Two popular South Korean series, Our Unwritten Seoul and When Life Gives You Tangerines, have been named in the 2025 Bechdel Choice 10, a prestigious list celebrating gender-equal storytelling in TV and film. The list highlights shows where women take center stage, have meaningful conversations beyond men, and break stereotypes.
The Directors Guild of Korea (DGK) announced the selection, which includes 10 series praised for their female-driven narratives. Alongside the two Netflix hits, other shows like Friendly Rivalry, Good Partner, and Hyper Knife also made the list. The Bechdel Test, originally created to measure gender representation, has been expanded with stricter criteria to ensure deeper diversity in storytelling.
What Is the Bechdel Choice 10?
The Bechdel Test started as a simple idea: does a story have at least two named female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man? The Bechdel Choice 10 goes further, adding rules like having women in key production roles and avoiding stereotypes. This year’s list was picked from 125 contenders in Korean cinema and OTT releases.
Programmer Lee Hwajung said, “It’s encouraging that women are naturally being recognized as compelling central characters, but female directors still face barriers in commercial cinema.”
The selected series stand out for their strong female leads, diverse themes, and authentic storytelling.
Our Unwritten Seoul: Twin Sisters Swap Lives
Starring Park Bo-young, Our Unwritten Seoul tells the story of twin sisters with opposite personalities—one a free spirit, the other a perfectionist—who switch lives to escape their struggles. The drama explores workplace bullying, family bonds, and self-discovery.
- Park Bo-young plays both twins, showcasing her acting range.
- The series originally started as a KBS drama but moved to tvN and Netflix for better reach.
- It has been praised for its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of women’s challenges.
When Life Gives You Tangerines: A Nostalgic Family Drama
This Netflix series, starring IU and Park Bo-gum, follows a woman’s journey from childhood in 1950s Jeju to motherhood in modern-day Seoul. The show blends romance, family struggles, and historical moments.
- IU plays dual roles: a young dreamer and her older self.
- The series has been compared to Reply 1988 for its heartwarming storytelling.
- It won four awards at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, including Best Drama.
Full List of 2025 Bechdel Choice 10 Series
- Good Partner
- Miss Night and Day
- Our Unwritten Seoul
- Friendly Rivalry
- The Tale of Lady Ok
- Doubt
- Jeong Nyeon
- A Virtuous Business
- When Life Gives You Tangerines
- Hyper Knife
Why This List Matters
The Bechdel Choice 10 pushes for better representation in entertainment. While progress is being made, challenges remain, especially for female directors. The list helps audiences find shows where women’s stories are told with depth and authenticity.
Credits: Wikipedia
