Korean Dramas that Raise the Topic of Misogyny and How to Stop It, A Must-Watch

Kapanlagi.com - Korean dramas that raise the topic of misogyny and how to stop it present stories about women who have to face discrimination and social pressure in their daily lives. From the work environment, family, to social relationships, these dramas showcase various forms of unfair treatment that still often occur.

Through the stories of their characters, Korean dramas that address the topic of misogyny and how to stop it also show efforts to combat patriarchal culture and stereotypes against women. Some choose to fight back with courage, while others seek support from those around them.

In addition to being emotional, the dramas summarized by KapanLagi also carry many important messages about gender equality and the importance of respecting women. Not only entertaining, their stories can also make viewers more aware of the social issues around them.

1. WITCH’S COURT (2017)

prosecutor Ma Yi Deum/mydramalist.com

Genre: Law, Mystery, Drama
Platform: Netflix, Apple TV, KBS World
Rating: 8.1/10 | Duration: 60 Minutes (16 Episodes)
Cast: Jung Ryeo Won, Yoon Hyun Min, Jun Kwang Ryul

The series WITCH AT COURT tells the story of Ma Yi Deum, a smart and ambitious female prosecutor played by Jung Ryeo Won. Yi Deum's character is depicted as someone who does not hesitate to use unconventional methods to win cases of sexual crimes and gender-based violence that she handles.

Together with her colleague, a new prosecutor named Yeo Jin Wook played by Yoon Hyun Min, they both explore the dark side of misogyny in violence that often places women in vulnerable and disadvantaged positions in society. Ma Yi Deum's way of stopping these misogynistic practices is by thoroughly investigating crimes, bringing perpetrators to court without discrimination, and providing justice for victims so they dare to speak out.

This legal drama is a must-watch as it presents the reality of the courtroom with intensity, full of moral conflicts, while also providing a unique satisfaction when seeing justice served. The story of courage in the series WITCH AT COURT is perfect for viewers who enjoy legal dramas full of mystery, independent female protagonists, and lovers of realistic social justice struggle stories.

2. BECAUSE THIS IS MY FIRST LIFE (2017)

yoon ji ho/mydramalist.com

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Life, Drama
Platform: Netflix, Viki, Viu, Tubi, Prime Video, Iqiyi, Disney+ Hotstar
Rating: 8.4/10 | Duration: 60 Minutes (16 Episodes)
Cast: Jung So Min, Lee Min Ki, Esom, Park Byung Eun

The story about social pressure on women is presented so sweetly yet strikingly through the slice of life drama titled BECAUSE THIS IS MY FIRST LIFE. The main character named Yoon Ji Ho is played by Jung So Min, a writer's assistant who suddenly finds herself homeless and is forced to enter into a contract marriage with Nam Se Hee, played by Lee Min Ki.

Through Ji Ho's life and her friends, the plot clearly shows misogyny in the form of marriage expectations, workplace harassment, and outdated patriarchal views surrounding conventional gender roles that restrict personal potential.

To combat this injustice, the female characters in this drama learn to set boundaries and fight for a life that aligns with their own desires, regardless of the negative opinions of others. You must watch this series because the script is written so poetically, warmly, and carries many deep moral messages about the true meaning of adult life. This drama is perfect for viewers who enjoy healing stories, couples that start love from a contract, or anyone currently feeling confused in facing social pressures from family and their surroundings.

3. MISS HAMMURABI (2018)

judge park cha oh reum/mydramalist.com

Genre: Law, Life, Drama
Platform: Viki, Prime Video, WeTV, Tubi, Netflix
Rating: 8.0/10 | Duration: 70 Minutes (16 Episodes)
Cast: Go Ara, Kim Myung Soo (L), Sung Dong Il

Set in the rigid corridors of the courthouse, the series MISS HAMMURABI follows the life of an idealistic young judge named Park Cha Oh Reum, played by Go Ara. Cha Oh Reum is a new judge who strongly opposes the rigid patriarchal traditions, working alongside her colleague who champions gender equality, Im Ba Reun, played by Kim Myung Soo.

This drama exposes the real forms of misogyny such as sexual harassment in the workplace, toxic seniority discrimination, and the outdated views of senior judges that women are unfit to lead legal institutions. Park Cha Oh Reum's concrete steps to stop this gender injustice include enforcing the law firmly, bravely voicing the truth in the courtroom, and educating perpetrators and society that misogynistic actions are serious legal violations.

The series MISS HAMMURABI is highly recommended for viewers who enjoy heartfelt courtroom drama stories, social humanitarian issues, and the idealistic dynamics of the legal work environment filled with youthful ideals.

4. SEARCH: WWW (2019)

three tough women/mydramalist.com

Genre: Business, Romance, Drama
Platform: Netflix, Viki, Viu
Rating: 8.4/10 | Duration: 70 Minutes (16 Episodes)
Cast: Im Soo Jung, Lee Da Hee, Jeon Hye Jin, Jang Ki Yong

The dynamic and male-dominated tech industry serves as the backdrop for the excitement of the story SEARCH: WWW. The main focus of the story is on three strong career women: Bae Ta Mi played by Im Soo Jung, Cha Hyeon played by Lee Da Hee, and Song Ga Gyeong played by Jeon Hye Jin.

The three of them must confront a brutal competitive work culture and gender bias that often undermines women's leadership competence at a leading web search engine company. Their way of fighting back and silencing such misogyny is shown through strong solidarity among women and the courage to make strategic decisions independently for the advancement of the company.

The main reason you must watch this drama is the incredibly cool depiction of a sismance without any cliché love triangle drama. The plot is very suitable for female viewers in need of career motivation, lovers of modern and aesthetic cinematography, and those who admire independent and highly authoritative alpha female characters.

5. MINE (2021)

top actress seo hee soo/mydramalist.com

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Drama, Melodrama
Platform: Netflix, TVING
Rating: 8.1/10 | Duration: 70 Minutes (16 Episodes)
Cast: Lee Bo Young, Kim Seo Hyung, Ok Ja Yeon

The life of wealth among the upper class does not guarantee absolute freedom for women, and this is sharply explored in the series MINE. The story centers on Seo Hee Soo, played by Lee Bo Young, a former top actress who marries the second son of a conglomerate family, and Jung Seo Hyun, played by Kim Seo Hyung, as the elegant and rational first daughter-in-law.

Behind the walls of a magnificent luxury home, both of them are trapped in a highly oppressive chaebol family patriarchal system, full of deceit, and positioning women merely as vessels for lineage.

The story of resistance against the shackles of misogyny is told as the main characters strive to reclaim their freedom, custody of their children, and true identities after being long controlled by men and toxic family traditions. Watching this high-class makjang drama will leave you amazed with its unpredictable plot twists and thrilling murder mysteries in each episode. The cinematic work MINE is perfect for loyal viewers of high-intrigue dramas, lovers of glamorous luxury fashion, and admirers of narratives about the struggle for true women's independence.

6. THIRTY-NINE (2022)

three women approaching their forties/mydramalist.com

Genre: Romance, Life, Drama, Melodrama
Platform: Netflix, TVING
Rating: 8.3/10 | Duration: 80 Minutes (12 Episodes)
Cast: Son Ye Jin, Jeon Mi Do, Kim Ji Hyun

The close friendship of three women approaching their forties is depicted very emotionally in the series THIRTY-NINE. The story focuses on Cha Mi Jo, played by Son Ye Jin, Jeong Chan Young, played by Jeon Mi Do, and Jang Joo Hee, played by Kim Ji Hyun. In addition to discussing the dynamics of true friendship and the struggle against illness, the narrative of this drama also touches on the unfair social standards imposed on women, especially concerning career achievements, marital status, and the cynical societal views towards single women in their mature years.

To break the stigma of misogyny that develops in that social environment, the characters demonstrate the importance of emotional support among women to face social pressures and to confront the remainder of their lives with happiness.

You should prepare tissues when watching this drama because the emotional relationships of the characters are sure to deeply move the audience to tears. This valuable viewing experience of THIRTY-NINE is perfect for viewers who enjoy realistic adult melodrama, touching friendship stories, and the dynamics of the emotional lives of mature women filled with hidden meanings.

7. WHY HER? (2022)

lawyer partner oh soo jae/mydramalist.com

Genre: Romance, Law, Mystery, Drama
Platform: Viki, Apple TV, Hulu
Rating: 8.1/10 | Duration: 70 Minutes (16 Episodes)
Cast: Seo Hyun Jin, Hwang In Youp, Huh Joon Ho, Bae In Hyuk

The legal world, filled with political intrigue and greed, becomes a battleground for talented lawyers in the series WHY HER?. The main character, Oh Soo Jae, played by Seo Hyun Jin, is the youngest partner at TK Law Firm, highly ambitious with the highest win record. However, due to an evil conspiracy, she must face severe gender discrimination and dirty power plays from the firm's chairman, Choi Tae Gook, played by Huh Joon Ho, who is trying to ruin her career.

Through her emotional journey, this drama shows how women are often scapegoated in major scandals, but can also fight back through their intellectual abilities, legal cunning, and their own bravery without fear. The main reason why you shouldn't miss this drama is the stunning performance by Seo Hyun Jin, who successfully portrays a cold woman with a fragile heart. The series WHY HER? is perfect for fans of crime mystery dramas filled with clever revenge tactics, large-scale corporate conflicts, and a noona-romance story full of protective dynamics.

8. LOVE TO HATE YOU (2023)

lawyer yeo mi ran/mydramalist.com

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama
Platform: Netflix
Rating: 8.6/10 | Duration: 50 Minutes (10 Episodes)
Cast: Kim Ok Bin, Yoo Teo, Kim Ji Hoon, Go Won Hee

The negative sentiments between men and women are packaged with a very entertaining romantic comedy twist through the series LOVE TO HATE YOU. This fresh story centers on Yeo Mi Ran, a tough female lawyer who absolutely hates losing to men, played by Kim Ok Bin, and Nam Kang Ho, played by Yoo Teo, a top Korean actor with a cynical view and past trauma regarding women.

This hate-to-love relationship unveils the culture of entertainment agencies that exploit women, the rampant phenomenon of victim-blaming among netizens, and the outdated patriarchal notion that women must always submit to men's will.

In an effort to combat this negative stigma, the female lead character actively challenges gender boundaries with her exceptional martial arts skills and legal expertise that surpasses that of men. Watching this drama will provide you with refreshing entertainment thanks to its candid dialogue, gut-busting comedy, and mature romantic relationship development without convoluted misunderstandings. The series LOVE TO HATE YOU is perfect for viewers who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers trope, light action from a strong female character, and short, exciting entertainment that can be finished in one sitting.

9. FAQ

1. What is the meaning of the term misogyny in Korean drama?
Misogyny is a hatred, prejudice, or systemic discrimination against women. In K-dramas, this is often depicted through gender-biased work culture, harassment, double social standards, and negative stigma against single women.

2. Who is the toughest female character that fights against misogyny on this list?
One of the most iconic is Ma Yi Deum (played by Jung Ryeo Won) in WITCH AT COURT, because she bravely breaks legal boundaries to defend victims of sexual crimes without bias.

3. Do dramas with this theme always feel heavy and boring?
Not at all! Many dramas package it in a very entertaining way, such as LOVE TO HATE YOU which uses the romantic comedy genre, or MINE which is full of mystery and intrigue typical of the upper class.

4. Where can we watch these Korean dramas with themes of women's struggle?
Most of the dramas mentioned above are officially available on various popular streaming platforms in Indonesia, such as Netflix, Viu, and Viki, complete with Indonesian subtitles.

5. Why has the issue of misogyny been increasingly raised in K-dramas lately?
The South Korean entertainment industry is now more adaptive and vocal about real social issues. The raising of this theme aims to educate the public, provide empathy for the victims, and reflect the growing gender equality movement in the real world.

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(kpl/mda)