Here are 10 of the most disliked female leads in Korean drama history, with the No.1 choice facing public resentment for over 15 years.
Shin Se Kyung – “High Kick Through the Roof” (High Kick 2)
Though neither toxic nor annoying, Shin Se Kyung’s character was painfully dull in a show known for its upbeat energy and humor. On top of that, the actress’ stiff acting and lack of expression made her seem out of place next to scene-stealers like Hwang Jung Eum and Yoon Shi Yoon. Rumors that she influenced the show’s ending (though later proven as ungrounded) only fueled the hatred towards her character.
Jo Yi Seo (Kim Da Mi) – “Itaewon Class“
Smart, bold, and unapologetic, Yi Seo initially impressed viewers. However, as the drama progressed, her manipulative and selfish traits came to light. Even though she ended up with the male lead in the end, the show’s bad handling of Yi Seo’s character made her hard to root for.
Joo Da Hae (Soo Ae) – “Queen of Ambition”
As a classic anti-heroine, Da Hae chose ambition over morality, marrying for money and betraying those who loved her. Despite Soo Ae’s excellent performance, Da Hae’s cold and calculated rise to power left viewers more repulsed than impressed.
Eun Kang (Seo Ji Hye) – “Red Balloon”
Initially drawing sympathy, Eun Kang’s transformation into a selfish woman who betrays her best friend and ruins a marriage “in the name of love” alienated many fans. Her inability to take responsibility turned her into a symbol of hypocrisy and poor writing.
Bae Gyuri (Park Joo Hyun) – “Extracurricular”
Despite her intelligence, Gyuri’s involvement in the male lead’s illegal business serves as more of a bother than a show of her capability. Additionally, her reckless decisions and odd mindset continuously hinder the male lead, leading to the audience feeling concerned about this character.
Jung Jae I (Roh Jeong Eui) – “Hierarchy”
Cold, calculating, and driven by status, Jae I’s actions—including using and hurting others—contradicted her constant claims of acting for love. Her emotional detachment and ruthlessness made her a difficult character to support.
Kim Hye In (Lee Eun Saem) – “Bitch X Rich”
A bold female lead turned problematic. Hye In’s uncontrollable jealousy, violent behavior, and obsession with her crush painted her as a toxic figure rather than a heroine. Her constant chaos wore out viewer patience.
Na Hye Won (Hong Su Zu) – “The Impossible Heir”
As the male lead’s first love, she could have been endearing. Instead, she became overly clingy and manipulative, sabotaging his new relationship at every turn. Viewers labeled her a textbook emotional manipulator.
Oh Ha Ni (Jung So Min) – “Playful Kiss”
Once adored for her cheerful personality, Ha Ni’s endless pursuit of a cold male lead and her lack of self-respect feel outdated today. Modern audiences see her as a weak, dependent character out of step with current modern ideals.
Yu Nabi (Han So-hee) – “Nevertheless“
A beautiful and intelligent art student, Nabi frustrated viewers by continuously returning to a toxic relationship with a commitment-phobic man. Her indecision and emotional flip-flopping turned her into a symbol of romantic self-sabotage.
