From fiery courtroom battles to heartfelt Jeju romances, ten selected Korean drama series in Bechdel Choice 2025 prove that women’s stories go far beyond love. Every year, the Directors Guild of Korea (DGK) releases the Bechdel Choice 10 list, honoring works that break stereotypes and spotlight authentic female experiences. In 2025, the drama lineup is a powerful reminder that strong, layered women can lead every kind of story — and audiences will love them for it. Here are the selected Bechdel Choice 10 Korean drama series by the Directors Guild of Korea for 2025.
Bechdel Choice 10 Korean Drama Series in 2025
What Is Bechdel Choice 10?
The Bechdel Choice 10 is part of Bechdel Day, an initiative that celebrates Korean films and dramas with female characters who feel real, capable, and multidimensional. These aren’t just women whose lives revolve around men. Their stories reflect ambition, friendship, resilience, and social change.
The Directors Guild of Korea (DGK) curated the Bechdel Choice 10 list. They chose ten remarkable dramas to honor the incredible contributions of women in the entertainment industry. These remarkable dramas showcase female talent both on-screen and behind the scenes, highlighting the vital roles women have in areas like screenwriting and directing, really shining a light on their creativity and dedication.
To select films for the Bechdel Choice 10 list, the DGK uses a special set of seven rules they call the “Bechdel Test 7.”
It starts with the original Bechdel Test, which has three basic requirements:
- The film/series must feature two or more female characters who are identified by name.
- These women have to engage in conversation with each other.
- The topic of their discussion needs to be about something besides men.
On top of that, the DGK added four of its own rules to fit today’s standards:
- A woman must be in a key role behind the scenes (like the director, writer, producer, or cinematographer).
- The story must feature a female protagonist, or a woman must be a main lead in equal proportion to the male leads.
- The female characters should not be portrayed in stereotypical ways.
- The film should avoid portraying women in a way that is discriminatory toward any social minority.
Bechdel Choice 10 Korean Drama Series of 2025: A Powerful Statement
In 2025, the DGK once again released the Bechdel Choice 10. This time, shining a spotlight on Korean dramas that excel in representing multifaceted female characters. These selections went beyond traditional roles; women in these stories are central, dynamic, and speak about real life, not just romantic or male-related topics.
“Good Partner” (굿파트너) – SBS 2024
- Cast: Jang Na-ra, Nam Ji-hyun, Kim Jun-han, P.O
- Where to watch: Apple TV, VIU, Wavve, Viki
“Good Partner” follows two strong female lawyers, a 17-year veteran divorce lawyer and a rookie lawyer, who face professional challenges and moral dilemmas. It highlights the agency, intelligence, and professionalism of women in the legal world.
“Miss Night and Day” (낮과 밤이 다른 그녀) – JTBC 2024
- Cast: Jung Eun-ji, Lee Jung-eun, Choi Jin-hyuk, Baek Sei-hoo
- Where to watch: Netflix, TVING
Lee Mi-jin is a young job seeker who suddenly transforms into a 50-year-old woman each day at sunrise. Using her older persona, she gets an internship at a prosecutor’s office. She navigates a precarious double life under a workaholic boss.
This drama follows women chasing their dreams while juggling work, life, and self-growth. The romantic-comedy emphasizes women’s hopes beyond romance, focusing on empowerment and equality.
“Our Unwritten Seoul” (미지의 서울) – tvN 2024
- Cast: Park Boyoung, Park Jin-young, Ryu Kyung-soo
- Where to watch: TVING, Netflix
“Our Unwritten Seoul” — Two identical twins who lead opposite lives. One is a free-spirited ex-athlete, while the other is a corporate perfectionist. They are swapping lives to rediscover themselves through identity, healing, and connection. It explores themes like depression, workplace harassment, rebuilding family bonds, and finding self-worth.
The drama avoids melodrama. Its emotional depth and character-driven storytelling offer healing and emotional impact. Park Bo‑young delivers a powerful dual performance, making both sisters feel distinct and real. Viewers praised its portrayal of trauma—whether internal or external—and how people cope differently.
“Friendly Rivalry” (선의의 경쟁) – U+ Mobile TV 2025
- Cast: Lee Hye-ri, Chung Su-bin, Kang Hye-won, Oh Woo Ri
- Where to watch: Netflix Korea, Viki, TVING, Abema TV, Vidio
Korean drama “Friendly Rivalry” follows two students at an elite high school. An orphaned transfer student becomes close—then dangerously entangled—with an alpha student, amid mystery, rivalry, and obsession.
This intense rivalry spirals into psychological manipulation. Amidst academic pressures, they expose hidden truths and dark secrets that challenge their identities.
“The Tale of Lady Ok” (옥씨부인전) – JTBC 2025
- Cast: Im Ji-yeon, CHoo Young-woo, Yeon-woo, Kim Jae-won
- Where to watch: Netflix
“The Tale of Lady Ok” is a story of resilience and deception in the Joseon era, following Lady Ok. She is a formerly enslaved person who disguises her identity as a noble to become a skilled legal advocate. She keeps her real name, status, and even her marriage as she seeks freedom, love, and her rightful place in the world.
This historical drama focused on a strong female protagonist navigating political intrigue. Selected for its portrayal of female strength and leadership in a traditionally male-dominated historical setting.
“Doubt” (이토록 친밀한 배신자) – MBC 2024
- Cast: Han Suk-kyu, Chae Won-bin
- Where to watch: Apple TV, Netflix, Viki, Kocowa
“Doubt” — A gripping psychological thriller revolving around a top criminal profiler and single father. He must face harrowing truths when he discovers his daughter is linked to a murder case he is investigating, testing his beliefs and morality.
This drama is a psychological thriller that places women in leading roles confronting social injustice. Praised for its dark, complex female characters, which remind us of the strength and resilience of women today.
“Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born” (정년이) – tvN 2024
- Cast: Kim Tae-ri, Shin Ye-eun, Ra Mi-ran, Jung Eun-chae, Kim Yoon-hye, Woo Da-vi,
- Where to watch: Disney+
“Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born” — In 1950s Korea, Yoon Jeong-nyeon joins a women’s theater troupe to escape poverty and chase stardom. A visually stunning period drama that explores ambition, self-worth, and defying societal expectations.
“A Virtuous Business” (정숙한 세일즈) – JTBC 2024
- Cast: Kim So-yun, Yun Woo-jin, Kim Sung-ryung, Ki Sun-young, Le Se Hee
- Where to watch: Netflix, TVING
“A Virtuous Business” — In the 1990s, a group of housewives started selling adult products door-to-door, defying norms and discovering independence. The drama celebrates female entrepreneurship, empowerment, and friendship in the face of gossip and resistance.
“When Life Gives You Tangerines” (폭싹 속았수다) – Netflix
- Cast: Park Bo-gum, IU, Moon So-ri, Park Hae-joon,
- Where to watch: Netflix
“When Life Gives You Tangerines” — A lifelong romance unfolds on 1960s Jeju Island. A spirited girl and her loyal childhood friend navigate love, loss, and life’s changing seasons. This series also portrays the struggles of women from time to time, as daughters, sisters, mothers, and wives.
“Hyper Knife” (하이퍼나이프) – Disney+ 2025
- Cast: Park Eun-bin, Suk Kyung-yu, Park Byung-eun, Yoon Chang-yeon,
- Where to watch: Disney, Hulu
“Hyper Knife” — A brilliant neurosurgeon falls into the criminal underworld. Without a license, she secretly performs surgeries. Unexpectedly, she reunites with her former mentor, the one who ruined her life and dreams. This reunion sparks a dangerous fight of skill, trust, and survival.
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