A lot of shows that have a feminist theme often fall trap to the principle before plot, when the show focuses solely on delivering a message and not as much on delivering a compelling plot. This is not the case, a person who is not interested in a feminist analysis of this show could watch it perfectly fine without ever even thinking that this show focuses so much on sisterhood. What i mean is that this show, while carryingsuch a heavy message also puts up a show worth watching for anyone, not only those who are interested in how the patriarchy affects women, but also just those who want a good watch.

The relationship between Oh Kyung Sook and Hwang Do Hee is complex, really fucking complex. And so raw and strong. This is the first time i see in a kdrama such dedication to female characters, we often see this cind of nuance and complexity among male characters-but this is my first kdrama ive watched that gave me such a warm feeling in regards to the relationship between two women. Even when we see strong and amazing female characters, the screen often shyes away from giving her meaningful bonds with other female friends that dont fall under shallow tropes. On top of that TWO female main characters. Which of one has a husband, but he is not the point of the story. Oh Kyung Sook is not portrayed or reduced to a romantic interest at her best, which we so often see with main and secondary female characters. And Hwand Do Hee is divorced, with no push for a romantic relationship with her ex-husband. Yet they are both taken seriously and are carried with the most utter elegance and intellect.
We have a strong, independent woman who is ready to kick ass. And not in "ooh im a super sexy girl in a tight leather dress and sharp heels that has men around my finger thanks to my womanly charm", oh no these people fucking fear Hwang Do Hee, and they should. Most positions of power, amongst the main cast is held by female characters, yet they never make a fuss out of it.

Like many shows will go out of their way to let you know that they have the position they have thanks to a man. And even if that is the case, the women are not stupid in this show. Even the worst archetypes this show has to offer are switched around and made human by the end of it. Like there was one female antagonist whom i hated at the beginning, trust me her first impression was...like a bomb. Literally. She is portrayed like this cynic crazy woman, not capable of empaty or any kind of grown up emotion. Yet by the end of the show, i felt like despite all shed done, i could emphasise with her. Obviously the show did never do this as to excuse the antagonists actions. It was always very clear what was wrong, and that they should pay for their wrong doings. But the show didnt shy away from giving their antagonists humanity. Like i cant even express how thankful i am for this show, for really normalising women in media, in a non toxic, diverse, and nuanced way.

The moral of the story was not: man = bad / woman = good. No definitely not. There were utterly evil, greedy and awful women in this whole ordeal, but they were treated as any well written antagonist should. Not reduced to their archetypes and tropes.

(In my heart Hwang Do Hee and Oh Kyung Soo are married and live happily ever after. I dont care that one has a husband, this is not up for debate.)