If you think K-dramas are all about rich CEOs and their competent secretaries, think again. These days, the world of Korean television is turning traditional gender roles on their head, and it’s nothing short of delightful. Two new dramas, Love Scout and When the Stars Gossip, are leading the charge – and trust us, you’ll want to join in.

In Love Scout, the usual K-drama trope of the competent female secretary and the stoic male CEO is flipped on its head. Han Ji-min plays Kang Ji-yoon, a clumsy CEO who is great at his job but completely useless at everything else. Enter her new secretary Yoo Eun-ho, played by Lee Joon-hyuk, who is also a single father.

What makes Love Scout particularly charming is how it doesn’t just swap out roles for the sake of novelty – it gives its characters depth. Ji-eun is not just a damsel in distress; Her intelligence and passion for her work make her a powerhouse in her own right, even if she continues to falter in her personal life. Similarly, Eun-ho’s role as a single father brings an emotional layer to his character. Her resourcefulness stems from years of caring for her own child, making her interactions with Ji-eun feel natural and heartfelt.

Eun-ho doesn’t just organize her meetings; He practically organizes her life. Whether it’s placing rubber corners on her to stop her from hitting the desk or offering a pink rubber band (courtesy of her daughter) to tie her hair while she eats, her thoughtful gestures— The sentiments are commendable.

It’s refreshing to see a man take on the role of caretaker, a role traditionally assigned to women in K-dramas. Watching Eun-ho create order in Ji-yoon’s chaotic world is not only heartwarming, but also a much-needed twist on the usual romantic dynamics.

Netflix’s When the Stars Gossip goes one step further by subverting career stereotypes. Lee Min-ho, known for his “cool guy” roles, plays Gong Ryung, a broken obstetrician-gynecologist. His counterpart, Eve Kim, is an astronaut, played by Gong Hyo-jin. You read that right – he gives birth to babies, and she explores outer space.

While Eve Kim embodies ambition and resilience, her character also shows vulnerability, proving that strong female characters can be multidimensional. On the other hand, Gong Ryung’s decision to become an OB-GYN is not driven by the usual financial motivations, but by a genuine love of bringing life into the world. Their unconventional careers create a dynamic where mutual respect and understanding grows, challenging audiences’ preconceptions about gender-based professions.

Gong Ryung’s passion for bringing life into the world is a rare but welcome portrayal of a male OB-GYN in Korean dramas, a role often reserved for women. It’s reminiscent of Hospital Playlist, where Kim Dae-myung’s portrayal of a compassionate OB-GYN melted our hearts. Ryung’s character feels genuine and down-to-earth, a far cry from the usual cunning, over-the-top male heroes played by Min-ho.

These latest shifts in gender roles are more than just entertainment – ​​they’re a reflection of changing social norms. K-dramas are showing us that men can be caregivers, women can dominate in male-dominated fields, and relationships can flourish when people break out of traditional roles.

So, whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of K-drama, these shows provide a breath of fresh air. Grab your popcorn, because the Love Scouts and When the Stars Gosee* aren’t just breaking stereotypes – they’re setting new standards.