The Bechdel–Wallace Test, also known as simply the Bechdel Test (named after Alison Bechdel) or ​​Mo Movie Measure, is a standard used to determine the representation of women in fiction. Usually, this test is applied to films but by definition, it also applies to television, books, video games, and even webtoons! To pass the Bechdel test, a work of fiction must follow three criteria: 1) it should have two female characters; 2) they should have a conversation with each other; 3) about anything other than men/another male character.

These criteria are sometimes expanded to include that these female characters must be named and they should be main characters. While this bar is quite low, mostly because it doesn't measure the quality of representation, you'll be surprised by how many films or TV shows don't make the cut. So, in this article, we're discussing 5 K-Dramas that we believe would definitely pass the Bechdel test. Let's get into it!

Note: This list is in no particular order of ranking.

 

1. "Search: WWW"

One of the perfect examples of a feminist K-Drama, "Search: WWW" follows three strong female leads who are pioneers in their own fields and are willing to put their lives on the line for their careers. Starring Lim SooJung, Lee DaHee, and Jeon HyeJin, this drama explores the intricate workings of a cut-throat industry while also addressing issues of the workplace that women have to face on a daily basis. Our female characters are not only fully fleshed out, but they're also multidimensional and there are innumerable instances that satisfy the requirements of the Bechdel test.

 

2. "Extraordinary Attorney Woo"

"Extraordinary Attorney Woo" is a drama that takes representation seriously. In the centre of the action, we have a female attorney on the autism spectrum - Woo YoungWoo (played brilliantly by Park EunBin), and surrounding her are numerous male and female figures of influence. However, the relationship that is established between Woo YoungWoo and her friend Choi "Spring Sunshine" SuYeon (Ha YoonKyung) is a wonderfully empowering portrayal of female friendships. Similarly, Woo YoungWoo and her mother, Tae SuMi's (Jin Kyung) equation revolves around each other rather than around her father, which also fulfills the criteria of the Bechdel test.

 

3. "Link: Eat, Love, Kill"

One of the most endearing and wholesome all-female trios of recent times, No DaHyun (Mun KaYoung), her mother Hong BokHee (Kim JiYoung), and her grandmother Na ChunOk (Ye SooJung) from "Link: Eat, Love, Kill", would undoubtedly be the reason why this drama would not only pass but also ace the Bechdel test. This little family is at the core of the story, and the self-sufficient support system that they create for themselves is truly admirable. Never once do they express a sense of lack or resentment for not having a male figure around, which is even more reason to applaud the drama's female representation.

 

4. "Little Women"

While "Link: Eat Love Kill" portrayed a generational trio, "Little Women" features a trio of sisters - Oh InJoo (Kim GoEun), Oh InKyung (Nam JiHyun), and Oh InHye (Park JiHu). These three could not be farther apart from each other in terms of personality. Despite coming from the same household, they grew up differently and have different goals, values, and dreams. We also have the sisters' mysterious Great Aunt Oh HyeSeok (Kim MiSook) in the picture, who represents her own breed of feminism. In addition, InJoo's best friend is a woman, Jin HwaYoung (Choo JaHyun), and InHye's best friend is also a young girl, Park HyoRin (Jeon ChaeEun). From familial bonds to those of friendship, "Little Women" does an excellent job of highlighting women and their rich, multifaceted worlds that do not, after all, revolve around men.

 

5. "Glitch"

"Glitch" is a drama that has earned its rightful place in any discussion about feminist science-fiction. Starring Jeon YeoBeen (as Hong JiHyo) and Afterschool's NaNa (as Huh BoRa), "Glitch" is a dazzling celebration of female friendships and WLW relationships, and the theme is brought out with the utmost grace and delicate nuance. Our protagonists, JiHyo and BoRa are brought together by a deep inner desire to reconcile and while JiHyo's boyfriend SiGuk (Lee DongHwi), inadvertently becomes a catalyst for this, he isn't nearly as important to the journey that these girls go on as you'd first expect. The focus is shifted from "rescue the boyfriend" to healing JiHyo & BoRa's relationship and eventually reaffirming their beliefs, which is grounds enough to conclude that "Glitch" most definitely passes the Bechdel test. You can read our review and analysis of "Glitch" here.

Which other K-Drama would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments section down below!