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Tatler Asia
09-06-2025
- 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.
Pink Villa
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Dear Hongrang's Jo Bo Ah reveals why she sets boundaries with male co-stars; reason might SHOCK you
Jo Bo Ah is famous for her instant chemistry with pretty much every co-star she works with. Whether it's Lee Dong Wook in Tale of the Nine Tailed, Rowoon in Destined With You, or Lee Jae Wook in her latest series Dear Hongrang, she effortlessly blends her energy with hers. Known not just for her talent but also for her sweet, caring personality, Jo Bo Ah has always been the actress who connects naturally on and off screen. But things have changed. In a recent episode of Shin Dong Yup's YouTube show Jjanhan Hyung, Jo Bo Ah opened up about why she's become more distant from her male co-stars, and no, it's not just for her marriage. A heart emoji is the reason why she keeps her distance. Jo Bo Ah recalled, laughing, 'I'd casually send a heart emoji after saying 'Okay, see you then' without a second thought.' But apparently, those little hearts sparked some confusion. Her male co-star misunderstood her intentions. Shin Dong Yup commented, 'People don't always distinguish between men and women — it just slips out naturally.' Jo Bo Ah nodded, explaining how tricky it can get in the entertainment industry. 'People don't like seeing you act cute with the opposite sex, so I naturally started keeping more distance from male colleagues.' The guest on the show, Park Byung Eun, chimed in with a laugh, 'I misunderstood her once. She would say, 'Thank you, love you, sunbae,' and then just walk away. It caught me off guard!' This confusion led Jo Bo Ah to stop being too friendly with her male colleagues. For those who didn't know, Jo Bo Ah quietly tied knot in October 2024 with a non-celebrity, and she prefers to keep her married life completely private — something she's managed to do perfectly. Jo Bo Ah's story is a reminder that behind the effortless charm and chemistry, a smart woman is navigating the fine lines of her career and personal boundaries with grace.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Netflix K-drama Dear Hongrang faces 'incest' allegations amid poor reviews: Explaining the complicated 'siblings love triangle'
Netflix's new K-drama Dear Hongrang is making headlines, and while some of the attention comes from its stellar cast — Lee Jae Wook, Jo Bo Ah, and Jung Ga Ram — most of the conversation is centred on a controversial incest plot that has left many viewers feeling uncomfortable. (Note: Spoilers ahead!) Dear Hongrang: Plot explained The show dropped on Netflix on May 16 and is written by Kim Jin Ah and directed by Kim Hong Sun. It had already generated buzz thanks to its big-name cast, with Lee Jae Wook from Alchemy of Souls, Jo Bo Ah from Tale of the Nine Tailed, and Jung Ga Ram from Love Alarm. Set in the Joseon dynasty, the story follows Jae Yi (Jo Bo Ah), who's blamed for the disappearance of her half-brother Hongrang — a tragedy that breaks their family. Her stepmother, Min Yeon Ui, is especially devastated and holds Jae Yi responsible for losing her only son, who vanished one night after promising his sister a camellia. To cope with the loss, the family adopts a boy named Mu Jin (Jung Ga Ram). Over the years, several men have shown up claiming to be the missing Hongrang, but each one ends up exposed as a fraud. Then a new man (Lee Jae Wook) arrives, saying he lost his childhood memories. Min Yeon Ui believes he's her son, but Jae Yi isn't so sure — and she's determined to find out who he really is. In the process, Jae Yi starts developing feelings for the man claiming to be her younger brother, while her adopted brother, Mu Jin, quietly struggles with his own love for her. The tangled relationships have left many viewers feeling uneasy, with some calling the plot borderline incestuous and unnecessarily provocative. Fans react to Dear Hongrang's controversial sibling-style love triangle The complicated and controversial love triangle in Dear Hongrang has sparked heated discussion online, especially on Reddit's r/KDRAMAS subreddit. One user pointed out the show's uncomfortable tone, writing, 'So what do we think of this new K-drama? It's leaning towards incest, though they aren't blood related... but they call each other siblings. It feels like a love triangle between siblings. I'm only one episode in, lol.' Another viewer chimed in with mixed feelings: 'I kinda loved it. The story is a little messy — but that's what makes it entertaining! My biggest issue was the pacing. Some moments felt rushed, while others dragged on too long.' A third fan criticized the romance angle, saying, 'Honestly, the relationship in Dear Hongrang felt forced. It's like they cast good-looking leads and thought that was enough. She waited years for her brother, then randomly fell for a guy pretending to be him — and I still don't understand why. Even after the twist, their romance just didn't land. But I'll give them this: beautiful cinematography and a great performance from the female lead. She really carried the show. I just wish I knew what the point of it all was.' Others took issue with the characters still calling each other 'brother' and 'sister,' with one user saying, 'It's so cringe. Just call each other by your names.' Another added, 'Yes, we find out he's not her real brother — but she doesn't know that at first. So it gives off these unsettling vibes. She was already overly attached to her real brother, so when this guy shows up, the energy is just weird. It's a strange creative choice, and I'm not sure it worked.' But is there an actual incest plot in Dear Hongrang? There's no actual incest plot in Dear Hongrang, as no blood relationship exists among the key characters. The man pretending to be Hongrang turns out to be an assassin, and Jae Yi always knew he wasn't really her brother, so their feelings don't cross that line. Mu Jin is adopted, so his crush isn't technically incest either. But since the characters still call each other 'brother' and 'sister,' it makes things feel weird and uncomfortable for many viewers. Conclusion: Is it incest? No. Could the story have been clearer without all the confusing sibling vibes? Absolutely.
Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Dear Hongrang: 3 key points to look out for before watching Netflix's new historical romance, starring Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah
Dear Hongrang premiered on Netflix on May 16. While the makers have made sure not to leave you guessing every week, they do want you to check out a few details before tuning into the historical mystery romance, also titled Tangeum, starring Alchemy of Soul star Lee Jae Wook and Tale of the Nine Tailed actor Jo Bo Ah. The K-drama revolves around the lives of Hong Rang and his half-sister, Jae Yi. Dear Hongrang marks Lee Jae Wook's second stint in the world of sword-wielding, hanbok-wearing heroes. However, for Jo Bo Ah, the show's success is important as it comes after her mega project with Kim Soo Hyun was cancelled because of the actor's controversy. Set in the Joseon era, the backdrop for many South Korean historical shows, the K-drama explores the mysterious relationship that develops between the protagonists. Also read: Tastefully Yours first impression: Weirdly addictive duo Go Min Si, Kang Ha Neul cook up quirky kitchen romance in Netflix's new-age Business Proposal The Netflix original K-drama has been marketed as a unique blend of three genres: mystery, melodrama, and historical. The storyline itself is quite interesting, and it's safe to say that the makers have entered untouched territory. It begins with Hong Rang's sudden disappearance. One day, the long-lost son of Joseon's biggest merchant guild reappears, but with all his memories wiped away. What follows is a series of strange and mysterious events. No one is happier than his half-sister Jae Yi, who spent years desperately searching for him, only to end up questioning his identity after noticing strange behaviour. Knowing him inside out since childhood, Jae Yi starts having doubts that, despite having the same face and almost identical habits, this person who reappeared doesn't quite fit into Hong Rang's shoes. Yet, she can't stop herself from forming an inexplicable emotional bond. The show also includes a stepson arc, the adopted son of Min Sang Dan, Mu Jin (Jung Ga Ram), who is the direct successor of the association. Also read: Alchemy Of Souls First Impression: Lee Jae-wook and Jung So-min's fever dream of a fantasy is an adrenaline rush Netflix is betting big on the stellar cast of the K-drama, who have already delivered multiple hits on the streamer, including Alchemy of Souls, Destined with You, Tale of the Nine Tailed, Military Prosecutor Doberman, and more. Lee Jae Wook dons a hanbok again for the role of Hong Rang, a character who is complex and conflicted from the very start. He returns to his village with a secret, but his attraction and confusion toward Jae Yi spark inner conflicts and tension. Jo Bo Ah plays Jae Yi, the only person who suspects Hong Rang and senses something is off, even as no one else is convinced by her observations. As the poster suggests, their relationship, which begins as a war of nerves, gradually shifts into attraction. Meanwhile, Park Byung Eun's Sim Yeol Guk brings a villainous edge as the power-hungry guild leader. Uhm Ji Won plays Min Yeon, the landlady of Minsangdan, who will do anything to protect Hong Rang, the long-lost son who has just returned. Kim Jae Wook stars as Grand Prince Han Pyeong. As director Kim Hong Sun describes, 'The actors performances make each character's deep narrative shine, from confusion, suspicion, tension, and a war of nerves to affection, friendship, and love, as well as the ensemble that goes beyond mystery and melodrama. ' The acclaimed showrunner behind Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area wants viewers to also pay attention to the technical details that set this Joseon period drama apart from others. Unlike the usual village setups with forts, concrete walls, and horses running around, Dear Hongrang features evocative set pieces. Take a closer look at the carefully crafted costumes, and you might find answers to questions you hadn't thought of. Even the music and production design in the K-drama are carefully chosen to fit the theme and capture the overall mood, varying from character to character. Some of the most impressive details appear in the stills showing the interior of Minsangdan, highlighting the lifestyle of Joseon's merchant class, a rich display of colours and styles rarely seen in typical rich-prince-poor-girl stories. The cinematography is emotionally powerful and creates a deeply immersive experience for viewers. The powerful background score by 4BOUT brings out the old-time feel, meanwhile, Kwon Jin Ah's vocals capture the growing feelings between Hong Rang and Jae Yi.
