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. Mulher Forte, Do Bong Soon
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
she strong...duh. could crush him like a lil grape
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2. Beleza Interior
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
FL turns into different people, very cool explorations on identity (kickass sign language scene)
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3. Minha Identidade é Beleza de Gangnam
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 é um Livro Bônus
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. Tudo Bem, Isso é Amor
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. Busque: WWW
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
my queens, doing queen things, making queen mistakes
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7. Porque Esta é a Minha Primeira Vida
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
well written female lead, very introspective, great female friendships
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8. Rainha Cheorin
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. Lutando Pelo Meu Caminho
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. Eu Ouço a Sua Voz
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: Um Raio de Sol
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, Não Passe Este Batom
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. O Romance de Uma Bruxa
Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes
noona storyline, confident (and can back it up) female lead
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15. Tudo Bem Não Ser Normal
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
shes psycho but cute
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16. Para Sempre Camélia
Korean Drama - 2019, 40 episodes
noona storyline, single mom
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17. O Conto de Nokdu
Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes
male cross dresser lets goooooo
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18. Honra Teu Nome
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
shes a doctor ur honor
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19. Solteira Astuta
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. Mamãe Irritada
Korean Drama - 2015, 16 episodes
shes a mom bullying kids. its ok they had it coming
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21. Príncipe do Café
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