Breath of fresh air as K-dramas start to challenge established norms

Actor Han Ji-min stars as a meticulous headhunting company CEO in the SBS drama "Love Scout." Courtesy of SBS

The hit drama "Love Scout," which centers on a female CEO and her male secretary, is taking the K-drama world by storm. By flipping traditional gender roles, the show highlights a growing trend in Korean dramas of reversing classic tropes.

From ‘Cinderella’ to career woman

Female leads in K-dramas have long been portrayed as Cinderellas or plucky, optimistic characters who rise above adversity. However, a new wave of dramas is turning this narrative on its head. Shows like “Love Scout,” featuring Han Ji-min as a commanding CEO, and "When The Stars Gossip," starring Han Ji-eun as a second-generation chaebol elite figure, highlight women in positions of power, supported by male counterparts in more modest roles.

In “Love Scout,” Han Ji-min plays Kang Ji-yoon, a driven entrepreneur who turns her company into the second-largest firm in its field in just five years. Kang’s cold and calculating demeanor sets her apart from typical romantic comedy leads. Opposite her is Lee Jun-hyuk as Yoo Eun-ho, a warm-hearted secretary described as a blend of “resilience and softness.” Their dynamic showcases a charismatic, career-driven woman paired with a nurturing male lead, creating a fresh twist on familiar romance tropes.

A similar theme unfolds in tvN's "When The Stars Gossip," where Lee Min-ho plays Gongryong, a modest doctor engaged to a chaebol heiress, Choi Go-eun, played by Han Ji-eun. Last year’s “Queen of Tears” also explored a reverse cliché narrative, focusing on a wealthy heiress and her office worker husband.

Redefining relationships

The key difference in these dramas lies in the gender dynamics. Female leads assume traditionally male roles, often outranking their male counterparts in social status and driving the relationships. In “Love Scout,” the reversal of the stereotypical “male CEO and female secretary” trope provides an ironic and entertaining twist.

According to Nielsen Korea, “Love Scout” hit a series high of 11.4 percent viewership with its sixth episode, after surpassing 11.3 percent in the fourth episode. Fans say the show's success stems from its strong performances and the refreshing appeal of its take on tired or old clichés.

The rise of such shows is not just an experiment but a reflection of evolving storytelling in Korean dramas. By challenging established norms, these narratives resonate with audiences seeking something new. As more series embrace these fresh dynamics, viewers are left wondering: Could reverse clichés become a genre of their own?

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.