Female-led action dramas are drawing attention in Korean television, led by MBC’s A Bona Fide Killer, SBS’ Flex X Cop 2, and Disney+’s A Shop for Killers Season 2. The shows center on women who fight crime, lead violent units, or drive conflict on both sides of the law. Culture critic Jung Duk-hyun and professor Yun Suk-jin said the appeal comes from the contrast between domestic crises and public violence, and from women stepping into self-reliant roles.
Kong Hyo-jin is seen in MBC drama "A Bona Fide Killer." Courtesy of MBC
Bo-na (Kong Hyo-jin) is a legendary hitwoman capable of neutralizing high-profile criminals with a single bullet in MBC drama “A Bona Fide Killer.” Known by the moniker “Kingfisher” for the way she perches in the shadows before striking, she accepts her latest contract with an unusual caveat.
When her superior asks when she plans to execute the target, Bo-na pauses, then responds, “Let’s do it during the day.” The reason isn't tactical surveillance. It's because she has to pick up her 4-year-old daughter from the day care center.
A wave of dramas driven by formidable female leads is capturing widespread attention. Spanning action, psychological thrillers and dark crime, actresses are taking center stage and significantly broadening the scope of female-led narratives.
