Role Reversal (RR)

Somewhat RR. Honestly, this was a lot less RR than I was expecting. FL is a skilled teen (not) assassin who can totally kick ass, and ML is a regular depressed teen with masochistic tendencies as a form of SH. He falls in love with her when she kicks his ass and clings to her like a lifeline. He's not really too weak since he does know how to fight, but he doesn't do it often, and thus FL ends up protecting and saving him quite often.

Tags: Strong FL, Badass FL, 'Weak' ML, Masochistic ML, Prince in Peril ML, Aloof FL, Clingy ML | Strong FL x 'Weak' ML, Protector FL x Protected ML | FL saves ML. 

Somewhat RR. FL is a powerful demon, ML is a weak himbo scholar who sees the good in everyone. She saves him bunch of times and does most of the butt-kicking. Giving more subtle girlboss & malewife vibes

Tags: Demon FL. Strong FL, Weak ML, Puppy ML, Sweet ML, Nurturing ML, Himbo ML, Cool FL | Girlboss FL x Malewife ML, Supernatural-Being FL x Mortal ML, Strong FL x Weak ML

Somewhat RR. Started out very RR and had the promise of being very RR but unfortunately, like a lot of these micro dramas do... it swayed more traditionally. Though yes, ML is forced by FL to marry her and is essentially her plaything, he's very assertive, flirty, and manhandly himself which usually positions FL in the submissive role regardless of established RR-ness. That's not to say there aren't RR moments though, but not nearly as many as one might think nor as many as the traditional moments. 

Later it's revealed that ML approached FL willingly and is actually a bigshot general in disguise so... yeah. I will say their relationship after this reveal might be even more RR than prior but that's not really saying much. 

Tags: Commander FL, Opera Performer ML. Strong FL, Domineering FL, Green-Tea ML, Flirty ML, Cold FL, Angry FL | FL forces ML to marry her, Slight S/M vibes (beginning). 

Somewhat RR. For most of the drama the two leads stand fairly equal so they were kinda giving power couple more than RR. But in the very beginning, FL kidnaps ML and ties him to her bed, keeping him hostage for a week. He tries to escape but she drugs him and it's left vague if she S.A's him or not but she does kiss him while he's unconscious. He ends up developing some sort of Stockholm syndrome and falls madly in love with her which leads to the rest of the drama. 

Tags: Kidnapper FL, Strong FL, Badass FL, Shy ML, Clingy ML, Confident FL, Independent FL | (beginning only) FL kidnaps ML, ML develops Stockholm syndrome, slight femdom vibes 

Somewhat RR. Very short and left somewhat inconclusive (hoping for a season 2) but an extremely cute and wholesome subtle RR story (leaning more into the noona territory). ML is the cutesy, bubbly and energetic one while FL is strict, stern and more mature. 

Tags: Mature FL, Cute ML, Puppy ML | Older FL x Younger ML

Slightly RR. Was debating adding this one for a while... Basically, the story is about FL while ML plays her supporting role. She takes the lead, she's the only fighter, she takes no ish and she also kinda sorta abducts ML to come with her. Meanwhile ML is kinda just the boyfriend™ who tags along and needs to be saved. The only reason this wasn't a "Hell yeah" is because both still kinda behave traditionally

Tags: Dragon FL, Strong FL, Fighter FL, Kind ML, Warm ML | Malewife Abduction, FL saves ML 

Slightly RR. As shitty as everyone said it was. FL is the worst ever; she's emotionally, psychologically, financially, and even physically abusive towards ML, even going as far as to pimp him out to her friend to pay off her debts. ML is endlessly sweet and innocent, loving her despite everything and even agreeing to become a host at her suggestion, despite not wanting to. 

It felt kind of like a harem, but not in the traditional way. All three women were interested and fighting over ML, but in a more possessive way than is usually shown. ML is very gullible and is taken advantage of multiple times (even SAed twice). 

RR Tags: Host/Sex Worker ML. Douchebag FL, Abusive FL, Sweet ML, Caring ML, Nurturing ML | Possessive SFL | Multiple women chasing ML, negative RR dynamics, Female SA perpetrator/Male SA victim

Slightly RR. A dark affair drama between a married older woman (40) and her young male assistant (22). This seems like a standard noona affair drama but it's more RR than that. Firstly, ML is her personal art assistant, he often cooks for her and even manages household chores so she can focus on her work. ML is also an escort for older women which plays a pretty important part in the story. There's also a scene in ep 4 where ML's childhood best friend (F) tries to force herself on him and he's very shaken after this so he calls FL for help and she saves and protects him (There's more to ML's sex work and this is all framed from an interesting perspective where it's very clear that ML did NOT like it and this is taken seriously). 

Ultimately the leads' personalities are somewhat traditional so their dynamic isn't giving as much as it could but FL is older and more mature and ML is younger and more (emotionally) unstable. 

Tags: Assistant ML, Prostitute ML. Protective FL, Emotional ML, Mature FL | Boss FL x Assistant ML, Older FL x Younger ML, Tall FL x Short ML, FL saves ML | Female SA perpetrator/Male SA victim

Slightly RR. A short film about a married couple trying to decide who should stay at home and look after the baby once FL finds out she's pregnant. The natural choice is ML, and it shows him battling through interlized misogyny and social norms as he tries to be okay with becoming a househusband, and eventually, he does <3 Sadly, we don't really see them in their role reversal glory at the end. 

Tags: Househusband ML, Breadwinner FL. Strong FL, Mature FL.

Slightly RR. Could've been more RR but it wasn't. ML is the more RR one of the lead couple, he's a femboy (and cross dresses on occasion), very emotional and sensible and the younger one of the two. FL on the other hand is a pretty standard traditional (japanese) FL with a meek personality. The story is about her growth so she does improve and gain confident and agency but yeah. 

Tags: Manic Pixie Dream Boy ML, Feminine ML, Femboy ML, Crossdresser ML, Cute ML, Plain FL, Emotional ML, Sensible ML | Plain FL x Flamboyant ML, Femboy x Femgirl, He Falls First-She falls Harder. 

Club Post

Slightly RR. No romance (but there IS subtext). FL is a badass, able to survive very well on her own in the death games. She's very athletic, clever, self-sufficient, and a bit cold but ultimately still a caring person. Meanwhile ML is just some guy but he's smart. He can't really fight but he survives fairly well on his own too. Throughout the drama FL often saves ML and protects him (though not as much as I would've liked D:). She also teaches him survival skills like hunting, filtering water, etc. It's implied that they have feelings for each other but nothing was confirmed. 

A duo (M/F) of supporting characters have power-couple vibes. She's also quite a bit taller than he is. Source.

Tags: Strong FL, Weak ML, Protective FL, Prince in Peril ML, Cool FL, Cold FL, Warm ML, Babygirl ML | Girlboss FL x Malewife ML, Strong FL x Weak ML, Brains ML x Brawns FL, Protector FL x Protected ML, Bold FL x Meek ML, Mentor FL x Mentee ML (briefly) ||| Tall Woman/Short Man (supporting character duo)

Slightly RR. ML is being pursued by 3 women, all of whom are very protective of him. He can't really fight (he's a doctor) while they can. He's carried to safety more than once and lowkey objectified too. I'd say ML is more RR than any of the FLs since he's the gentle and kind prince-in-peril type who only really cares about helping people and love. Meanwhile the FLs are kinda written more traditionally and not all that feminist 

Tags: Strong FL, Protective FLs, Sweet ML, Babygirl ML, Gentle ML | FL saves ML, FL carries ML

Slightly RR. Slight Romance. Wasn't expecting to find RR subtext here of all places but here we are. FL is a cold and aloof badass fighter who takes nobody's crap. She consistently does the bulk of the fighting and saving. Meanwhile ML is an emotional, rich socialite that's good with his mouth (he still holds his own in a fight but nothing compared to FL and ends up badly wounded from it). FL saves him often (she even had to physically drag him away when he had a deer-in-headlights moment), takes none of his smooth-talking and manhandles the crap out of him. 

Tags: Sleuth FL, Socialite ML. Strong FL, Badass FL, Cold FL, Warm ML, Prince in Peril ML, Protective FL, Babygirl ML | Girlboss FL x Malewife ML, Strong ML x Stronger FL, Cold FL x Warm ML, Protector FL x Protected ML, Doer FL x Talker ML, Power couple (leads) | FL-led action scenes

Slightly RR. Mostly supernatural badass FL x Weak scholar ML. She saves him multiple times but still kinda falls under the seductress role so...They were still cute 

TLDR: Demon FL, Puppy ML, Strong FL, Sweet ML, Supernatural-Being FL x Mortal ML, Girlboss x Malewife

Slightly RR. FL is ML's apprentice who seems to have a darkness within her and she defeats him in the end. Apprentice defeating her master whom she totally has a thing for was interesting

Watched this with no subs so context might be missing.

Tags: Powerful FL, Strong FL, Badass FL | Strong ML / Stronger FL

Slightly RR. ML is a literal puppy and it's very cute. 

Watched this with no subs so context might be missing.

Tags: Puppy ML, Cute ML, Clingy ML, Flirty FL

Slightly RR. Definitely not as RR as I was expecting. The matriarchy is female-only and still somehow... traditional. Despite being like a tribe, the matriarchy still acts like any other matriarchy portrayed in media, very patriarchy influenced. They do, however, have a 'devil-hunting' season, which is basically a mating season where chosen girls go out to the regular world and 'hunt down' (seduce) a 'devil' (man) to get pregnant by. The wording was interesting, and it's nice to see women being proactive and assertive, but that's about it. I was honestly expecting it to be darker for sure, but the whole thing is like PG, so...  

Then we have the leads. Both FLs are assertive and chase the MLs; however, FL is still fairly traditional. She's very much like Rapunzel and quite the damsel in distress, but she still makes all the moves on ML, so we got something. SFL is far stronger in every aspect. She can fight, is fearless, and goes for what she wants. She also ends up with SML, who can't fight at all. ML is the free-spirited type who wants to wait until marriage and is very sweet; SML is more Flynn Rider/Aladdin -coded, but he becomes a clingy bf once SFL gets pregnant and demands he must take care of her.

Full review

TLDR: Matriarchy, Female-Centric Plot, Husband hunting, proactive FLs / Passive MLs, Assertive FL x Shy ML, Strong SFL x Weak SML, Protective SFL, Girlboss SFL x Malewife SML. 

Slightly RR. This definitely was an unexpected bit of RR fluff. Miniseries following two couples, FL and ML who are the more traditional couple only that they have quite some girlboss x malewife energy with ML even being the more sensitive and emotional one while FL is jealous and possessive (sure they give off a more traditional approach to the dynamic like overbearing GF x simp BF but they have their moments) and then SFL and SML who are the more RR ones. SFL is SML's boss and she's quite domineering and cool while SML is very shy and innocent.

TLDR: Girlboss x Malewife, Cool FL, Emotional ML | Boss SFL x Employee SML, Domineering SFL, Naive SML, Shy SML 

100th Title Added!!!

Slightly RR. Not romance focused but secondary couple have the cold, badass, fighter woman x warm, sweet, can't-fight man dynamic which was very sweet even if it didn't appear often 

Tags: Martial Artist SFL. Strong SFL, Weak SML, Badass SFL, Cold SFL, Warm SML, Babygirl SML | Strong SFL x Weak SML, Brains SML x Brawns SFL, Cold SFL x Warm SML, Protector SFL x Protected SML | SFL saves SML

Slightly RR. Slight romance same RR secondary couple once again. Cold warrior SFL x Weak sweetie SML. She's just so cool, getting things done and being his enforcer and protector while he runs around solving mysteries. He's not helpless exactly but he literally cannot fight so she's like his bodyguard girlfriend.

Note: Ranks higher than season 1 because they're together since the beginning.

Tags: Martial Artist SFL. Strong SFL, Weak SML, Badass SFL, Cold SFL, Warm SML, Babygirl SML | Strong SFL x Weak SML, Brains SML x Brawns SFL, Cold SFL x Warm SML, Protector SFL x Protected SML | SFL saves SML

Slightly RR. Started out promising but then lost the plot like a little bit in. The beginning is quite RR with FL being this badass empress dowager that has plenty of boytoys (main one being ML). Then it goes into typical cdrama royalty annoyances of ML being weirdly strong (and plot twist, he's the crown prince from another kingdom and she marries him as his consort at the end) and way too much attention put on awful 'politics' T_T Y'all, I don't recommend 

Tags: Empress Dowager FL, Eunuch ML, Servant ML, Sassy ML, Flirty FL, Concubine/Plaything ML | Master FL x Servant ML, Flirty FL x Flustered ML | FL saves ML

Slightly RR. This one appears to be more traditional than it actually is. Both characters ultimately do display expected gender roles but with twists. FL is mature and jaded while ML is carefree and naive which leads into the "I'll make a man out of you" situation (FL to ML) where she gets him to grow up. FL manages the household affairs AND all the family businesses while ML works on studying and getting a good official position. ML also has this underlying fear of FL which is peak (it's healthy, I swear) and FL doesn't take his crap (which yeah is framed a bit traditional but I die for puppy MLs wanting to be praised, oop-). 

Also there's MLs parents who very much have the girlboss x malewife. She was the one that built their enterprise from the ground up and she manages all the family businesses while the father happily tends to his plants <3 Lastly, 

TLDR: Girlboss x Malewife, Strong FL, Cute ML, Naive ML, Mature FL x Naive ML, Matriarch FL, Puppy ML, Feminism | Girlboss x Malewife supporting couple. 

➤ Impression after 17 eps (Dropped)

Slightly RR. Faltered quickly after the very beginning. FL was the empress and ML was her consort which was rather endearing, bbut plot twists happened.

TLDR: (beginning) Empress FL, Consort ML | Starts RR but falters.

Slightly RR. General FL ftw and her husband (SML), though also a warrior, stays at home due to an injury while she goes do cool girl stuff (lowkey living for this set up). ML is elegant and gentle and has a bigtime crush on FL which gives rr vibes too, kinda giving that naive supernatural creature x rough human vibes. Admittedly, it was very short so 

TLDR: General FL, Power couple, Stay-at-home husband SML, Gentle SML, Kind SML, Established couple, Homme fatale ML, Naive ML.

Slightly RR. TML has a romantic plot past the second half of the drama that has RR elements. He's a softspoken and gentle scholar type, he's sweet, genuine, a little pouty, and endlessly shy. He falls in love with a rich noblewoman who's bold, flirty, assertive, and strong-willed. Despite their mutual feelings, she's the one that goes all-out for him, arranging for things to take place exactly the way she wants to in order to spend time with him, she 'buys off' his family to accept her, she's always the one making the moves. Both are so smitten and in love. 

TML is also quite FL-coded. I wouldn't exactly call him feminine either, but he has feminine traits that aren't seen often... e.g., he's soft, gentle, sweet, genuine, shy, pouty, etc.

Tags: Scholar M. Shy M, Bold F,  Soft M, Gentle M, Weak M, Protective F | Rich F x Poor M, Protective F x Protected M, Bold F x Shy M.

Slightly RR. Really not as RR as I thought it would've been (or could've been), tbh. We have a supernatural romance between FL who's a half-vampire and ML who's a human and has very desirable blood. She's protective of him and saves him plenty and he's quite the prince in peril (like genuinely super weak, kinda walking into danger type). She's also cold and grumpy while he's sweet and warm. I definitely think ML was more RR than FL. Even while writing this it seems more RR than it *actually* is

TLDR: Strong FL x Weak ML, FL saves ML, Supernatural being FL x Human ML, Cold FL, Warm ML, Cold Woman x Warm Man, Grumpy FL x Sunshine ML, Sweet ML, Shy ML. 

Slightly RR. Not bad RR rep all things considered. FL is a CEO and ML is her assistant. He does pursue her first and save her a couple of times  but she looks after him, spoils him, and allathat. She's cold and aloof and he's cute and bubbly. He's also a merman who talks with animals so very disney princess-coded (but he also kicks butt because OFC he does)

TLDR: Girlboss x Malewife, CEO FL, Merman ML, Cold FL x Warm ML, He falls first-She falls harder

Slightly RR. ML is the more sensitive and bratty one (a drama queen, if you will) while FL is stuck having to deal with his shenanigans (aka, the reversal of the typical bratty FL & done ML). Also merman ML AND she has to save him 

TLDR: Bratty ML, Naive ML, Innocent ML, Prince ML, Merman ML, FL saves ML, Supernatural being ML x Human FL.

Slightly RR. More egalitarian than RR but some elements were still present. FL is 15 years older than ML and it really shows. She's way more mature and grounded while he's not immature but definitely lacking in the experience she has. ML is very supportive of FL as she achieves her dreams and the narrative follows her pretty exclusively. They were giving gentle power couple.

TLDR: Older FL/Younger ML, Noona romance, Egalitarian Relationship (leads), Slight Girlboss x Malewife, Strong FL, Supportive ML

Slightly/Subtle RR. The lead couple fell more into egalitarian dynamic than role reversal but the vibes were still there. ML is soft, gentle and sweet and FL is very similar but more bold and protective. She supports him through his mental illness, encourages him, and even becomes the main breadwinner during his recovery period (years). Genuinely such a girlboss x malewife <3 So domestic and cute. 

TLDR: (Emotionally) Strong FL, Bold FL, Soft ML, Shy ML, Gentle ML, Girlboss x Malewife, Breadwinner FL x Stay-at-home husband ML, Egalitarian Relationship (leads)

Slightly RR. Not Romance ML has this sort of mentor/mentee situation going on with FL (the mentor). She's strong, calm, calculated and strong while he's emotional, weak, and naïve. ML is such a prince in peril and needs to be saved like all the time and FL delivers (she's also SUCH a domme, like omg, I'm still mad they made ML so young). ML also literally becomes FL's maid and cooks for her, like, CMON!! There's also the main antagonist who... uhm... how to say this... ushe's down bad for ML- Like... touchy down bad, iykwim [insert skull emoji here]. Knowing ML is a high schooler made those scenes highly disturbing but yeah, there's that... T_T Interesting tho 

TLDR: Not Romance, Strong FL/Weak ML. Prince in Peril, FL saves ML, Mentor FL/Servant-Maid ML

Somewhat RR. Definitely not as RR as one might think. FL is the empress with a large harem of men. Amongst these men there are four main ones. Three are vying for her attention while ML is trying to kill her (and he's the one she likes T_T). Their personalities are very... what you'd expect (Men of the Harem inspired, it would seem). You have the mature and sophisticated one, the pretty 'easy' one, the tough fighter, and the hard-to-please MC. Despite them all being concubines, they all have jobs which is... yeah, I blame censorship. All of the dudes save for ML are somewhat RR-coded but still kinda lackluster. FL on the other hand is very strong and independent but actually. She is mature and level-headed and a good ruler. Unfortunately, it just... missed the mark with the RR... 

TLDR: All-male-harem, Empress FL, Concubine MLs, Confident FL, Strong FL, Tsundere ML. 

Slightly RR. ML is a courtesan, tends to be somewhat flamboyant, and has what were considered more traditionally feminine hobbies (flower picking, dancing, etc). Totally here for the male entertainment aspect (which was giving a lot of host club vibes) but ML ultimately had more playboy vibes than anything else. Lead couple are NOT rr but the brief secondary couple had the assertive woman x shyer man 

TLDR: Courtesan (prostitute) ML, flamboyant ML, Assertive woman x shy man

Slightly RR. FL is the ruling empress in the past while ML is a general. She behaves like an empress and demands to be treated as one even in the present day. Meanwhile ML is stuck trying to figure out what's wrong with her and has to play along. Definitely does feel like they weren't quite sure of how to tackle the RR so they fluctuate between RR and not in a very weird and inconsistent way. 

TLDR: Empress FL, Superior FL x Subordinate ML, Strong FL.

Slightly RR. Very short and simple watch. FL is a general in historical china who travels into modern times. She's bold and rough, acting very much like a pretentious general (she can also fight and stuff) and ML is her #1 supporter even though he has no clue what's going on 90% of the time xD He doesn't really show up much at all, tbh. The romance is basically nonexistent 

TLDR: General FL, Rough FL, Strong FL, Supportive ML

Subtle RR. Slight romance The women are the emotionally strong ones while the men are more emotional. FL and TML have a bit of a protector x Protected thing going on which was pretty cute and he was kinda giving himbo but bro's a zombie so rip. SML and his wife very much have girlboss/boyloser vibes with the wife wearing the pants in the relationship and him mostly following her lead. All the women are protective and badass while the men mostly panic and need to be protected

TLDR: Strong FLs, Girlboss/Boyloser, Protective FLs, Naive TML, Cute TML, Himbo TML, Slight romance

Slightly RR. no romance. ML is the only man (the handler) in an all-girl organization of assassins. While all the girls are badass fighters, he's just an office worker who stumbled upon this so he lags behind a lot. The girls roughen him up, tease him, and ultimately protect and save him while he supports them as a father/uncle-figure. 

TLDR: Strong FL, Badass FL, Weak ML, The One Guy (ML in a mostly female setting), Female Fighter/Male Handler, Female Assassins, FL saves ML

Very slightly RR. No romance (though tbh, it WAS giving throuple but I digress). FL has a lot of older sister/protector/cool girl energy and she's the only one amongst the three leads that can actually fight. She also saves the MLs a lot and is very protective of them. It's subtle and platonic RR but I was in love 

TLDR: Strong FL / Weak MLs, Badass FL, Protective FL

Slightly RR. Not romance but the vibes were there. Both TML and FL are shamans but FL is the more skilled one so though not confirmed it seems to be a master/disciple situation. FL is very strong, badass, and cool and ML is like her sidekick, supportive and attentive of her and following her lead. She's also very protective of him. They're together the entire film but their dynamic is very much in the background.

TLDR: Strong FL, Badass FL, Supportive TML, Master FL / Disciple TML. 

Subtle RR but the leads were very much giving depressed FL x manic pixie dream boy ML which is the reversal of the usual trope so a win in my book! 

TLDR: Manic pixie dream boy ML, Normal-person FL, Strong FL, Naive ML, Innocent ML, Supernatural being ML x Human FL.

Slightly RR. There's a couple but there's basically no romance. SFL is bold and outgoing, forward and unapologetically herself. She's dating SML who's very shy, reserved and softspoken. He works from home so he does all the household chores and she even refers to him as a "pet" at one point. 

TLDR: Girlboss SFL x Malewife SML, Shy SML, Bold SFL

Very slightly RR. RR dwindled a lot after the first ep however ML does remain fairly awkward and puppy-like throughout the drama. He's supportive and comforting p much everyone. He does give off quite some 'loser virgin' energy but it gets better (his virginity is also pretty important to the plot and not in the typical kinda way). Girlbosses run the drama but none were really giving a lot of RR. FL was bold, confident, assertive and strong, but they're not really together a whole lot and their interactions are sour... Then SML and his girlfriend do have a BDSM somewhat Femdom/Malesub relationship but they're otherwise very traditional. 

Ep 1 - This episode was by far the most RR-coded and set my expectations high so here's the standouts: Girlboss x Boywife dynamic with the leads. FL even takes charge in the bedroom and WOO we love to see a pretty boy smothered in kisses (this scene was defs a nice treat, highly recc). There's also a pretty big emphasis on ML's virginity which is framed in an interesting way in this ep but that doesn't really carry later on in the drama. Then there's the platonic RR, ML and SML are friends with SFL who's a no-nonsense kickass and she protects the two boys from being bullied.

TLDR: Girlboss x Malewife, Strong FL, Weak ML, Badass FL, Shy ML, Confident FL x Shy ML, Protective FL, Assertive FL, Puppy ML, Platonic RR, Protective SFL, Slight FemDom x MaleSub (supporting character) | Starts RR but falters.

Slightly RR. It should've been RR, it is RR in theory but definitely not in execution. Despite taking place in a modern matriarchy similar to Ooku (low male population), the characters and the world are painfully traditional, ESPECIALLY so the women (it's giving high school cliches in the worst way). The only RR-ish elements are the fact that women are competing to win the men, and men are highly valued and thus treated more as luxurious commodities than actual people, but even that doesn't really give off a lot of RR energy, more idol energy? 

TLDR: Matriarchy, FL chases ML, Strong FL, Tsundere ML, Warm SML

Slightly RR.

ML is a manic pixie dream boy who (literally) saves FL from her boring every day existance. FL falls for him hard. She's kinda quiet and plain, he's quirky, cute, and sweet (their personalities even reflect in their outfits. He wears flashy and bold outfits while she dresses in very plain clothes). 

Tags: Manic pixie dream boy ML, Normal-person FL, Smitten FL. 

Subtle RR of the fucked up kind... Has very little romance but it's there, kinda... FL is a psychopath so not very romantic but.... she's assertive, takes initiative with ML and controls his every move, meanwhile ML is shy, awkward and gullible. It's more of a cult leader x cultist situation but yeah

TLDR: Psychopath FL, Assertive FL, Shy ML, Manipulative FL, Cult Leader FL x Cultist ML.

Subtle RR. Not romance but FL is cold and aloof while ML is sweet and emotional. Honestly, most men in this drama are very sensitive and emotional while the women are confident and cool. Also there's a badass older sister character.

TLDR: Emotional ML, Aloof FL, Strong FL, Confident FL, Warm man/Cold Woman

Slightly RR. Slight romance (married leads) and though ML is a bit more pathetic than ideal, they still give off RR vibes. ML is unlucky and kinda dim so FL takes charge in the relationship, stands up for him (and to him), takes no ish, gives no ishs, is assertive, stubborn and no-nonesense. Meanwhile ML is more the talker type, a bit of a himbo with a dash of pathetic, if you will. Giving Girlboss x Boyloser (for plot reasons, this later changes and ML becomes more protective but yeah, present in the beginning)

TLDR (first handful of eps only): Girlboss x Boyloser, Babygirl ML, Crybaby ML, Sensitive ML, Protector FL (later eps): Power couple, Strong FL.

Slightly RR. FL is a tough and traumatized psychology student who ends up counseling ML for a research paper. ML is sweet, shy and good with kids. One thing leads to another and they fall for each other. FL is assertive and initiates their first kiss and their first time (which was ML's first time ever and it WASN'T portrayed as him being a loser!!). But because she's his counselor, it's very much her taking advantage of him- 

TLDR; Assertive FL, Shy ML, Experienced FL/Virgin ML, FL takes advantage of ML (not in that way)

Slightly/Subtle RR. Veryyy slight romance. FL is the one seeking revenge in a straightforward, out-for-blood kinda way. She's an incredible badass that fights like a demon. ML on the other hand is a righteous cop. I wouldn't go as far as to say their dynamic is RR but she's cold, quiet and vengeful while he's more just a regular guy (warmer than her for sure tho). He does however have a bit of a "I can fix her" mentality which is always peak

TLDR: Strong FL, Bad Girl x Good Boy, Cold FL, Badass FL, I-Can-Fix-Her, Very Slight Romance

Slightly RR. The drama is very traditional since it's historical fiction so the amount of role reversal is fairly limited. Despite this the vibes were present. FL is tough as nails, able to effortlessly stand toe-to-toe with even the most scheming of ministers, meanwhile ML is a very emotional puppet king that spends 50% of the drama crying. The leads give off quite some egalitarian vibes despite the historical setting. 

Tags: Emotional ML, Sensitive ML, Crybaby ML, Strong FL, Badass FL. Egalitarian Relationship (leads)

Slightly RR. FL is a CEO and she's bossy and a bit mean. She hires ML to become her personal assistant and forces him to move in with her. She's a bit assertive and domineering while ML is more passive and cute. I will say though, FL is written to be very dumb, that's not to say ML is smart but she's definitely the dumb bratty rich woman trope T_T The very ending had me cringing... Not worth the watch for the RR

Tags: CEO FL, Assistant ML,  Domineering FL, Bossy FL, Cute ML | Boss FL x Employee ML. 

Slightly RR. Not really sure what was going on but ML in the contemporary setting was such a clingy and cute puppy while FL was more cool and collected. 

Watched this with no subs so context might be missing.

Tags: Cute ML, Clingy ML, Puppy ML, Shy ML, Cool FL. 

Slightly RR. FL chases after ML, she's the one to initiate romance and all that but it's honestly very light on the rr

TLDR: FL chases ML, Supernatural being FL x human ML, Tsundere ML, Forward FL

Slightly RR. Didn't think I would find another drama where FL confuses ML for a prostitute, but here we are. It was difficult to follow since the subtitles were atrocious but the femdom spoke for itself. The leads were almost RR but then in the last minute, had traditional elements. FL is cunning, manipulative, and steadfast, she lies to ML and manipulates him throughout the entire runtime. She finds him in a brothel and confuses him for a prostitute and proceeds to sneak away to 'spend time' with him several times. ML is taken aback and too gullible to realize he's being played. He has switch tendencies, being both possessive and submissive so he manhandles her sometimes but she ultimately leads and calls the shots. The story is more focused on FL's bad home life and the insufferable side-characters so be warned. 

Tags: Dominant FL, Switch ML, Clingy ML, Naive ML, Gullible ML, Manipulative FL, Cunning FL, Strong FL | Starts RR but falters.

Slightly RR. This drama reminded me a lot of My Lady General but set in a contemporary setting and obviously less RR. FL is a strong businesswoman who's trying to find a muse to inspire her men's jewelry collection and ML becomes said muse. ML was trying to approach her because he had been in love with her since the first time they met when she saved him and he does have domineering/possessive tendencies but FL prefers him obedient so that's the role he mostly plays (at least in the first half). He pretends to be a helpless prince in peril that needs FL's saving and ends up becoming her model/sugar baby/boytoy. 

ML is very dramatic and flamboyant, playing theatrics to get FL's attention and seducing her when all else fails. FL is the embodiment of "sisters we must stay focused" as she just tries to do her job, lmao. Like I said, it's unfortunately leaning pretty heavily to ML only being submissive because FL likes that so he has a lot of dom moments too -_- I guess he's a switch like that. After the second half it kinda falls into the typical heir ML with disapproving parents and possessive nature. The leads start off RR but end fairly traditional. A shame.

Tags: CEO FL, Model ML, Strong FL, Mature FL, Cute ML, Seductor ML, Homme Fatale ML, Puppy ML, Sugar-Mommy FL, Flamboyant ML, Gentlewoman FL, Drama-king ML, Switch ML | Boss FL x Employee ML, Artist FL x Muse ML | FL saves ML | Starts RR but falters.

Slightly RR. The vibes were there? ML is cursed to make anyone he kisses to fall asleep. He's a shy and soft-spoken guy that longs for true love. All prominent people around him are women. SFL tries to break his curse by any means (she's very assertive and chases him hard). 

Then there's SFL. She acts like a mentor character to ML but her past relationship was also very much giving RR. Artist (her) x Muse (him) type deal. 

The overall feel just kinda felt RR in a way even if it doesn't seem that way on paper. Like the male characters have these long slowmo beauty shots where they stare prettily and are admired by their women and it's just a lil treat, yknow ^^

Tags: Shy ML, Prince in peril ML, Assertive SFL. Artist (FL) x Muse (supporting male character).

Slightly RR. Very slight romance. It kinda was RR but also kinda not? They were definitely giving more power couple and egalitarian dynamics rather than RR. FL is a pirate captain which is RR enough already. She's strong, cold, and badass and though ML is not weak by any means, he is not as strong as her, not as cool as her, and bubbly by comparison. 

Tags: Cold FL x Warm ML, Power couple, Egalitarian Relationship (leads)

Slightly RR. All this pre-marriage and post memory-loss. Girlboss x malewife and also a bit of girlboss x boyloser. FL is bossy, arrogant and a lil mean while ML is sweet, dim and dorky. FL comes from a wealthy family while ML is a broke student. She's also a bit of a trainwreck and he loves her anyway so it's also giving "I can fix her" energy 

TLDR: Rich FL x poor ML, Girlboss x Malewife, Bossy FL, Dorky ML 

Slightly RR. Not romance. Mostly the classic deadbeat detective with a dead spouse trope but for FL (and her dead husband is kind of like 'saving' her in her mind cuz of reasons, it was kinda giving ok). Also involuntary child-acquisition arc which is always peak when it's with a deadbeat woman ^^ 

TLDR: Deadbeat cop FL, Badass FL, Strong FL, Accidental-motherhood. 

➤ Impression after 3 eps (Dropped)

Slightly RR. A lot of powerful women forcing their wills upon men. Both the empress of Zhou and the empress of Qin have lovers other than the emperor, the former's lover crossdresses to see her and recite poetry for her while she stares lovingly at him, the latter is dating a pretty musician who plays hard to get (she's very much giving femdom vibes). TFL actively pursues ML and is very toxic and possessive of him, think badgirl x goodboy (even kidnapping him) while he's at her mercy as a hostage prince and a soft-spoken person (they're NOT a couple but she pursues him for the entire drama). Quite a few other supporting female characters also actively peruse their love interests, have a 'harem' of lovers/companions, are possessive of their men, etc, etc.  Lots of female villains too which does mean there's a LOT of female rivalry but yeah. 

It's still very much a traditional period drama but I was surprised to see so much femdom energy so...

TLDR: Possessive Women, Femdom vibes, Girlboss x Malewife 

Slightly RR. I'm on the fence about this one, because it's a body-swap and those types of dramas do lend themselves to fall into gender nonconforming territory. On one hand, the visuals tend to scream RR, but since their souls are swapped, it's technically still traditional. What makes me inclined to add this drama to the list is just how comfortable the leads are in one another's bodies to the point that it almost seems like they prefer it. Not sure if that counts as RR, GNC, or some other kinda queer label, but it did lend itself to RR moments. Like ML being the one to carry the child through FL's body, or ML being submissive in FL's body while FL was the proactive and dominant one. It had its moments... 

Tags: Slight body swap RR. 

Very slightly RR. Not romance Despite being fairly traditional in most aspects and there's no actual romance, FL lowkey has gentle dom energy and ML has that subby puppy energy (but p much only with each other)- There's not even any romance, but when they interact, I get that feeling. Like she's so no-bullshit but in a gentle way with him and he opens up only to her and is all shy when he's actually kind of a hothead. 

TLDR; Gentle-dom energy FL, Subby energy ML, no romance

Very slightly RR. 2 out of the 8 stories have some subtle RR elements

#5. FL is a traumatised individual who's life is kinda a wreck and she often lies to get what she wants from men. She meets ML and he remarks that he admires her honesty. He's the cute, warm and kindhearted kind and has kinda this "I can fix her/love her anyway" energy to him. - Ending Spoiler: Open ending where it's implied FL confesses her love. 

#8. ML is a new nurse trainee where FL (a senior nurse) works. He's very empathetic, sweet, and warm. FL admires his kind heart and falls for him. She's professional and cool (and older than him). There's also SFL who's an elderly woman who also falls in love with ML. - Sad ending: ML moves oversees to study. 

TLDR: Broken FL x I-can-fix-her ML, Sweet ML | Cool FL, Sweet ML, Nurse ML, Slight Mentor FL/Mentee ML, Older woman / Younger man x2, Love triangle (FMF).

Very slightly RR. Assertive FL and ML who marries (iirc?) into her family as opposed to the other way around. She bosses him around quite a bit. 

I watched this way back so my memory is a bit hazy, I'll rewatch later and clarify

Very slightly RR. FL manhandles ML like once or something iirc and she's a cold general while he's a flirty doctor (which is nice) but other than that, pretty standard coupling. Also the quality was so bad it was basically unwatchable t-t

TLDR: General FL, Doctor ML, Cold FL, Flirty ML, Assertive FL. 

part of the above so the same applies

Very slightly RR. FL is assertive, chases ML first, she saves him, manhandles him and can kick butt. It was really looking out to be a lot more RR than it actually was (with the poster and set up). In the end, the MCs are more along the 'similars attract' & 'power couple' than RR.

TLDR: Assertive FL, Strong FL, FL saves ML, Power couple

Very slightly RR. Not romance. This movie is 99% sismance however there are two boys interested in FL. FL is a total tomboy, dressing in masculine clothing and behaving boyish. She's confident, bold, rude, and cool. The two 'love interests' are fawning over her and fall for her first. One is her childhood friend who's a total cutie himbo, the other is the mysterious new exchange student who's actually quite shy around her. 

There's this GIF which is adorable. 

Tags: Tomboy FL, Confident FL, Strong FL, Cool FL, Masculine FL, Himbo ML, Cute ML, Supportive ML

Club Post

Very slightly RR. ML has quite some manic pixie dream boy energy. He's very eccentric and quirky and clueless while FL is unassuming and somewhat bland. That's it tho

TLDR: Manic pixie dream boy ML, Regular person FL, Naive ML

Very slightly RR. Not romance. FL is cold, aloof and a lil mean. She's a strong martial artist who's feared by all and she protects and saves both MLs who are a tsundere and a cutie pie respectively. 

TLDR: Strong FL, Weak MLs, Protective FL, Cold FL, Warm SML

Very slightly RR. Not romance FL is a politician and her husband is a househusband. Their dynamic had some RR to it but ML was actually unemployed. Still tho, I think it would've been about the same had the roles been reversed so cool enough. ML is FL's assistant.

TLDR: Strong FL, Stay-at-home husband supporting character, Personal assistant ML

Very slightly RR. Not romance focused FL is ML's commanding officer and he has this cute lil crush on her and always tries to impress her (I considered not adding this title cuz it was very subtle but then I thought about how common the reversed trope was so here we are xD). She's cold and distant while he's innocent and kind. The relationship doesn't really develop past his seemingly one-sided crush tho. 

TLDR: Strong FL, Kind ML, Cold Woman/Warm Man, Superior FL/Subordinate ML

Very Slightly RR. The relationship is admittedly very traditional with only some RR elements. ML is a simp for FL so he does everything for her and she's nice and popular. He's very shy and thus FL teases him a lot since she's quite confident 

TLDR: Shy ML, Confident ML, Nerd ML x Popular FL 

Not really RR. It had everything to be RR and some scenes sprinkled in but it's not RR. FL goes into VR where she's a supposed powerful and evil cultivator (obviously because she's the new avatar, she is completely weak and helpless). She's ML's mentor but he's way more powerful than she is. He's reluctantly obedient to her at first and there are some slightly RR-coded scenes but ML turns into a possessive dom a few eps in and there's also a SML who's a possessive dom. 

Tags: Mentor FL x Disciple ML 

Not really RR. I found this one to be somewhat misleading based on the synopsis. Both mcs act rather traditionally when with each other and only act prince-like (for the FL) or princess-like (for the ML) when with their friends/fans. There is some enjoyable but more subtle RR to the show, like the fact that both MCs are confused as being the opposite gender and that they cross-dress (and generally speaking, dress somewhat androgynous) but yeah, I was expecting (and hoping for) more.

TLDR: Femboy ML, Mascgirl FL

Not really RR. I... I guess there was an attempt? They tried the whole crossdressing and matriarchy thing but wow did they miss the mark (There's quite a bit of crossdressing though and in the beginning they show a bit of the world which was nice even if played for laughs). Not only is there little to no RR amongst the leads but in the end the role reversal is 'fixed' because it was 'wrong'. Also, very standard characters and a female villain who's entire thing is being wronged by a man. Idk what I was expecting with the censorship but this was definitely disappointing... 

TLDR: Matriarchy, crossdressing ML & SML

Not really RR. This one was bad even for a noona romance. ML is younger, yes and FL is allegedly a successful businesswoman, but she acts like an immature child (she is somewhat assertive in the beginning but that's about it). Secondary couple aren't much better but SFL does have to carry SML when he's drunk which was endearing and he does end up sleeping on her shoulder <333

TLDR: Older woman/younger man, Businesswoman FL, Tsundere ML, FL chases ML

Not RR. Honestly, only really RR in the sense that FL does weightlifting so she's a bit more tomboyish, strong and rough. Other than that, extremely traditional 

TLDR: Strong FL, Tomboy-ish FL

Not RR. I don't remember a single RR instance? Idk why it has the Gender Role Reversal tag...

TLDR: FL x Multiple husbands (platonic)

Not RR. ML marries into FL's home but their dynamic is extremely conventional otherwise. If anything, ML is more insufferably overpowered than other MLs

TLDR: Matrilocal husband ML

➤ Impression after halfway (Dropped)

Not RR. I remember there might've been a slight RR moment (iirc, FL goes 'evil' and gets some concubines?) but I honestly hated the drama so much I can't remember.

Not RR. Not sure why the Gender Role Reversal tag was added to this. Didn't have a lick of RR but I guess FL could be considered somewhat masculine in behaviour. 

Not RR. Honestly, I have NO idea why this was tagged as 'gender role reversal'. FL is cold, that's literally it. Also it's very much dependent on you watching the OG drama so not worth checking out unless you've done so.

Not RR. Everything that was RR about the first part completely vanished in the 2nd part and it became bland toxic xianxia slop. ML grows resentful of FL and becomes a cold and aloof king who captures her and soft tortures her for months? years? Meanwhile FL becomes too sick to do anything other than sit around for the vast majority of this part. 

Secondary couple are really pushed to the backseat and their dynamic becomes more egalitarian than RR since the setting changes drastically. 

The things that remained RR... FL's assistant Luoluo and her BF. She's very flirty, forward, and active in the bedroom (wink wink) while he very much gives off flustered virgin energy struggling to keep up with her.

Then the plot twist villain is a woman and she overthrows her mentor and wants to keep him as a pet but he dies.  

So far... Not too RR. Much like Season 1 it takes place in a matriarchy and we got peacock-core ML slaying as always. Somehow even more lacklustre with the RR than the previous season tho T_T FL is dumber than ever but she's physically strong so yay... ML lost his physical strength so she does end up having to save him sometimes which is something. SML became more puppy-like in this season and his relationship with SFL is giving rich elite woman/devoted guard, lol.

Tags: Strong FL, Weak ML | Matriarchy 

➤ On Hold (03/19)

So far... Not too RR. 

TLDR: Slight Femdom, coquettish ML, Cold FL

➤ Still watching... 

So far... somewhat RR. FL who was pretending to be a man ends up as the emperor. ML is an eunuch who made her into the emperor. Though their dynamic isn't really too RR, there's still some elements here and there

Tags: Emperor FL (cross-dresser), Master FL x Servant ML, Queenmaker ML, Strong FL

➤ Still watching... 

So far... rather RR

Tags: (1st arc) Strong FL, Weak ML, Cruel FL, Kind ML, Bullied ML, Consort ML

➤ Still watching... 

Fairly RR. Tired of the mistreated FLs in the microdramas, well, worry not, this ML gets mistreated every episode and needs strong and aloof FL to save him. ML was cheated on and mistreated by his girlfriend who left him for a bully of a man. He meets FL by chance then finds out she's his manager and she protects him and saves him more than a couple of times. He's cute and bubbly, emotional and sensible (and literally constantly bullied and mistreated, my poor pookie) and FL is cold, aloof, and kinda mean. 

It doesn't rank higher mostly because of certain tropes that just keep showing up in RR media. Like FL physically hurting ML for comedy(?) and also because there was less romance than I was expecting and hoping for.

Tags: Mistreated ML, Cute ML, Eccentric ML, Cold FL, Aloof FL, Strong FL, Badass FL, Naive and Gullible ML | FL saves ML | FL saves ML

➤ Still Watching... 

Tags: Princess FL, General FL. Flirty FL, Toxic FL, Reserved ML, Quirky ML, Douchebag FL, Strong FL, Weak ML | Royal FL x Commoner ML, Strong FL x Weak ML | Malewife abduction ||| Matriarchy setting