K-dramas provide entertainment and stories of people who are almost impossible to meet in our daily lives, giving them stories and background of their own lives. One of the almost impossible yet real characters frequently featured in K-dramas is chaebols, who are frequently depicted as males.
But there is something lovable and more enjoyable to the female heirs to these conglomerates who bring their own brand of charisma, strength, and complexity to the screen. From power struggles to unexpected romances, these characters navigate through love, family, and corporate intrigue with style and grace. Let's take a closer look at some of the most notable female chaebol characters to have graced our screens, portrayed by talented actresses who brought them to life with nuance and depth.
Hong Hae In of "Queen of Tears"
In "Queen of Tears," Kim Ji Won portrays the strong Hong Hae In, the CEO of Queens Department Store and a third-generation chaebol heiress of Queens Group. Hae In's poised exterior is contrast to the inner turmoil she faces as she grapples with familial expectations and her own desires. Her marriage is also in despite her strong love towards him, alongside a disease she has to battle, making her journey marked with unbelievable strength and resilience.
Yoon Se Ri of "Crash Landing on You"
Son Ye Jin mesmerizes audiences as Yoon Se Ri, an independent and successful businesswoman, with her own successful fashion and beauty company, Seri's Choice and a chaebol heiress of the Queens Group from South Korea. She finds her life turned upside down as she crash lands in North Korea after a sudden tornado during her paragliding. Despite her affluent background as the heiress of a chaebol, Se Ri's journey of survival and love in unfamiliar territory showcases her strength and adaptability, endearing her to viewers worldwide.
Do Do Hee of "My Demon"
Kim Yoo Jung shines as Do Do Hee, the devilish chaebol heiress of a conglomerate and the CEO of the Mirae F&B in "My Demon." Adopted by the chairwoman of the Mirae Group into wealth after her tragic childhood, Do Do Hee's sharp wit and determination mask her vulnerabilities as she enters an unprecedented contract marriage with a demon who temporarily lost his powers. Their unconventional love story unfolds amidst supernatural elements, creating a captivating narrative of love and redemption.
Han Yeo Jin of "Yong Pal"
In "Yong Pal," Kim Tae Hee portrays Han Yeo Jin, the so called "sleeping beauty", who is the heiress of a chaebol family who has been long confined to their hospital room due to a medically induced coma placed by corrupt doctors instructed by her own half-brother who is coveting the inheritance under her name. Yeo Jin's tenacity and intelligence shine as she forms an unlikely alliance with a skilled surgeon who is desperate to earn money to rescue her, leading to a gripping tale of power struggles, revenge, and medical intrigue.
Mo Seok Hee of "Graceful Family"
Lim Soo Hyang takes on the role of Mo Seok Hee, the only daughter determined chaebol heiress of the huge conglomerate, MC Group, in "Graceful Family." After being sent to United States after her mother was murdered, she comes back to Korea after 15 years upon knowing that her grandfather is in a coma. Then, she coincidentally meets someone to propel her quest for justice and truth in the wake of her mother's mysterious death, uncovering dark secrets and familial betrayals along the way.
Seo Eun Gi of "The Innocent Man"
Moon Chae Won delivers a memorable performance as Seo Eun Gi, rich and arrogant young chaebol heiress who's being groomed to take over her father's conglomerate, the Taesan Company, in "The Innocent Man." Eun Gi's journey from a cold and calculating, business-savvy heiress to a woman falling in love to a man who she didn't know was using her for his revenge on his ex-girlfriend who is now Eun Gi's stepmother is an interesting story to unfold.
Jeon So Min portrays Oh Ro Ra, the charming, confident, yet materialistic youngest chaebol heiress of Chunwang Foods, a large food conglomerate, in "Princess Aurora." While she seems to be the typical spoiled brat, she is more than what meets the eye as she intervenes to salvage her 50-year-old second brother’s marriage and has cared for her family. Ro Ra's whirlwind romance with bestselling author takes a dramatic turn when her family faces a financial crisis, testing her resilience and love in the face of adversity.
Oh Young of "That Winter, The Wind Blows"
Song Hye Kyo captivates as Oh Young, the visually impaired heiress of a large corporation, in "That Winter, The Wind Blows." She lives alone, estranged from her mother and older brother since she was a child and eventually, inherited all the wealth from her parents. Oh Young's journey of finding the true meaning of love and finding for her brother only to be betrayed is a whirlwind story of her strength amidst hardships.
Jang Yoon Ha of "High Society"
UEE portrays Jang Yoon Ha, the privileged youngest heiress of a chaebol family, in "High Society." Yoon Ha's desire for independence and love after her parents force her to marry another chaebol leads her to take part-time jobs, and eventually cross paths with a man from a different social stratum who initially wanted to be close to her to gain influence, challenging societal norms and her own beliefs.
From tales of love and sacrifice to power struggles and family secrets, these notable female chaebol characters have left an indelible mark on K-Drama history, thanks to the stellar performances of their talented actresses. Whether they're navigating the intricacies of corporate life or finding love in unexpected places, these characters continue to capture the hearts of viewers around the world. Whom among these female chaebol characters is your favorite?
In Korean dramas, you’re either a chaebol CEO, or you’re a peasant who’s holding 3 jobs a day just to feed your extended family. No in-betweens.