7 K-Dramas Teaching Us To Embrace Imperfections of Life & Ourselves
These stories inspire us to accept things we can't control.
After years of believing that an individual can have it all if they just try hard enough, people have begun to realize in recent years that such an approach can lead to severe burnout and anxiety. Instead, it makes sense to accept the things you can't control and embrace the flaws in life and yourself.
This trend has been reflected in television projects and is particularly relevant to female audiences. Instead of protagonists who fit the description of #girlbosses, more and more recent shows feature #girlfailure characters who start their journey on screen in total chaos, but gradually learn to accept it and be happy even when life throws them lemons.
If the #girlfailure type of character sounds like your jam, here are seven K-dramas that fit the bill perfectly.
True to Love (2023)
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IMDb rating: 7.6/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, TVING
Yeon Bo-ra is the embodiment of the #girlboss stereotype, with a thriving career as a relationship coach and an ideal romance. But her world is shattered when she discovers that her boyfriend is cheating on her. Now, faced with this betrayal, Bo-ra must look at life from a new perspective.
Pale Moon (2023)
IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki, TVING
In her 40s, Yoo I-hwa seems to have it all: a stable marriage and a comfortable life. Yet she feels unhappy, insecure, and hollow inside, which makes her want to shake things up. To find excitement, I-hwa lands a job at a bank and embarks on a daring scheme that soon becomes the catalyst for a whirlwind of drama.
Still 17 (2018)
IMDb rating: 7.9/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa, Tubi
Woo Seo-ri falls into a coma at 17 and wakes up at 30, missing out on 13 years. Now she must adjust to a world that has moved on without her. Most importantly, Seo-ri must rediscover herself as an adult and find out if her teenage dreams still hold the same allure.
Castaway Diva (2023)
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IMDb rating: 7.9/10
Where to stream: Netflix, TVING
Seo Mok-ha's childhood dream of becoming a pop star was dashed when she was stranded on a deserted island just before a crucial audition. Now, after years of isolation, Mok-ha faces the daunting task of reintegrating into society while striving to revive her dream.
My Lovely Sam Soon (2005)
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IMDb rating: 8.0/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa, WeTV
Kim Sam-soon, a charmingly spirited baker, is determined to find a new boyfriend after being dumped in a humiliatingly public way. However, she soon discovers that the most important relationship she needs to nurture is the one with herself.
Because This Is My First Life (2017)
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IMDb rating: 8.0/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki
The life of the female lead, Yoon Ji-ho, is a mess. She is a screenwriter who is not allowed to fulfill her dream and write anything innovative. On top of that, she loses her home and has to move in with an awkward computer designer who rents out a room in his house.
My Liberation Notes (2022)
IMDb rating: 8.2/10
Where to stream: Netflix, TVING
The show delves into the theme of unfulfilled lives, following three siblings - two sisters and a brother - who yearn to break out of their dead-end lives. Their mundane existence takes a turn when a mysterious, perpetually drunk man moves into their neighborhood.