“You can’t be a female lead when you’re 30” Changes in K-drama led by Uhm Jung-hwa and Song Hye-kyo

The British BBC highlighted changes in female protagonists in Korean dramas.

On the 10th (local time), the BBC titled 'K-Drama: Women Breaking the Limits on TV' and said, "Many K-dramas now feature complex and powerful female characters that reflect significant changes in society and media practices." Netflix's 'The Glory' and ENA's 'Weird Lawyer Woo Young-woo' were chosen.

He continued, "'The Glory', one of the biggest hits of the year, tells the story of a woman who takes revenge against bullying, and 'Weird Lawyer Woo Young-woo', which was also very popular, featured a female lawyer with autism."

“Women’s roles in K-dramas have not always been interesting,” the BBC said, noting that dramas such as “Boys Over Flowers,” in which a spoiled rich heir falls for a plucky working-class girl, were popular in the past. He also introduced that these days, the main characters are independent, professional, and not interested in marriage.

Actress Eom Jeong-hwa, the lead character in JTBC's 'Doctor Cha Jeong-sook', which depicts the process of a housewife living a new life as a doctor, said in an interview with the BBC, "Cha Jeong-sook is pursuing her dream by saying, 'I did my part as a mother,' and her journey is incredible. “It’s touching,” he said.

He added, "(At the time of debut), you couldn't play a leading role if you were over 30, and if you were over 35, you often played the role of a mother," adding, "Even if she was a really talented and beautiful woman, she would have disappeared from the screen because of her age."

Writer Baek Mi-kyung, who pioneered strong female characters in many dramas, said, "'Dignified Woman' is a story about a middle-aged woman and was repeatedly rejected by several broadcasters." He later said, “It was broadcast of ‘Her.’”

He expressed his aspirations, saying, "After my drama, female characters have become more active, powerful, cool, and independent, but I'm still not satisfied. I want to change the game."

Taeyuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr