Not at all soft and helpless like many female characters in Korean films and TV series, the following female leads capture the hearts of the viewers in 2021 for being tough and uncompromising.
As the audience’s taste is gradually changing, the personalities of female lead characters in movies and TV are also altered. No longer gentle and weak, female characters who are strong, independent and self-reliant are becoming more dominant on the Korean screen, especially in 2021. Let’s take a look at Top 9 most badass female characters that were introduced in 2021 and how well these Korean actresses pulled off their roles.
Kim So Yong – Shin Hye Sun
Shin Hye Sun‘s character Kim So Yong in Mr Queen is inherently bold, funny and somewhat powerful because the soul inside belongs to an unfortunate man who gets transported back in time and inhabits the body of a queen from the Joseon era. The twisted situation makes this character extremely interesting for the viewers yet “she” seems odd to other characters in the drama. Shin Hye Sun has received many compliments for her natural and charming acting. Her performance in Mr Queen also got her a convincing nomination for “Leading Actress in TV” at the Baeksang Arts Awards 2021.
Shim Su Ryeon – Lee Ji Ah
From a woman who is somewhat naive and gullible, Lee Ji Ah‘s Shim Su Ryeon in “Penthouse: War In Life” has “transformed” into a tougher and stronger woman in the latter seasons of the series. Although many viewers have expressed their disappointment with Shim Su Ryeon’s behaviour at the end of the series, it’s undeniable that she is still the most powerful female protagonist of Penthouse. Lee Ji Ah delivered a convincing performance that helped her regain her glory after nearly 10 years due to the influence of past scandals.
Jang Hyun Sook – Kim Tae Ri
In “Space Sweepers”, Kim Tae Ri proves to viewers why she is called a “jewel” of Korean cinema with her undeniably appealing and impressive acting. Kim Tae Ri plays Jang Hyun Sook – a tough, courageous and smart captain. Previously, Kim Tae Ri took on a strong female lead role in “Mr. Sunshine”, but her performance in “Space Sweepers” is taken to another level. Kim Tae Ri‘s character Jang Hyun Sook even outshines the male lead Song Joong Ki in a few important scenes of the film.
Jung Seo Hyun – Kim Seo Hyung & Seo Hi Soo – Lee Bo Young
“Mine” is a drama led by a duo of powerful women who are well aware of their own values. Many viewers are impressed with Kim Seo Hyung‘s character Jung Seo Hyun, an “iron woman” who controls her husband’s family and always shows her intelligence and wisdom. When she courageously pursues her own love later, Jung Seo Hyun‘s image becomes even more admirable. Kim Seo Hyung has got herself another memorable role after playing the iconic “Coach Kim” in “Sky Castle”.
Lee Bo Young’s performance as Seo Hi Soo is also persuasive. Seo Hi Soo’s fate is quite similar to Shim Su Ryeon of Penthouse, when they all think they are living a fulfilling life but it’s all a lie. Seo Hi Soo also strongly stands up for her own justice. Seo Hi Soo eventually gets a happy ending and it is considered a well-deserved reward for a woman worthy of love like her.
Kang Sae Byeok – Jung Ho Yeon
Jung Ho Yeon‘s role as Kang Sae Byeok in the “blockbuster” Squid Game is her debut in a drama, yet she has done a great job. The model, born in 1994, has thoroughly represented the image of a strong and brave girl, from body language to facial expressions. Kang Sae Byeok would not have been as attractive if it weren’t for Jung Ho Yeon. In terms of acting, Jung Ho Yeon may not be as excellent as the other seniors on this list, but in terms of commercial accomplishment or coverage, she is without a doubt not inferior to anybody.
Yoon Ji Woo – Han So Hee
Han So Hee plays the character of a badass girl – Yoon Ji Woo in My Name. This 27-year-old beautiful actress has attracted many viewers with her new appearance since she is perfectly suited to this type of role. The scenes in which Han So Hee turned into Yoon Ji Woo were so amazing that they gave the audience goosebumps. Yoon Ji Woo went through a lot of hardships before she became a strong-willed woman with exceptional martial arts skills. Han So Hee‘s acting talent has effectively expressed this character’s spirit.
Hong Cha Young – Jeon Yeo Bin
Vincenzo is just Jeon Yeo Bin’s second drama in which she plays the female lead, yet her character has made a lasting impression on audiences. Hong Cha Young is a strong, self-sufficient woman. Although a little arrogant at times, Hong Cha Young‘s arrogance is incredibly charming. The character Hong Cha Young was created in such a fantastic way thanks to Jeon Yeo Bin‘s unique beauty and charming acting talents.
Gang Seo Hae – Park Shin Hye
The last person mentioned on this list is Gang Seo Hae in Sisyphus: Myths by Park Shin Hye. However, Park Shin Hye is the only one on the list to receive negative comments from the audience on this list. The majority of viewers said that Park Shin Hye did not suit this image and that she was always trying to appear strong and attractive. To be honest, Gang Seo Hae isn’t a poorly formed character, just that it was given to an unsuitable actor, Park Shin Hye. It’s commendable for Park Shin Hye to change her image bravely, but she doesn’t seem suitable for this kind of character.
Sources: dienanh
