a full review on show)

  • Romance is a Bonus Book

    4. Romance is a Bonus Book

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes

    9.5

    noona storyline, female lead is wonderfully complex, female divorcee going back into the workforce (societal expectations on women, on divorced women)

  • It's Okay, That's Love

    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)

  • Search: WWW

    6. Search: WWW

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes

    10

    my queens, doing queen things, making queen mistakes

  • Because This is My First Life

    7. Because This is My First Life

    Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

    9.5

    well written female lead, very introspective, great female friendships

  • Mr. Queen

    8. Mr. Queen

    Korean Drama - 2020, 20 episodes

    9.5

    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

  • Fight For My Way

    9. Fight For My Way

    Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

    8.5

    i watched so long ago i kinda forget but i think the female lead is written well lmfao 

  • I Hear Your Voice

    10. I Hear Your Voice

    Korean Drama - 2013, 18 episodes

    9.0

    noona storyline, female lead is a bitch and i love her for it

  • Mr. Sunshine

    11. Mr. Sunshine

    Korean Drama - 2018, 24 episodes

    7.5

    valentines day wish: me, Ae Shin, and her gun at my head *heart eyes* Dong Mae u can come too

  • Sunbae, Don't Put On That Lipstick

    12. Sunbae, Don't Put On That Lipstick

    Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes

    9.0

    noona storyline

  • Hotel del Luna

    13. Hotel del Luna

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes

    thats a girlboss gaslight gatekeep if ive ever seen it

  • Witch's Romance

    14. Witch's Romance

    Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes

    noona storyline, confident (and can back it up) female lead

  • It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

    15. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

    Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes

    10

    shes psycho but cute

  • When the Camellia Blooms

    16. When the Camellia Blooms

    Korean Drama - 2019, 40 episodes

    noona storyline, single mom

  • The Tale of Nokdu

    17. The Tale of Nokdu

    Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes

    8.5

    male cross dresser lets goooooo 

  • Live Up to Your Name

    18. Live Up to Your Name

    Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

    8.0

    shes a doctor ur honor 

  • Cunning Single Lady

    19. Cunning Single Lady

    Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes

    9.0

    love me a plotting, scheming woman. show portrays her sympathetically so it's not like she becomes typical evil washed up scheming lady stereotype

  • Angry Mom

    20. Angry Mom

    Korean Drama - 2015, 16 episodes

    9.0

    shes a mom bullying kids. its ok they had it coming

  • Coffee Prince

    21. Coffee Prince

    Korean Drama - 2007, 17 episodes

    8.0

    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 

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