7 Motivational K-Dramas About Bouncing Back From Rock Bottom

Unfortunately, life has a way of throwing lemons our way. And not always do we have the strength to make lemonade out of them. In such cases, watching shows with protagonists who are dealing with similar or worse situations can be really inspiring.

Not to mention, they provide a perfect way to unwind, letting our brains rest and find the solution to every problem. Here are seven K-dramas with female leads who don't give up and crawl their way out of life's cesspools, no matter what.

Hello, Me! (2021)

IMDb rating: 7.2/10

Where to stream: Netflix

Ban Ha-ni is a single, submissive, shy, and perpetually anxious woman approaching her forties. She feels her spark is gone and the best days are far in the past. However, one day, her feisty 17-year-old self from the past shows up and challenges Ha-ni to turn things around.

Into the Ring (2020)

IMDb rating: 7.2/10

Where to stream: Prime Video, Netflix, Viki, Kocowa

Despite her poor background and lack of education, Koo Se-Ra has never been one to remain silent in the face of injustice. So when a position opens up on the local District People's Council, Se-Ra boldly decides to pursue it. Even though she seems to have no chance of winning.

Oh My Venus (2015)

IMDb rating: 7.7/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Viki, Kocowa, WeTV, iflix

Kang Joo-eun, a once-popular 33-year-old lawyer known for her perfect figure, faces a downfall when she gains weight and her boyfriend leaves her because of it. To make matters worse, Joo-eun loses her apartment and struggles financially. Fortunately, she meets a Hollywood trainer who, with some convincing, helps her find a place to live and a program to get healthy.

Summer Strike (2022)

IMDb rating: 7.8/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Viki

Tired of her miserable life, Lee Yeo-reum turns it upside down and moves to a picturesque seaside town, where she crosses paths with a charming librarian. The series is rather slow paced, which helps to emphasize the main theme: succeeding IN life and succeeding ONE's life are not one and the same.

Start-Up (2020)

IMDb rating: 8.0/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki

Despite childhood trauma and a humble background, Seo Dal-mi dreams big. Her ambition is to become South Korea's version of Steve Jobs. Her ambition is to become South Korea's Steve Jobs. That's why she dives into the ruthless world of the high-tech industry with unwavering persistence and tenacity, inspiring many people along the way.

Romance Is a Bonus Book (2019)

IMDb rating: 8.0/10

Where to stream: Netflix

Kang Dan-i's life has hit rock bottom. Once a successful copywriter, she sacrificed her career for her family, only to be abandoned years later and left struggling to make ends meet. Now she must gather her strength and find a way to survive. Luckily, an old friend steps in to lend a helping hand.

Fight For My Way (2017)

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Viki, Aha, Kocowa

The fan-favorite drama follows four ambitious young adults as they chase their dreams against all odds. Starting out in mundane, soul-crushing jobs, they face numerous setbacks. But armed with each other's support and determination, they overcome the challenges on their path to success.