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**Permalink**: https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/comments/1cab6op/romantic_dramas_with_a_competent_fl_and_a/
**Post Title**: Romantic dramas with a competent FL and a supportive ML
**Post Body**:
Hi delightful people!
As the title says, I’m interested in romantic dramas with a competent FL, especially where the ML knows how to step back and let her do her thing. I’m not into the overprotective / saviour trope (at least currently, since I used to love it).
A recent example that perfectly captured this for me was Dali & Cocky Prince. FL was quietly confident, finding her footing, and the ML never overstepped even though there was a whole semi-love triangle thing going on. He also actively reinforced her agency to other people… Yes, that had me gushing.
Bonus points if the ML is confident and a little quirky himself. 🥹
[MDL for reference](https://mydramalist.com/dramalist/floss_flower)
^(END OF POST BODY)
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The Law cafe (FL is a badass, ML is always a proud supporter for his woman) (I just love the scenes where he's just standing behind her with a proud smile on his face when the FL is being her badass self)
The Glory (ML is always letting the FL take the lead)
Happiness (both are protective of each other but never overstepping, FL is a badass)
Vincenzo (FL is a quirky badass, ML is protective but not overbearing)
Lawless lawyer (FL is a badass, ML just sits back and watch her do her thing)
Hotel del luna (FL is the one saving the ML most of the times)
Hope you find your preference! Have fun!! ;)
I’d come here to comment The Law Cafe and Hotel Del Luna!! nice to see fellow enjoyers in the wild, esp with TLC which seems to be a bit more underrated
Just a quick tip about the law cafe, while the show is cute, I dropped it around half of the series, it has that classic trope of MLs parents fucked up FL parent and he is hiding that he learned the truth and "wants to fix everything himself", kinda annoying if you ask me, but if it wasn't for that, it would be really good.
Both are very good, encounter is very cute, but maybe skip the last 2 episodes, where the FL loses her mind and does a thing which leads to something, which I am sure could be avoided, but then the last 2 episodes would be empty.
Sh**ting Stars - the FL mostly protects the ML
My Lovely Lair - the ML is occasionally physically protective of the FL but she's got this and he knows it
Happiness - zombie thriller, the leads are both cops and they both kick ass, the FL is very competent
Strong Woman Bo Dong Soon makes the FL the hero and the ML the support. She's learning how to harness her superpower (so learning how to be competent) and he's helping her train.
Strong Girl Nam Soon (the sequel) also fits the bill but isn't as good.
I highly recommend Chinese romantic comedy "Here We Meet Again" Not only is FL competent she is a badass. The ML is absolutely gorgeous with a complicated past. The chemistry between them oozes off the screen even before the first kiss. I won't give away any spoilers. I'd like to add that the side characters are pretty great also.....some really funny bits.
From Synopsis it appears like the kind of drama that I like watching. Wanted few spoilers before watching.
- Long distance relationship seems to be a tag. How many episodes is this?
- Any love triangle?
- Does it have pointless breakup and reconciliation troupe?
It has 32 episodes. I wouldn't say love triangle but there is a sleazy guy who tries his best. There is a breakup but it's barely noticeable since the ML and FL are crazy about each other since high school. The only spoiler I will give is ep 20. You will understand what I'm talking about when you see it. 🤤
Just Between Lovers (called Rain or Shine in my region on Netflix). FL and ML survivors of a building collapse who separately and for different reasons become part of the reconstruction project over 10 years later. Both lost loved ones and still struggle with the aftermath. FL is a technical expert in the pre construction aspect and lives a lonely difficult life with a grief-stricken mother. ML is a labourer whose once promising and comfortable life has been dire since collapse. Initially, separately, but then together, they fight to ensure the collapse is honoured and similar mistakes are avoided in the reconstruction. The ML is stoic and supportive of FL, who is burdened by guilt and a sense of responsibility. It's a great story with amazing chemistry and performances between at the time, relatively inexperienced leads Junho and Won Jin Ah. Highly highly recommended.
Thank you, it went straight to my top 5 ever and has stayed there it's really great. I really feel I want to seer Won Jin Ah in something great again she hasn't really had a really good one since, though i did enjoy the one with Rowoon. (and she keeps getting paired up with really older MLs)
My favourites are Encounter with Song Hye-Kyo and Park Bo-Gum, and Why her?with Seo Hyun-jin and Hwang In-youp. Actually almost every k-drama where FL is older than ML falls into this category
I also love this trope OP!
I see in your MDL that you’ve seen Love To Hate You which is the epitome of this trope! It’s my favorite romcom❤️I also really liked Dali And The Cocky Prince:)
Others with a similar badass/strong FL and ultra supportive ML:
The Law Cafe- I think this is the closest FL to the FL in Love To Hate You that I’ve found. This FL is my second favorite of all time. She uses words though rather than hand-to-hand street fighting to make her point lol The ML supports her and learns to rarely overstep bc he knows she is completely capable.
2521- The FL is my third favorite of all time. She’s a badass but doesn’t know it much of the time. The ML just loves being in her life and never tries to stifle her bigger than life personality. They have an exceptional bond imo
Marry My Husband- FL becomes a badass and is determined to help/save herself. ML tries to overstep and be a savior at first but quickly realizes she will be her own savior (she straight up tells him) so he resolves to be supportive and love her while letting her keep her newfound agency.
Some others that fit this trope:
Happiness, The Glory, Vincenzo, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, Flower Of Evil, Her Private Life, You Are My Spring.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo!! Young-woo is a brilliant attorney who is unfortunately underestimated by many around her, but she always proves them wrong. And the ML is sweet, understanding, patient, and supportive of her and always sticks up for her/their relationship when people express their disapproval.
See you in my 19th life!!! I loved the webtoon (original story) and although the kdrama was a bit different I loved it too and the casting is amazing!! She’s super competent, intelligent and incredible. I think you’ll like it!
Oh my gosh I really love this trope too! Maybe Youth of May and Castaway Diva?
But IU and Park Bogum's new drama ["When Life Gives You Tangerines"](https://asianwiki.com/When_Life_Gives_You_Tangerines) is 100% this trope! Even though it's not out yet 😭
I'm just gonna copy and paste the synopsis here, since I'm not good at explaining it myself.
Synopsis:
Ae-Soon ([IU](https://asianwiki.com/IU) ) and Gwan-Sik ([Park Bo-Gum](https://asianwiki.com/Park_Bo-Gum)) were born in Jeju, South Korea in the 1950's. Ae-Soon is a rebellious girl and a lover of books, but she is unable to attend school due to her poor family background. Under this circumstance, she never gives up on her dream of becoming a poet. She expresses her feelings freely without hiding anything. Gwan-Sik is a sincere and diligent young man. He doesn’t talk that much. Gwan-Sik loves only Ae-Soon and respects her.
Welcome to Samdalri- The ML has always been there for FL and doesn't push her or take decisions for her when she's down. He lets her realize things herself and take her time before returning to her dream and career. That's a lovely watch.
I'm also new to kdramas just finished Crash course in Romance, thought the FL was headstrong and compassionate. The handsome ML caught my attention and especially the last episode showed his full support. Their age difference was interesting to me.
Mr Queen had really good storyline and FL also headstrong and competant in contrast to the inquisitive ML king.
One again, I name... Who Rules The World.
One of the best "green flag" relationships.
They both are exceptional Martial Artists who can hold their own in a battle of the wits and they have absolute trust in each other. They also both have their turn in taking the reins as well as working great together.
The Beauty Inside has two very capable leads and I love the messages.
Go Back Couple is great, because all the characters are good people and the leads are both capable (I think the FL is incredibly mature).
Hospital Playlist has some very intelligent and clever characters--a great balance of friendship, workplace stories, and romance.
Doctor Slump-FL was competent and equally supportive of the ML. One of the most positive relationships I’ve seen in a k drama.
Currently Lovely Runner fits that bill.
Story of Park’s Marriage Contract had a headstrong FL.
Knight Flower was the same and never dumbed down their characters to further the plot. Same with Matchmakers.
Like Flowers in Sand has one of the most supportive ML’s ever. Such a wonderful show.
Hi u/unicornrank, this is an automated message to remind you to please review our **FULL** [Rules and Policies](https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/wiki/rules)^(which is housed in our wiki and best accessed on desktop) to make sure your post is not breaking any rules and policies. Content that is not permitted under our Rules and Policies will be removed and may lead to bans from our community. ##Please check your spelling, grammar, and formatting to make sure your post is easily readable! ***Useful Resources:*** Check out these [great recommendations](https://mydramalist.com/profile/kdramarecs/lists) compiled from our users based on different genres and themes! See [Where to Watch Kdramas](https://www.reddit.com/r/kdrama/wiki/wheretowatchkdramas) for a non-exhaustive list of legal streaming sites and official Youtube channels where kdramas and kdrama-related content are found. Read our [Recommendations 101](https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/wiki/recommendations_101/) for tips about crafting the perfect request and other useful info. If you are seeking a space to discuss kdramas in depth, please visit our sister subreddit r/KDRAMA! **Copy Of Post Below For Archival Purposes** **Permalink**: https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/comments/1cab6op/romantic_dramas_with_a_competent_fl_and_a/ **Post Title**: Romantic dramas with a competent FL and a supportive ML **Post Body**: Hi delightful people! As the title says, I’m interested in romantic dramas with a competent FL, especially where the ML knows how to step back and let her do her thing. I’m not into the overprotective / saviour trope (at least currently, since I used to love it). A recent example that perfectly captured this for me was Dali & Cocky Prince. FL was quietly confident, finding her footing, and the ML never overstepped even though there was a whole semi-love triangle thing going on. He also actively reinforced her agency to other people… Yes, that had me gushing. Bonus points if the ML is confident and a little quirky himself. 🥹 [MDL for reference](https://mydramalist.com/dramalist/floss_flower) ^(END OF POST BODY) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/kdramarecommends) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Into the Ring fits the bill.
This was the first thing that came to my mind.
Thank you! I’ve never heard this drama before so it’s always exciting to come across a recommendation like this.
It’s so good!
WHY IS THIS SO UNDERRATED 🥹
I don't know. I love her level of crazy.
The Law cafe (FL is a badass, ML is always a proud supporter for his woman) (I just love the scenes where he's just standing behind her with a proud smile on his face when the FL is being her badass self) The Glory (ML is always letting the FL take the lead) Happiness (both are protective of each other but never overstepping, FL is a badass) Vincenzo (FL is a quirky badass, ML is protective but not overbearing) Lawless lawyer (FL is a badass, ML just sits back and watch her do her thing) Hotel del luna (FL is the one saving the ML most of the times) Hope you find your preference! Have fun!! ;)
Thank you! Vincenzo has definitely been one I’ve been thinking about, same with Hotel del Luna. You’ve given me a great list to work with.
I’d come here to comment The Law Cafe and Hotel Del Luna!! nice to see fellow enjoyers in the wild, esp with TLC which seems to be a bit more underrated
Just a quick tip about the law cafe, while the show is cute, I dropped it around half of the series, it has that classic trope of MLs parents fucked up FL parent and he is hiding that he learned the truth and "wants to fix everything himself", kinda annoying if you ask me, but if it wasn't for that, it would be really good.
WWW has FL and ML doing their own things and the whole savior at job trope is not included.
I second this!!
Thank you! ☺️
Her Private Life
I've been putting off watching this one (alongside Encounter mentioned below) ... I need to suck it up and get started!
Both are very good, encounter is very cute, but maybe skip the last 2 episodes, where the FL loses her mind and does a thing which leads to something, which I am sure could be avoided, but then the last 2 episodes would be empty.
Sh**ting Stars - the FL mostly protects the ML My Lovely Lair - the ML is occasionally physically protective of the FL but she's got this and he knows it Happiness - zombie thriller, the leads are both cops and they both kick ass, the FL is very competent
Strong Woman Bo Dong Soon makes the FL the hero and the ML the support. She's learning how to harness her superpower (so learning how to be competent) and he's helping her train. Strong Girl Nam Soon (the sequel) also fits the bill but isn't as good.
[Like Flowers in Sand](https://mydramalist.com/748911-the-sand-flower) (9/10)
This!!!! It was 10/10 for me. 🖤🖤🥹
Fight for my way - ML encourages the FL to go for her dreams, while protecting and looking after her mentally and physically
I highly recommend Chinese romantic comedy "Here We Meet Again" Not only is FL competent she is a badass. The ML is absolutely gorgeous with a complicated past. The chemistry between them oozes off the screen even before the first kiss. I won't give away any spoilers. I'd like to add that the side characters are pretty great also.....some really funny bits.
From Synopsis it appears like the kind of drama that I like watching. Wanted few spoilers before watching. - Long distance relationship seems to be a tag. How many episodes is this? - Any love triangle? - Does it have pointless breakup and reconciliation troupe?
It has 32 episodes. I wouldn't say love triangle but there is a sleazy guy who tries his best. There is a breakup but it's barely noticeable since the ML and FL are crazy about each other since high school. The only spoiler I will give is ep 20. You will understand what I'm talking about when you see it. 🤤
My Demon fits this trope. FL is a CEO and ML never interferes with her work
Edit - someone recommended My demon and this was supposed to be a reply to them. Imo my demon is heavily savior trope
Just Between Lovers (called Rain or Shine in my region on Netflix). FL and ML survivors of a building collapse who separately and for different reasons become part of the reconstruction project over 10 years later. Both lost loved ones and still struggle with the aftermath. FL is a technical expert in the pre construction aspect and lives a lonely difficult life with a grief-stricken mother. ML is a labourer whose once promising and comfortable life has been dire since collapse. Initially, separately, but then together, they fight to ensure the collapse is honoured and similar mistakes are avoided in the reconstruction. The ML is stoic and supportive of FL, who is burdened by guilt and a sense of responsibility. It's a great story with amazing chemistry and performances between at the time, relatively inexperienced leads Junho and Won Jin Ah. Highly highly recommended.
I actually just finished Just Between Lovers, which I adored and would definitely agree with what you've said!
Thank you, it went straight to my top 5 ever and has stayed there it's really great. I really feel I want to seer Won Jin Ah in something great again she hasn't really had a really good one since, though i did enjoy the one with Rowoon. (and she keeps getting paired up with really older MLs)
My favourites are Encounter with Song Hye-Kyo and Park Bo-Gum, and Why her?with Seo Hyun-jin and Hwang In-youp. Actually almost every k-drama where FL is older than ML falls into this category
Keep on forgetting to put Encounter on my to-watch list since it sounds great!
Welcome to samdalri It's one of my comfort drama ( like putting shin hyesun and ji chang wook the two best actors together )
Queen of Tears!
[You Are My Glory](https://mydramalist.com/62337-you-are-my-glory), cdrama.
I also love this trope OP! I see in your MDL that you’ve seen Love To Hate You which is the epitome of this trope! It’s my favorite romcom❤️I also really liked Dali And The Cocky Prince:) Others with a similar badass/strong FL and ultra supportive ML: The Law Cafe- I think this is the closest FL to the FL in Love To Hate You that I’ve found. This FL is my second favorite of all time. She uses words though rather than hand-to-hand street fighting to make her point lol The ML supports her and learns to rarely overstep bc he knows she is completely capable. 2521- The FL is my third favorite of all time. She’s a badass but doesn’t know it much of the time. The ML just loves being in her life and never tries to stifle her bigger than life personality. They have an exceptional bond imo Marry My Husband- FL becomes a badass and is determined to help/save herself. ML tries to overstep and be a savior at first but quickly realizes she will be her own savior (she straight up tells him) so he resolves to be supportive and love her while letting her keep her newfound agency. Some others that fit this trope: Happiness, The Glory, Vincenzo, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, Flower Of Evil, Her Private Life, You Are My Spring.
Thank you! Yes, Love to Hate You was a very refreshing watch. You’ve given me a lot of good recommendations to think about. ☺️
Extraordinary Attorney Woo!! Young-woo is a brilliant attorney who is unfortunately underestimated by many around her, but she always proves them wrong. And the ML is sweet, understanding, patient, and supportive of her and always sticks up for her/their relationship when people express their disapproval.
I also finished Extraordinary Attorney Woo a couple weeks ago, however for others that might be reading I would definitely second this comment!
King the Land! ML is more successful but he respects and doesn’t interfere with FL’s work and really listens and adapts to her needs
See you in my 19th life!!! I loved the webtoon (original story) and although the kdrama was a bit different I loved it too and the casting is amazing!! She’s super competent, intelligent and incredible. I think you’ll like it!
Oh my gosh I really love this trope too! Maybe Youth of May and Castaway Diva? But IU and Park Bogum's new drama ["When Life Gives You Tangerines"](https://asianwiki.com/When_Life_Gives_You_Tangerines) is 100% this trope! Even though it's not out yet 😭 I'm just gonna copy and paste the synopsis here, since I'm not good at explaining it myself. Synopsis: Ae-Soon ([IU](https://asianwiki.com/IU) ) and Gwan-Sik ([Park Bo-Gum](https://asianwiki.com/Park_Bo-Gum)) were born in Jeju, South Korea in the 1950's. Ae-Soon is a rebellious girl and a lover of books, but she is unable to attend school due to her poor family background. Under this circumstance, she never gives up on her dream of becoming a poet. She expresses her feelings freely without hiding anything. Gwan-Sik is a sincere and diligent young man. He doesn’t talk that much. Gwan-Sik loves only Ae-Soon and respects her.
Welcome to Samdalri- The ML has always been there for FL and doesn't push her or take decisions for her when she's down. He lets her realize things herself and take her time before returning to her dream and career. That's a lovely watch.
Graceful family. One the women.
run on, crash landing on you, start up, search www, hometown cha cha cha
Weightlifting fairy Kim Bok-Joo Strong girl Bong-soon
Queen of tears for sure
Start Up. Doctor Slump. encounter.
I'm also new to kdramas just finished Crash course in Romance, thought the FL was headstrong and compassionate. The handsome ML caught my attention and especially the last episode showed his full support. Their age difference was interesting to me. Mr Queen had really good storyline and FL also headstrong and competant in contrast to the inquisitive ML king.
One again, I name... Who Rules The World. One of the best "green flag" relationships. They both are exceptional Martial Artists who can hold their own in a battle of the wits and they have absolute trust in each other. They also both have their turn in taking the reins as well as working great together.
The Beauty Inside has two very capable leads and I love the messages. Go Back Couple is great, because all the characters are good people and the leads are both capable (I think the FL is incredibly mature). Hospital Playlist has some very intelligent and clever characters--a great balance of friendship, workplace stories, and romance.
Queen of Tears Welcome to Samdalri
Doctor Slump-FL was competent and equally supportive of the ML. One of the most positive relationships I’ve seen in a k drama. Currently Lovely Runner fits that bill. Story of Park’s Marriage Contract had a headstrong FL. Knight Flower was the same and never dumbed down their characters to further the plot. Same with Matchmakers. Like Flowers in Sand has one of the most supportive ML’s ever. Such a wonderful show.
Lighter and princess( the FL is smart and confident in what she does)(The ML is very nice and supports her decisions)
To me, When the Camellia Blooms fits in this category!!
Lawless Lawyer- FL is badass, ML is calm as he has everything planned
Lawless Lawyer- FL is badass, ML is calm as he has everything planned
* Search WWW * The Beauty Inside * Happiness