I know. Why does abuse or fighting have to be the first that comes to mind when you think of a “strong” person?
But I understand why this is so common, because it gives the viewer that immediate high, to see a character doing what they, in the back of their mind, would probably like to do to someone. It gives a momentary feeling of power and invincibility because, for some reason, humans feel powerful while putting someone else down.
I have nothing against martial arts. It’s the unnecessary hitting, kicking and slapping for no reason that bugs me. I’m glad our school had compulsory karate training for both boys and girls till the sixth grade. You learn the honor code along with that— just because you have the ability, you can’t attack anyone. True strength is knowing when to use it.
For example, I liked 18 Again. Both mother and daughter were strong and not just physically. I liked that neither of them hit or kicked anyone for no reason, but weren’t afraid to use martial arts when needed.
Aside from physical strength, I love it when there are female leads who are strong without having to show they can kick ■■■. They are confident women who know how to stand up for themselves but also know when to let go. They aren’t doormats, but they fight for what they believe in. You can’t live life being a rigid stick with everything going only your way. In every relationship, you will have to give way for the other sometimes, WITHOUT losing your own identity.
I’ve already talked about Flower of Evil’s Cha Ji Won, Tomorrow With You’s Song Ma Rin, I’m Not a Robot’s Jo Ji Ah, Oh My Venus’ Kang Joo Eun, You Are My Hero’s Mi Ka, Touch Your Heart’s Oh Jin Shim, Healer’s Chae Young Shin, The Player’s Cha Ah Ryung, Under the Power’s Xi Shui, Secret Life of My Secretary’s Veronica Park(she’s the funnier, sweeter version of IOTNBO’s Ko Moon Young).
Who cares if they cry once or twice? They’re human. No one is made of steel. The beauty is in the way they go through situations and come out victorious, without compromising on their own values or letting someone else walk all over them.
It takes a reallllllly good writer to bring out a strong character without relying on useless tropes. To showcase character. To make us go “Wow. What a wonderful soul!”