If you’ve been watching K-dramas and feel like you’ve seen it all—rich CEOs and capable secretaries—then prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Recent offerings like Love Scout and When the Stars Gossip are shaking up the traditional gender roles, bringing a refreshing change to the genre that you won’t want to miss.
In Love Scout, the usual dynamic of a competent female secretary and a stoic male CEO is turned on its head. Han Ji-min stars as Kang Ji-yun, a CEO who is a powerhouse at work but completely hopeless at everything else. Enter Yu Eun-ho, her new secretary, played by Lee Joon-hyuk, a man with his own personal challenges as a single dad.
What makes Love Scout stand out is that it doesn't just swap roles for novelty’s sake; it gives its characters real depth. Ji-yun, despite her clumsiness in personal matters, is intelligent and driven in her career. Her struggles and growth feel authentic, making her far from the typical “damsel in distress.” Meanwhile, Eun-ho’s role as a single dad adds emotional weight to his character. His nurturing side is integral to the story—his experience as a father makes his actions towards Ji-yun feel genuine and full of care. From attaching rubber corners to her desk to prevent accidents to offering her a pink rubber band from his daughter to tie her hair, Eun-ho’s thoughtful gestures make for swoon-worthy moments.
What makes Eun-ho’s character especially endearing is how he embraces the traditionally feminine role of caretaker, showing a side of masculinity rarely seen in K-dramas. Watching him create order in Ji-yun’s chaotic world isn’t just heartwarming—it’s a refreshing twist on the usual romantic dynamic in K-dramas, where men are typically the ones needing to be looked after.
Meanwhile, Netflix’s When the Stars Gossip takes the idea of flipping stereotypes to a whole new level. Lee Min-ho, usually known for playing cool, suave roles, steps into the shoes of Gong Ryung, a broke obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN). On the flip side, Gong Hyo-jin plays Eve Kim, an astronaut—yes, you read that right, she’s exploring outer space while he’s delivering babies.
This role reversal doesn’t just stop at career choices—it delves deeper into the characters’ complexities. Eve Kim is ambitious, driven, and resilient, but she’s not without her vulnerabilities, showing that strong female characters can be multifaceted. On the other hand, Gong Ryung’s decision to be an OB-GYN isn’t just about financial stability—it’s a career born out of genuine love for bringing life into the world, which challenges the usual portrayal of male doctors in the genre. His passion for the job, paired with the vulnerability and depth in his character, offers a rare and welcome portrayal of a male OB-GYN, a role typically reserved for women in K-drama.
This unconventional pairing in When the Stars Gossip challenges traditional gender expectations not only in terms of their professions but also in their dynamic. Their mutual respect for each other’s work, despite being in completely different fields, makes their relationship feel grounded and real. Gong Ryung’s role, in particular, stands in stark contrast to the usual flashy, larger-than-life characters Min-ho is known for, offering a new and more nuanced portrayal of masculinity.
Both Love Scout and When the Stars Gossip represent more than just refreshing storylines—they mirror shifting societal norms. K-dramas are evolving to show us that men can be caretakers, women can thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields, and relationships are stronger when individuals step outside the confines of old-school gender roles. These dramas not only entertain but also challenge viewers to rethink societal expectations in a fun, heartwarming way.
Whether you’re a K-drama aficionado or a newcomer, these two shows are setting new standards for storytelling, offering a delightful mix of romance, humor, and a healthy dose of societal change. So, grab your popcorn, because Love Scout and When the Stars Gossip are about to take you on a ride that’s as heartwarming as it is boundary-pushing.
