4 K-Dramas With Badass Female Detectives: ‘Signal,’ ‘Happiness,’ More

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signal
Kim Hye Soo
Juvenile Justice
Happiness
Han Hyo Joo
The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure
My Name
Han So Hee
Bad and Crazy
Han Ji Eun

Who does not love the empowered, independent, and badass female characters in K-Dramas?

In this generation, viewers are much more drawn to strong female characters who can stand on their own feet without relying on the male leads.

If you love characters like Katniss Everdeen in "Hunger Games," Wonder Woman, Black Widow of "Avengers" and more, then keep on reading!

1. Kim Hye Soo in 'Signal'

Kim Hye Soo has a diverse and impressive array of characters that she played under her belt.

'Juvenile Justice' Star Kim Hye Soo
(Photo : Netflix Korea Instagram)
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But in 2016, she received massive acclaim for her role as Cha Soo Hyun in the thriller drama "Signal." She is first police officer who became the team leader of a long-term cold case squad.

Thanks to her performance and chemistry with Lee Je Hoon, the drama received widespread recognition. "Signal" is one of the highest rated series in South Korean television history up until this writing.

'Juvenile Justice' Stills
(Photo : Netflix Korea )
Kim Hye Soo

In particular, the drama opened more doors for the actress. Kim Hye Soo starred as a powerful detective, prosecutor, lawyer, and more in many popular series such as "Hyena" and "Juvenile Justice."

2. Han Hyo Joo in 'Happiness'

Like Kim Hye Soo, actress Han Hyo Joo established her name in the industry.

'Happiness'
(Photo : tvN)

In 2021, she wowed fans and viewers with her transformation as a tactical detective in the apocalyptic drama "Happiness" with Park Hyung Sik.

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She served as the strength of her fellow citizens who were stuck at the suffocating apartment whilst an unknown disease threatens everyone's lives.

'Happiness'
(Photo : tvN)

Even when her own life is compromised, she puts other people's lives before her own; truly showing how powerful she is.

Han Hyo Joo / Pirates 2
(Photo : Lotte Entertainment Movie Instagram)

In 2022, she also showed off her leadership skills as a pirate captain in the historical adventure film "The Pirates: The Lost Royal Treasure" with Kang Ha Neul and Lee Kwang Soo.

3. Han So Hee in 'My Name'

Han So Hee proved that she's more than just a pretty face! In 2021, she flaunted her outstanding acting chops in the action crime series "My Name" with Ahn Bo Hyun.

MY NAME
(Photo : Netflix Korea Official Instagram)

The actress gained her much-deserved recognition for perfectly portraying the grief, anger, and vengeance that her character feels in the series.

Han So Hee - My Name Still
(Photo : Netflix Korea Instagram)

When her father is murdered, she becomes a revenge-driven powerful crime boss who enters the police force as an undercover cop. Badass, isn't she?

4. Han Ji Eun in 'Bad and Crazy'

In "Bad and Crazy," Han Ji Eun deals with crimes, buy bust operations and the likes as a police lieutenant on the drug squad.

'Bad and Crazy'
(Photo : tvN)
Han Ji Eun

Clad in her usual strong facade, she possesses the righteousness and enthusiasm a police officer must have towards their job.

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What makes her interesting and relatable is her determination in achieving her dreams on her own feet. Despite growing up with a silver spoon in her mouth, she stood on her own and worked hard for the things she has.

'Bad and Crazy'
(Photo : tvN)
Han Ji Eun

In addition to that, her quirkiness and headstrong personality that irks her old friend Ryu Soo Yeol is just entertaining to see!

Who is your favorite badass female character? Share it with us in the comments below!

KDramaStars owns this article.

Written by Elijah Mully.

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