Amidst the multitude of K-dramas with fiery protagonists, we find introverts who stay afloat, recharging their social batteries in total solitude outside of the (most often chaotic!) plots.
Sure, Korean dramas are often dominated by extroverts and quirky, loud characters, but there are also roles that shine in subtle ways. Just like real-life introverts, these characters vary in form, with some coming out of their shells, others staying comfortably in them, and some playing the role of extroverts just to get by. Introverts, no matter what category they belong to, always deserve to be in the spotlight, and these K-dramas recognize that. Find some of our favorites below!
8 K-dramas Starring Introverted Women
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My Liberation Notes (2022)
With Kim Ji Won as Yeom Mi Jeong
Being the youngest of the Yeom siblings as well as the most reserved, Mi Jeong spends most of the early episodes being a silent observer of the stories unfolding for the more outgoing characters, while leading a professional life filled with parties and obligatory meetings. Contrary to popular belief, Mi Jeong is a main character in her own right, whose courage and perseverance are demonstrated through her actions and decisions.
To be continued on: Netflix
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Do You Like Brahms? (2020)
Starring Park Eun Bin as Chae Song Ah
This 2020 K-drama offers viewers the opportunity to see two introverted characters find happiness, while enhancing their personalities. We find Park Eun Bin (Extraordinary Attorney Woo) in the role of the shy Chae Song Ah, who continues her violin studies despite everyone who opposes her (especially her family). Park Joon Young (Kim Min Jae), meanwhile, is a world-renowned pianist whose fame is about to fade.
To be continued on: Netflix, Viu
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My ID Is Gangnam Beauty (2018)
Starring Im Soo Hyang as Kang Mi Rae
Starring Cha Eun Woo, this drama caused a sensation upon its release, and for good reasons. In the webtoon adaptation, we find Im Soo Hyang as Kang Mi Rae, a young woman whose past of bullying and torment has extended into adulthood. Society deems her unattractive to the point that she resorts to cosmetic surgery, but this backfires when her comrades discover the truth. It is then with her comrade Do Kyung Seok (Cha Eun Woo) who, apparently, has no interest in the superficial things of life that she finds comfort.
To be continued on: Netflix, iQiyi, Viu
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Because This Is My First Life (2017)
Starring Jung So Min as Yoon Ji Ho
If a series featuring a contractual marriage tempts you, know that this is exactly the situation that Yoon Ji Ho, played by Jung So Min, finds herself in as she is stuck in the routine of a screenwriter in need of housing. She shares a house with Nam Sae Hee (Lee Min Ki) with whom she forms a relationship to make ends meet and avoid the romantic dates imposed by her parents. As the series progresses, Ji Ho faces insecurity about her skills, before arriving at the sweet finality of self-confidence. (As she deserves!)
To be continued on: Netflix, iQiyi, Viu
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When the Camellia Blooms (2019)
Starring Gong Hyo Jin as Oh Dong Baek
Living in the fictional town of Ongsan, Dong Baek is a single mother who is the subject of gossip. It’s not just the locals who have their eyes on Dong Baek, since police officer Hwang Yong Sik (Kang Ha Neul) covets her, in a romantic and loving way. Dong Baek’s shy and reserved character does not prevent him from knowing how to assert himself, even in potentially dangerous situations.
To be continued on: Netflix
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Hello, My Twenties! (2016)
Yoo Eun Jae performed by Park Hye Su and Ji Woo
It is in a house called “Belle Epoque” that five young girls share the difficulties linked to the transition to adulthood and university life. Among them is Eun Jae, a 20-year-old psychology student from rural South Korea. Presented as a character withdrawn into herself, she reveals that the most difficult thing at university is undoubtedly establishing human relationships. However, it doesn’t take long for Eun Jae to form the strong bonds she was looking for with her roommates, as well as with that special someone over time.
To be continued on: Netflix
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Flower Boys Next Door (2013)
With Park Shin Hye as Ko Dok Mi
Although Dok Mi would have preferred to stay in the comfort of her home and avoid human contact, that doesn’t mean she isn’t interested in the handsome doctor (Kim Jung San) who lives next door to her. Her new neighbors, a pretty boy (Yoon Si Yoon) and his group of misfits, having spotted Dok Mi during her spy adventures, soon come to disturb her peace.
To be continued on: Viu, iQiyi
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My Holo Love (2020)
Starring Ko Sung Hee as Han So Yeon
Suffering from prosopagnosia or facial blindness, So Yeon’s life takes a turn when she comes across a mysterious pair of glasses. Indeed, by wearing them, she finds herself face to face (virtual) with Holo, the most advanced AI in the world. As luck would have it, Holo is the spitting image of its creator Go Nan Do (Yoon Hyun Min), who quickly falls in love with So Yeon. The only problem lies in his cold attitude which is the opposite of the Holo that So Yeon knows.
To be continued on: Netflix