They are strong, determined, driven; they can fight, use a gun, and get out of inextricable situations; they can jump in the line of fire, confront a serial killer and kill dangerous creatures. Yet, they also remain kind and warm-hearted; loyal and upright.
I’m pretty sure you guessed who I am referring to. These female leads are badass (and that’s a euphemism). Cool and charismatic, they are not afraid to take huge risks and put their life on the line, if it means protected those they love and/or do their duty.
So, who’s your favorite in the list?
Do Ha Na in The Uncanny Counter (2020-21)
Played by: Kim Se Jeong
Why she’s badass: Despite the fact that she ended up in a coma at a young age, Do Ha Na doesn’t resent the rest of the world, nor the people she works with. She is a force of nature, an EXCELLENT boxer/fighter, who also knows how to show warmth. She may seem distant at first; but the more she knows someone, the more loyal and empathetic she becomes.
Yoon Sae Bom in Happiness (2021)
Played by: Han Hyo Joo
Why she’s badass: First, she’s an elite police officer (that should be enough to convince you). Second, she surely knows how to use guns, her fists, but also her brains. No matter the tough spot she’s in, Yoon Sae Bom knows how to remain cool-headed, letting her reason prevail over her emotions. She’s also determined and brave, as well as sacrificial. She’s not afraid of jumping into the fire, if it means rescuing her lover or saving people. Finally, she has excellent leadership, an important quality to have especially during a zombie apocalypse.
Yoon Ji Woo in My Name (2021)
Played by: Han So Hee
Why she’s badass: Yoon Ji Woo is not your typical badass female lead. Unlike others, she learned how to become a tough cookie, fend for herself, and get her revenge. She’s driven and vindictive. Fear doesn’t belong to her vocabulary either, which can be explained by the fact that she’s got nothing to lose. The way she endures pain (whether it’d be physical or emotional) is praise-worthy, but she doesn’t let it blind her. Despite her tough appearance, she still has the courage to let people in and to show a more vulnerable side to others, even those who betray her.
Son Ye Rim in Search (2020)
Played by: Krystal
Why she’s badass: Just like Yoon Sae Bom in Happiness, Son Ye Rim has made a spot for herself among men, in a job that is typically associated with the opposite sex. She’s an elite soldier, who has not only strength, but also brain. Her expertise in pathology, her determination to chase the mysterious creature at the DMZ, and her ability to jump in the line of fire to rescue her peers make her a cool and badass woman. On top of that, she proves that she can also be a woman in love, who can be childish and cheesy with her lover. A side of her that nicely compensates her ‘working face’.
Seo Yi Kyung in Sweet Home (2020)
Played by: Lee Si Young
Why she’s badass: First and foremast, have you seen Seo Yi Kyung’s body!? She is muscles, muscles and muscles, all perfectly designed to support her in the situation she ends up in that is to say entrapped in a building with a series of monsters in- and outside. Her background in the armed forces allows her to design stratagems to avoid meeting monsters by using the vent pipes. Though she doesn’t talk much, she sure is charismatic enough to make other listen and obey. Badass in one word.
Kim Hang Ah in The King 2 Hearts (2012)
Played by: Ha Ji Won
Why she’s badass: Kim Hang Ah is a high-ranking official in the North Korean army. She can fight, devise traps, is very skilled at war strategy, and can lead an entire battalion, if not country. Behind her clueless and sweet feminine appearance, she is a fierce warrior who would do anything to protect the ones she loves, her country, and above all peace between the North and the South. Though Lee Jae Ha takes some time to realize her potential and numerous qualities, he eventually succumbs to her charms and charisma.
Gu Ryeon in Tomorrow (2022)
Played by: Kim Hee Sun
Why she’s badass: Gu Ryeon has suffered, a lot. Whether it’d be in her past life, or in Hell. She has absorbed all that pain and turned it into a mission: To prevent people from making the same mistakes as she did. Yes, she can be cold, pretend not to care, and sometimes cruel. But, she’s nothing like it in reality. She’s got a warm heart, is very loyal to others, protect those she cares about, doesn’t resent anyone but herself for her issues. On top of that, she is a fervent defender of justice, and is willing to go to extreme lengths to punish individuals who discriminate, disrespect, abuse, bully or harass others. She stands up to bad guys, always ready to use her punches to solve unsolvable matters and teach these people a lesson. Plus, she’s got this beautiful pink hair and make-up, that clearly make her girly and badass at the same time!
Lee Hui Gyeom in Bad and Crazy (2022)
Played by: Han Ji Eun
Why she’s badass: The least you can say is that Lee Hui Gyeom has a temper. She’s impulsive, brutal at times and strong-headed. This little (and thin) woman can put anyone down from criminals to her ex/current lover. She knows how to be respected by her police peers, as well as by people in general. Her stubbornness to know the truth is profoundly linked with her empathy and desire to help. Though she appears to be quite savage (most of the time), Lee Hui Gyeom surely knows how to make herself appreciated.
Kang Seo Hae in Sisyphus: The Myth (2021)
Played by: Park Shin Hye
Why she’s badass: Ever since her childhood, Kang Seo Hae’s had it rough. She grew up in a devastated world, where she had to learn how to fend for herself. She was taught how to fight, use guns, hide, survive in hostile environments… For sure, all of this makes her a badass warrior. On top of that, she also chooses to put her life at risk in order to save the world (yes, the world). Despite that, she never gives up, never betrays her mission, never runs away from danger. She bravely fights for what she believes is right and doesn’t let events nor people sway her.
Go Hae Ri in Vagabond (2019)
Played by: Bae Suzy
Why she’s badass: Though she’s a female NIS agent, that’s not the reason why Go Hae Ri deserves a slot in this list of badass women. Her main quality is that she doesn’t shy away from anything. She uses her instinct to pick a side and make decisions. Hae Ri is driven and determined to get to the bottom of her case, even if it means risking her safety. She’s not afraid of the institution, nor her enemies. That’s what makes a force to be reckoned with.
Once Upon a Drama 