She Chases Him: 7 K-Dramas Breaking Gender Stereotypes

The romantic genre in general and K-dramas in particular have various tropes and storylines that they could follow, some more rare than others. For example, traditionally, it is the man who does all the chasing in a relationship, while the woman has to take a more passive role.

In real life, however, such stereotypes no longer work. If a girl falls for a boy first, it's natural to take a few steps and test the waters for romantic potential. If you are on the lookout for such determined female leads pursuing love, here are seven K-dramas that have just what you need.

My Man Is Cupid (2023)

IMDb rating: 7.2/10

Where to stream: Prime Video

Oh Baek-ryun seems to be cursed in the love department. All of her boyfriends have near-death experiences and run away. Desperate for a real connection, she falls for a 500-year-old cupid she meets through a serial killer case.

Backstreet Rookie (2020)

IMDb rating: 7.5/10

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

Choi Dae-hyun is handsome and popular with the girls. So when Jung Saet-byul, a new employee at his convenience store, starts paying attention to him, he brushes it off. But Saet-byul is not the one to remain just one of the crowd.

Suspicious Partner (2017)

IMDb rating: 7.8/10

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

Eun Bong-hee and Noh Ji-wook both work as prosecutors, and their relationship is nothing short of tumultuous. After Ji-wook defends Bong-hee in court, the woman becomes obsessed with him, but he doesn't return the feelings. However, when they embark on a mission to catch the real criminal, the roles start to reverse.

Oh My Ghost ( 2015)

IMDb rating: 8.0/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki, Tubi, AsianCrush

Na Bong-sun is a shy restaurant kitchen assistant with a superpower. She can see ghosts, and one day it backfires. A ghost of a virgin possesses the woman with one purpose – she must lose her virginity. The spirit sets her eyes on Bong-sun's boss, whom she secretly fancies, and the chase begins.

My Love from the Star (2013)

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

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

Do Min-joon is a 400-year-old alien who dreams of leaving Earth. The opportunity to do so is extremely rare, so Min-joon has to stay focused. The problem is that his neighbor, the chaotic actress Cheon Song-yi, seems to have a crush on him and is determined to win his heart.

Itaewon Class (2020)

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Where to stream: Netflix

Park Sae-ro-yi has been to hell and back because of the misdeeds of a powerful family. Now ready to take them down in an act of revenge, he enlists the help of genius Jo Yi-seo. Soon, the woman falls in love, leading to an exciting love triangle and compelling romance.

It's Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)

IMDb rating: 8.6/10

Where to stream: Netflix

Ko Moon-young is a popular children's book author with an antisocial personality disorder. This makes her social interactions awkward. When she meets the kind and caring Moon Gang-tae, whom she knew from her childhood, she becomes infatuated with him and starts to pursue him. Strangely enough, this turns out to be exactly what Gang-tae needs.