Korean Dream

— Look in front of you, why is everyone mad? It’s so dreary lately, we just need a sweet break.

— Finding the Real Face (Story by Ko Munyeong, Illustrations by Moon Sangtae)

I absolutely love and recommend ‘Be Melodramatic / Melo Suits Me.’ 

The show is a low key slice-of-life style drama centered around three ladies who live together because of reasons I don’t want to spoil. Each one has their own plot and the show is very realistic feeling compared to a lot of k-dramas - no chaebols, mean in-laws, or amnesia - more like found family, work drama, friendship stuff, romance ;-) It’s heartfelt, funny at times and super sincere in it’s storytelling. You’ll cry for sure at parts but it’s a good balance. 

Because there are so many characters including a gay roomate (!!!), there are a bunch of different interesting storylines going on at one time so if you aren’t into one person, you’ll love another person’s plot. And the characters are interesting! Like, there’s one duo that I find fascinating because I cannot predict a single thing they say to one another. Watching their scenes is almost weird for me because I’m like “this isn’t how k-drama people act!” But like in a good way? 

I ship several couples so the romance is fun too! I’m hoping for more scenes with the gay couple, but for me it’s the best drama of the season.

*DM me if you want specifics because I don’t want to give spoilers :P

I know exactly what you are asking for: a Strong Independent Lady who has ambitions and strong opinions. She challenges gender roles, is supportive of her friends, doesn’t mind romance but takes the lead, and doesn’t take anyone’s crap. 

Sadly, I cannot recommend any k-dramas with lead characters as cool as Soo-ji and you guys, that’s nuts! I mean, she is my absolute favorite kdrama character but…Drama Writers: We NEED our strong ladies, C’mon!

Strong females are usually written as side characters (which is a shame IMO) or part of a group of leads instead of the main part of a duo. Any strong lead in a k-drama is worth noting though, so I’ll list some of those as well.

Strong Female Leads In K-Dramas:

Choi Ae Ra from ‘Fight My Way’ (it’s true that she’s flustered by the guy she likes, but she stands her ground, has unique ambitions and will always be my favorite female lead.)

Han Yeo Jin from ‘Secret Forest’

Kim Bo Mi from ‘Spring Turns To Spring’ - this show isn’t for everyone because it’s BONKERS, but she is definitely one of the strongest alpha ladies I’ve ever seen in a drama (and Lee Yoo Ri is SO good in this)

Mostly Strong Female Leads:

Son Soo Jung from ‘My Strange Hero’ - a little soft in the romance area but pretty awesome and unique

Ban Ji Yeon from ‘Witch’s Romance’ - It’s been a while but I remember her being pretty strong and independent

Nak Won from ‘Come and Hug Me’ (she is not your typical alpha female at all, but she is VERY strong so even if the romance is super angsty, I want to list her.

Go Ae Rin from ‘Terius Behind Me’ (I know she seems soft at first but she’s actually super independent and I love her, plus it’s my list so… ;-)

Tae Gong Shil from ‘Master’s Sun’ - Again, it’s been a while since I’ve seen this but I remember her being very pushy, persistent and hilarious.

Strong Female Sidekicks:

Soo-Ji from ‘Because This is My First Life’

Kang Yi-Na from ‘Hello, My Twenties! / Age of Youth’

Byun Hye Yeong from ‘Father Is Strange’

So many awesome ladies in ‘Terius Behind Me! - Watch it!

Kim Bok Joo’s BFFs from ‘Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo’

Ma Ji-Young from ‘Hwayugi’ (she’s not exactly independent since she’s a loyal servant BUT she’s very feisty.