Strong / Smart Female Leads

The female lead is so badass and strong. She doesn't need no man to save her. Who would've thought she would find a guy ask him to give her baby and actually fall in love with him?

 The female lead, Li Shi Qing, is a university student trapped in a time loop on a bus, repeatedly experiencing a fatal explosion until she can break the cycle. She then works with a fellow passenger to solve the mystery and prevent the tragedy 

• My Review
• Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Sci-Fi
• Tags: Time Loop, Death, Investigation, Explosion, Suspense, Rescue Mission, Violence, Strangers To Lovers 

 A strong and cunning military leader's daughter who disguises herself as a man to fight on the front lines. She is initially rivals with the male lead, Li Ni, but their competitive relationship eventually blossoms into love. 

 A strong-willed and independent young woman who has learned to fend for herself due to her difficult upbringing.

•  My Review
• Genres: Historical, Mystery, Romance, Political
• Tags: General Male Lead, Revenge, Slow Burn Romance, Character Development, Palace Setting, Slight Comedy, Royalty, Death, Adapted From A Novel, Investigation

The female lead, Xue Fangfei, assumes the identity of Jiang Li to avenge her betrayal and death.

• My Review
• Genres: Historical, Mystery
• Tags: Revenge, Smart Female Lead, Identity Swap, Smart Male Lead, Hidden Identity, Slow Burn Romance

The female lead, Wang Xuan (also known as Awu), is a pampered, initially naive princess who grows into a strong, independent woman navigating political intrigue and power struggles after an arranged marriage.

• My Review
• Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama, Melodrama
• Tags: Power Struggle, Arranged Marriage, Political, Badass Male Lead, War, Royalty, Nice Male Lead, Sibling Rivalry, Princess Female Lead, Reverse-Harem 

The female lead, Moon Dong Eun, is a woman who meticulously plans revenge against her faimly who abandoned her since childhood. She is described as intelligent, calculating, and driven by a desire for retribution. 

• Genres: Historical, Drama, Family
• My Review
• Tags: Cunning Female Lead, Ming Dynasty, Cunning Male Lead, Retribution, Mother-Daughter Relationship, Marriage Of Convenience, Dysfunctional Family, Family Relationship, Love/Hate Relationship, Child Abandonment

The female lead  Bai Fengxi, a majestic and unrestrained martial arts expert who is also known as Feng Xiyun, the elegant princess of Qingzhou.

The female lead arrives in Lingquan Town with amnesia and becomes entangled in a web of intrigue and romance.

• My Review
• Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama
• Tags: Married Life, Enemies To Lovers, Amnesia, Hidden Identity, Slight Comedy, Double Identity, Smart Female Lead, Noble Man/Common Woman, Independent Female Lead, Fake Marriage

Zhou Fei  is the determined and skilled granddaughter of a legendary bandit leader in "Legend of Fei", who leaves her secluded mountain home to forge her own path in the martial arts world.

The female lead  is a skilled and independent fashion designer who is initially portrayed as tough and business-oriented, but her personality evolves through her interactions with the male lead, Song Lin.

The female lead is a strong-willed, intelligent, and independent businesswoman who was formerly a courtesan and strives to overcome societal barriers and establish herself in a male-dominated world.

The female lead is a resourceful and intelligent young woman who, after her family faces ruin, uses her hidden talents to lead her female relatives in navigating poverty and social stigma

The female lead is a determined and intelligent young woman who, after being reborn, seeks to rewrite her fate, break off her engagement, open a perfumery, and solve mysteries. She also aims to save her family and clear her father's name. 

The female lead is a clever and resourceful young woman from the Qiao family who marries Wei Shao, the master of the Wei family, as part of a family alliance, showcasing intelligence and poise.

• My Review
• Genres: Historical, Romance, Political
• Tags: Enemies To Lovers, Arranged Marriage, Smart Female Lead, Supportive Grandparent, Loyal Female Lead, Cunning Female Lead, Married Female Lead, Married Male Lead, Emotionally Strong Female Lead, Physically Strong Male Lead

Liu Yuru, our girl-next-door. She starts off powerless, a puppet of fate. But as life throws her curveballs, she discovers her inner strength and uses it to help her family and support her husband's journey to greatness. Song Yi portrays her beautifully, capturing the delicate yet strong essence of Liu Yuru.

An innocent girl who becomes a really strong woman, and a very caring man who never stopped loving her. FL is naive and dumb.
our female lead is the God Of War. She was strong, powerful, she kill and demolish most of the demon tribe. During her sadness or when she was down, she always walk in the lotus pond and talk to the Vermilion bird.  

Badass, boss woman who stands on business and a complete girl's girl. Her strength is balanced by a wonderful softness in the way she looks out for ands takes care of Li Jinyu from the very beginning because she senses, immediately, he needs someone. Sure, she meddles a little, but her genuine nature makes her so endearing that you don't see it as her being nosy but simply very caring.

• My Review
• Genres: Mystery, Romance
• Tags: Older Woman/Younger Man, Dropout Supporting Character,  Bar Owner Supporting Character, Deliveryman Male Lead, Part-time Worker Male Lead, Musician Male Lead, Singer Male Lead, Age Gap [Real Life], Fake Relationship

Strong female lead leads her way through the moonlight and finds the moon on the way

He Yan is a revelation—a fierce, strategic, and emotionally layered heroine. Her martial arts sequences are jaw-dropping, especially her iconic line in Episode 9: Tell the God of Death I’m the ghost you murdered…” .  the drama  highlights her resilience, trauma, and growth, even if the revenge subplot could’ve been deeper.

• Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama, War
• Tags: Cross-Dressing, General Female Lead, Talkative Female Lead, Cold Male Lead, Action, Political Intrigue, Slow Burn Romance, Military Base Setting, Physically Strong Female Lead, General Male Lead

Minglan is the unloved daughter of a concubine and grows up in a difficult, hierarchical household, which makes her life and survival a constant struggle. She is depicted as a brilliant and wise strategist who meticulously works to achieve her goals, particularly seeking revenge for her mother's death.

 The Princess's Gambit is  a resilient princess from the Northern Yuan Kingdom who is forced into a politically motivated marriage. She becomes embroiled in a power struggle and scandal, eventually arranging her own marriage  to survive.She is fiercely protective of those she holds dear and fights for their safety.She is driven to survive and dictate her own fate amidst political turmoil and conspiracies.She engages in a battle of wits with her political rivals and her new husband.

FL was mature and intelligent, she grew up in a house with only a few maids and developed an independence by herself. So when she came back to the family, she started her own business, navigated herself away from trouble. Her only weak point, was that she was still too soft towards her opponents, and ML will take care of that, but overall she didn't really need saving from ML and there were even instants of her saving ML.  

At  first, I got worried oh no not again a cute, innocent female lead. But she proved me wrong. Yes, she is very cute and adorable but quick-witted, smart, a high-spirited person not to forget she has a high EQ. She knows how to talk, how to behave. And she's aware of what exactly she wants. Loved how understanding and considerate she was to Yu Tu.

FL is  not annoying and is often logical with her decisionsFL is a modern woman of her era who while respectful of the rules still wants to stay independent despite marrying in a noble family of high status. She's open-minded and treat everyone fairly -which might have to do with her being born and brought up by a concubine ; she's nice, smart and wise despite her young age. All in all, she's an anomaly which might be why she was the only woman who was able to melt the ML's heart.

Wei Young is an interesting character albeit mellow and reactive; she's doesn't set the pace, she follows it. She's soft even when she can't be bordering on aloofness, a contradistinction with her strength and drive on paper and most likely with her real life persona. Wei Young ought to be fierce, driven, determined, proactive and engaging, but she's not yet somehow despite the flaws the character is likeable.

• Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama, Political
• Tags: Hidden Identity, Power Struggle, Smart Female Lead, Sibling Rivalry, Revenge, Nice Male Lead, Death, First Love, Stolen Identity

Li Changge is not an easy character to play. Her determined personality becomes even more prominent after the deaths of her family, as she becomes even more determined to avenge for their deaths. No, she is not that naive and bubbly little princess. She is a strong-willed, talented, and intelligent young woman who, as she leaves the place she had called home for her entire life, discovers the real world and the things that lay ahead for her.

At first, FL wasn't worthy of a guy like ML - she had no backbone whatsoever - but she finally found some gonads and started acting like she might be worthy of such a cool dude. In the end, I liked her because she showed strength of character when needed, and she was clearly more stable than ML, emotionally and mentally. Yeah, he was badass cool but was hanging onto his sanity by his fingertips.  Nice to see that FL knows how to forgive.

FL's eyes have sort of a magic where just seconds of eye contact and whoosh~ any rich guy falls head over heels for her... such supernatural concepts can't pass over censorship so the story starts with FL writing a novel and all the rest happening inside her novel and ofc in end they make her meet ML in real life in some other way... personally I saw this start and end but ignored it since its all for censorship sake.love that she is smart and resourceful - a femme fatale instead of a damsel in distress. I wasn't a fan of her secret weapon but some scenes were funny. Glad that she didn't use too much of her secret weapon because that could cloud viewers' judgement on her capabilities.

A career-focused, ambitious lawyer who is pressured by her parents to get married. Initially focused on her career, her biggest flaw is her ambition, which often leads her to unintentionally hurt Yang Hua but also makes her a realistic, compelling character

Ahe wasn't the damsel in distress type that needed to be saved. She was willing to get in the thick of things to fix a problem; she sacrificed herself the first time around, then helped others, and went after him when he sacrificed himself. She was like ok cry for about five seconds and then get down to business. She was resolutely against just resigning to what fate gave her; willing to challenge heaven's will at every turn. She was bright and airy, made many friends easily and for life. Was always willing to give people a second or third or zillionth chance as long as that person could return to the right path.

• Genres: Romance, Wuxia, Drama, Fantasy
• Tags: Master-Disciple Relationship, Xianxia, Conspiracy, Cultivation, Past Life, Noble Sacrifice, Hidden Identity, Betrayal, Reincarnation, Amnesia
  
• My Review

The FL is hilarious and is not portrayed as a weak and dumb girl like most of FLs in these types of dramas. She has her own mind and personality. She speaks what she wants, and will obtain what she wants through thick or thin.Yan Hui is a gem. She kicks ass, is honest and protects our dragon. Although she also grows as a person on their journey she is the rock that braces the storm. She is steadfast and true to herself, not to mention straightforward, brave and hilarious. She takes a lot of rejection from TY early on but she is not a push over and Tian Yao has to fight for her to get back in her good graces. There are a few instances where she wasn't the smartest cookie around, but I think that was mostly played for comedic effect. Most of the time she is smart and thoughtful.

• My Review
• Genres: Romance, Wuxia, Drama, Fantasy
• Tags: Dragon Male Lead, Xianxia, Interspecies Romance, Betrayal, Smart Male Lead, Hidden Identity, Adventure, Sassy Female Lead, Bickering Mains' Relationship, Demon

FL who was independent, strong and kind of broke the stereotype of the girl needing a knight in shining armor wherein here it was her who played that role.A former promising taekwondo athlete who had to give up her Olympic dreams due to a knee injury, inflicted by a friend and a boyfriend. This betrayal caused her to abandon her ambitions in the sport. 

Ming Yi, the fierce yet graceful female lead in Love in the Clouds, begins as an undefeated warrior known for her strength and pride. After being poisoned and losing her power, she disguises herself as a dancer to uncover the truth behind her downfall. Through this journey of revenge and rediscovery, she learns humility, trust, and love, transforming from a proud goddess into a woman with both courage and compassion.

• Genres: Romance, Wuxia, Fantasy
• My Review
• Tags: Hidden Agenda, Hidden Identity, Xuanhuan, Physically Strong Male Lead, Smart Female Lead, Fake Identity, Enemies To Lovers, Warrior Male Lead, Shapeshifting  

The female lead is a fierce and disciplined general, defined by her unwavering sense of duty and loyalty. Beneath her composed and stoic exterior lies a deeply emotional woman who struggles to balance love and responsibility. She exudes quiet strength, intelligence, and resilience even in the face of betrayal and political chaos. Though her emotions are often restrained, her actions speak volumes about her courage and devotion.

• My Review 
• Genres: Historical, Mystery, Romance
• Tags: Amnesia, Enemies To Lovers, Violence, Action, Physically Strong Female Lead, Physically Strong Male Lead, Age Gap [Real Life], Prince Male Lead, Cunning Female Lead, Emotionally Strong Female Lead

Shen Wan, disguised as Qin Wan, is a brilliant and composed coroner driven by the desire to avenge her family’s downfall.
Her sharp intellect and medical skills make her indispensable in solving complex cases.
Beneath her calm exterior lies deep pain and unwavering determination for justice.
Through her journey, she evolves from vengeance to compassion, embodying strength and integrity.

• Genres: Historical, Mystery, Romance, Drama
• Tags: Murder, Investigation, Revenge, Coroner Female Lead, Traditional Medicine Doctor Female Lead, Detective Fiction, Detective Male Lead, Hidden Agenda, Fight For Justice, Independent Female Lead 
• My Review

FL is a skilled assassin seeking revenge against Prince Murong Jinghe for the massacre of her hometown, Qingzhou. She is the protagonist who is on a mission to kill the prince.

• My Review
• Genres: Historical, Mystery, Romance, Political
• Tags: Enemies To Lovers, Cunning Male Lead, Vengeful Male Lead, Vengeful Female Lead, Grudge, Scheme, Royalty, Hidden Personality, Teamwork, Power Struggle

Eldest princess of the Haoling kingdom, she loses her identity and poses as a man, "Doctor Wen Xiao Liu".She grew up with her cousin Cang Xuan but was sent away after her mother's death, enduring hardships for 300 years. Driven by a deep fear from childhood trauma, she seeks a peaceful life and someone to stay with her permanently. Involved in a complex love triangle with Cang Xuan, Tushan Jing, and Xiang Liu.

• My Review
• Genres: Romance, Wuxia, Drama, Fantasy
• Tags: Trauma, Xuanhuan, Reverse-Harem, Hidden Identity, Fantasy World, Gender Bender, Political Intrigue, Chinese Mythology, Abandonment Issues, Love Square

Min Hui is portrayed as an independent, intelligent, and resilient woman who balances a demanding career with single motherhood.

Yun WeiShan (Yu Shu Xin) : She was an assassin sent by Wufeng to assassinate the Young Lord and Sword Welder(no matter whoever he is) of Gong family but end up falling for Gong ZiYu. She just wanted freedom from Wufeng so she accepted this deal of assassination as her deadly last task. In her life, freedom was the only thing she has been longing for but after entering Gong Family she fall in love and defected from Wufeng for her love. She also has some kindness even after being a assassin for long time. I like her character but don't love it very much because there are not much dimensions in her character.

Shangguan Qian (Lu Yu Xiao) : She is a cunning person and an assassin sent by Wufeng to handle the most hard-to-deal person in Gong family, Gong Shang Jue. She managed to deal with him but was going back and forth between her feelings for him and her mission. At last, she confessed her feelings as well as completed her mission. She is an interesting character from start to end and shows many sides of her character.

•  My Review
• Genres: Romance, Wuxia, Drama, Fantasy
• Tags: Assassin Female Lead, Mystery, Martial Arts, Brothers' Relationship, Historical, Spy Female Lead, Death, Action, Teamwork, Investigation

• Dropped
• Genres: Business, Romance, Youth, Drama
• Tags: Programmer Male Lead, Genius Male Lead, First Love, University, Revenge, Campus Setting, Smart Female Lead, Slow Burn Romance, Adapted From A Novel, College To Working Life
• My Review
  

The female protagonist here Mu Wan Qing (acted by Jingyi Zhang) suggests them ideas, shows bravery when needed & do not hesitates to help or take risks to get something. She's cool, gives answers to insults, not your typical crybaby.  

The drama has a very heavy element of feminism - how women in this drama showcase their abilities, support, protect, and have each other backs, and more. Other than it, the drama also focuses on what women experience: postpartum depression, domestic violence, marriage, and more. All the women characters in the drama are interesting, well-conceived, and realistically written - each of them comes from different regions with different mindsets and beliefs, thus making their struggles and actions understandable. The colorful and depths of the ensemble characters make the drama even more compelling.

• Genres: Historical, Comedy, Romance, Life
• Tags: Cheerful Female Lead, Sismance, Arranged Marriage, Multiple Couples, Nice Male Lead, Palace Setting, Friendship, Concubine Female Lead, Smart Male Lead, Found Family
•  My Review

FL is the first female to become a pro-gamer and join an all male league. She’s not dumbed down and has to have backbone as she puts up with “girls can’t do this” crap, while also falling for the team captain .

• My Review
• Genres: Comedy, Romance, Youth, Sports
• Tags: Gaming, Teamwork, Smart Male Lead, Online Gamer Female Lead, Bromance, Competition, Online Gamer Male Lead, Professional Gaming, Online Gaming, Cohabitation 

She's the eldest daughter of the emperor, so she's very sure of herself and arrogant. She's strong and stubborn as all hell, too. She does work alongside ML but definitely takes the lead in their shenanigans and their love.

• Genres: Historical, Romance, Fantasy
• Tags: Princess Female Lead, Enemies To Lovers, Time Altering, Change Of Fate, Royalty, Marriage Of Convenience, Dysfunctional Marriage, Married Life, Past And Present, Loveless Marriage
  
• Dropped at 26/40

Ye Tan is unapologetically herself — sarcastic, sharp-tongued, chaotic, bold, brave, and secretly soft-hearted.
She is strong without being cruel, clever without scheming, and flawed without being naive.
Her journey from “misunderstood girl” to someone who saves the realms is beautiful and empowering.

• My Review
• Genres: Comedy, Romance, Wuxia, Fantasy
• Tags: Xianxia, Sisters' Relationship, Nice Male Lead, Twin Exchange, Multiple Couples, Calm Male Lead, Opposites Attract, Warrior Male Lead, Unlikely Romance
  

The female lead is smart, brave, and resilient, growing from innocence into a capable and determined woman.
 Even after facing betrayal, heartbreak, and immense challenges, she stays kind and principled, making her journey inspiring and compelling.

• My Review
• Genres: Romance, Wuxia, Drama, Fantasy
• Tags: Arranged Marriage, Amnesia, Fake Identity, Reverse-Harem, Sismance,  Martial Arts, Revenge, Historical, Illness

The FL  is kind, strong, and relatable. She’s caring, independent, and resilient, handling challenges with maturity. Her warmth and sincerity make her lovable and a perfect match for the gentle ML, creating a wholesome and believable romance.

• My Review
• Genres: Comedy, Romance, Life
• Tags: Older Woman/Younger Man, Male Chases Female First, Clingy Male Lead, Cohabitation, Childhood Crush, First Love, Fluffy, Childhood Connection, Age Gap [Drama Life], Healthy Mains’ Relationship