“I’m not a hero. I’m just a person who’s taking revenge.” – Yoon Ji-woo (My Name)
Korean dramas have long captivated global audiences with their heartfelt romance, gripping melodrama, and unforgettable characters. But in recent years, a powerful new trend has emerged; Korean dramas are entering a bold new era where women are no longer just love interests or sidekicks, they’re the main event. From skilled detectives and elite assassins to rogue agents, revenge-driven warriors, and powerful vigilantes, women-led action K-dramas are breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be a heroine on screen. With sharp storytelling, gripping action sequences, and richly developed female leads, these dramas are winning over viewers who want more than romance; they’re drawn to stories fueled by strength, suspense, and women in command of their own destinies.
Netflix’s ‘My Name’, a 2021 action crime thriller, is one of the dramas that flips the script on traditional K-drama narratives with a gripping revenge story led by a fearless female protagonist. Starring Han So-hee in a career-defining role, the drama tells the story of Yoon Ji-woo, a young woman who dives headfirst into a world of crime and corruption to uncover the truth behind her father’s mysterious death. As she navigates a dangerous double life between the mafia and the police, ‘My Name’ delivers intense action, emotional depth, and a raw portrayal of grief, rage, and identity. It’s a bold, unflinching series that pushes the boundaries of the genre and firmly places a woman at its center. Blending emotional complexity with high-octane fight scenes, the drama shatters stereotypes and proves that women in K-dramas can be just as formidable and captivating in action roles as their male counterparts.
Series: My Name
Where to watch: Netflix
Cast: Han So-hee, Park Hee-soon, Ahn Bo-hyun
Written by: Kim Ba-da
Directed by: Kim Jin-min
The Plot
After the sudden and mysterious death of her father, Yoon Ji-woo (played by Han So-hee) is consumed by a burning desire for revenge. Determined to uncover the truth and punish those responsible, she aligns herself with Dongcheon, a powerful drug cartel led by the ruthless Choi Mu-jin (played by Park Hee-soon). Under Mu-jin’s guidance, Ji-woo adopts a new identity—Oh Hye-jin—and infiltrates the police force as a covert informant for the gang. Assigned to the Inchang Metropolitan Police’s narcotics division, she partners with the sharp and principled Detective Jeon Pil-do (played by Ahn Bo-hyun), all while secretly investigating the circumstances behind her father’s death from within the system.
The Characters
Yoon Ji-woo / Oh Hye-jin (played by Han So-hee)
A resilient and fearless young woman, Yoon Ji-woo, is devastated by the abrupt loss of her father. Consumed by the need for revenge, she becomes involved with a notorious drug syndicate and, under the false identity of Oh Hye-jin, infiltrates the police force, putting her life on the line to uncover the truth behind her father’s mysterious death.
Choi Mu-jin (played by Park Hee-soon)
The influential and cold-blooded leader of the Dongcheon drug organization, Choi Mu-jin, takes Yoon Ji-woo in and guides her as both a mentor and ally. While he supports her quest for revenge, his intentions are ambiguous, making him a complex figure in her journey. Mu-jin is a key force behind Ji-woo’s evolution and the dangerous path she follows.
Jeon Pil-do (played by Ahn Bo-hyun)
A skilled and morally upright detective in the Inchang Metropolitan Police’s narcotics division, Jeon Pil-do, is assigned as Ji-woo’s partner. Unaware of her hidden identity and undercover ties to the criminal underworld, he gradually builds a complex and fragile bond with her as they face high-stakes cases side by side.
Supporting Characters
Cha Gi-ho (played by Kim Sang-ho)
As the determined and hard-nosed chief of the narcotics division, Cha Gi-ho has spent years tracking the Dongcheon cartel. His sharp instincts and unwavering dedication to justice make him a persistent danger to Ji-woo’s undercover mission, as he remains ever-watchful and difficult to deceive.
Jung Tae-ju (played by Lee Hak-joo)
The trusted enforcer and right-hand man of Choi Mu-jin, Jung Tae-ju, is known for his icy demeanor and ruthless efficiency. Deeply loyal to the cartel, he remains suspicious of Ji-woo’s presence and closely monitors her actions as she climbs within Dongcheon’s inner circle.
Do Gang-jae (played by Chang Ryul)
Once part of the Dongcheon cartel, Do Gang-jae was cast out following a violent dispute within the group. Fuelled by resentment and a thirst for revenge, he emerges as an unpredictable and dangerous adversary—not only to the organization that betrayed him, but also to Ji-woo as her mission progresses.
What made the show popular?
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Complex and engaging plot: The premise of a young woman joining a criminal gang to seek revenge and infiltrating the police force as an undercover agent provides a gripping narrative filled with twists, suspense, and unpredictable turns. Themes of moral ambiguity, loyalty, betrayal, and justice resonated with many, keeping the audience invested in every episode. The story’s depth and complexity made it stand out from more conventional crime thrillers.
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Gritty, realistic action: ‘My Name’ is packed with intense, raw, and well-choreographed fight scenes that set it apart from many other K-dramas. The action is brutal and realistic, drawing comparisons to action films and capturing the attention of viewers who enjoy high-octane, physical storytelling. The drama’s fight sequences are often cited as a major reason for its success, offering viewers thrilling, edge-of-the-seat moments.
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Strong female lead: The series features Han So-hee in a powerful and transformative role as Yoon Ji-woo. Her portrayal of a woman seeking revenge while navigating the complexities of her undercover mission was a standout element. Her character’s journey from grief to strength captivated audiences, making her one of the most talked-about female leads in recent K-drama history.
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Dark and mature themes: ‘My Name’ tackled themes that are often avoided in mainstream K-dramas, such as the harsh realities of the criminal underworld, the psychological toll of revenge, and the moral consequences of living a double life. Its mature themes allowed it to attract a more diverse audience, including those seeking something edgier and more intense than traditional K-dramas.
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Short but impactful format: With only 8 episodes, ‘My Name’ managed to deliver a compact, focused story that didn’t drag on unnecessarily. This short format appealed to viewers who prefer concise series with a clear and direct narrative. The quick pace kept audiences hooked, allowing for rapid developments without filler content.
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Gripping character development: Throughout the series, Ji-woo’s character evolves as she faces challenges that test her resolve and morality. Her journey from a vengeful daughter to a cold, calculating agent in both the criminal world and law enforcement adds emotional weight to the plot, making her story arc both compelling and relatable.
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Intriguing supporting characters: The drama also offered a range of well-developed supporting characters, such as Choi Mu-jin, Jeon Pil-do, and Cha Gi-ho, each with their own motives and personal struggles. The relationships between these characters and Ji-woo, especially the tension between loyalty and betrayal, added depth to the plot and kept viewers engaged.
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Global appeal: The intense action, complex characters, and gripping storyline gave ‘My Name’ international appeal, attracting fans beyond Korea. Its gritty narrative, filled with universal themes of revenge and justice, resonated with a global audience, making it one of the most talked-about K-dramas of its release period.
All in all, ‘My Name’ captivates audiences with its thrilling action, complex characters, and intense emotional journey. Han So-hee’s standout performance as Yoon Ji-woo, coupled with the drama’s exploration of vengeance, loyalty, and moral dilemmas, makes it a compelling watch. The well-crafted fight sequences, mature themes, and concise storytelling set the series apart, offering an experience that resonates deeply with viewers. With its unique blend of suspense and drama, ‘My Name’ has firmly established itself as a must-watch K-drama, leaving a lasting impact on its global fanbase.
Written by MANSHA CHAUHAN
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