1. Go Ae-shin in Mr. Sunshine
In Mr. Sunshine, Go Ae-shin (Kim Tae-ri) is a noblewoman by day and a sniper by night. This double identity that Ae-shin has is dangerous considering that the drama is set in the early 1990s when activists are fighting for South Korea’s independence.

What’s more, being a noblewoman, it’s unspeakable to even imagine that she would wield a gun. But because of her desire to protect her loved ones and her people, Go becomes a sniper for the Righteous army despite society’s expectations.

2. Lee Ji-an in My Mister
Lee Ji-an (IU) in My Mister has endured many hardships in life. She’s lost her parents and left to take care of her ailing grandmother on her own. At work, she’s only a temporary employee who can get replaced anytime and is not treated very well by her colleagues to the point of being almost invisible.

But still, Ji-an presses on and tries to live a good life, essentially as a person who doesn’t settle despite her circumstances. Above all, Ji-an tries to live by her grandmother’s words that living well is her way of thanking the people who helped her along the way.

3. Kim Bok-joo in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo
There are many things to be inspired about when it comes to Kim Bok-joo (Lee Sung-kyung) from Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo. She’s subverting the stereotype that weightlifting is a sport only for men.
Amidst her strong exterior, she’s just like every other young girl experiencing love, growing and fighting for her dreams no matter what. Bok-joo also tells viewers that it’s okay to lose sometimes—what matters is getting back up again and pushing on.

4. Kang Mo-yeon in Descendants of the sun
Kang Mo-yeon refuses to buckle under hierarchies and connections. She believes competence outweighs your rank and your connections but soon learns the harsh reality.

But despite that, Kang stands firmly by her principles. She rejects the romantic advances of the director of the hospital she works which eventually led her to be assigned to a war-torn city as a volunteer.