From palace intrigues to battlefield strategy, historical K-dramas have given us some of the most memorable women in Korean television. These heroines don’t just stand by the sidelines—they challenge kings, rewrite their fates, and leave their mark on history. Here are some must-watch period dramas that spotlight women with courage, intelligence, and unshakable willpower.
THE KING’S AFFECTION (2021)
Episodes: 20
Park Eun Bin delivers a stunning performance as Crown Prince Lee Hwi, a woman forced to disguise herself as her deceased twin brother to survive. She grows into a just and capable ruler, concealing her true identity while falling in love with her tutor. It’s a tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the price of leadership, carried by Park Eun Bin’s commanding presence.
THE RED SLEEVE (2021)
Episodes: 17
Lee Se Young portrays Seong Deok Im, a court lady who values her independence above all else—even when the king falls in love with her. Based on historical figures, The Red Sleeve tells the poignant story of love constrained by duty. Deok Im’s quiet defiance and inner strength make her one of the most memorable heroines in recent historical dramas.
MR. QUEEN (2020)
Episodes: 20 + 2 specials
Shin Hye Sun shines as Queen Cheorin, whose body becomes possessed by a modern-day male chef after a freak accident. What follows is chaos in the royal court mixed with sharp humor and unexpected tenderness. Despite the absurd setup, Queen Cheorin becomes one of the most dynamic female leads in sageuk history, balancing intelligence, wit, and charm while turning palace politics upside down.
HWARANG (2016)
Episodes: 20
Although the series centers around elite young warriors, Go Ara’s character Ah Ro stands out as a sharp, outspoken woman who challenges societal norms. In a world ruled by men, her intelligence and moral compass influence those around her, proving that strength doesn’t always require a sword.
LOVE IN THE MOONLIGHT (2016)
Episodes: 18
Kim Yoo Jung shines as Hong Ra On, a young woman who disguises herself as a eunuch and becomes entangled with the Crown Prince. Though lighter in tone, the drama showcases Ra On’s quick wit, bravery, and compassion, proving that strength can come with warmth and humor.
EMPRESS KI (2013)
Episodes: 51
Ha Ji Won stars as Ki Seung Nyang, a woman of Goryeo who rises above her station to become the Empress of the Yuan Dynasty. The drama blends romance, politics, and war, showing her transformation from a servant to one of the most powerful women in Asia. Ha Ji-won’s performance captures both her vulnerability and ruthless determination to survive in a male-dominated world.
So, which historical K-drama female lead is your favourite? Please, feel free to share the ones not mentioned here.
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