Korean dramas are famend for his or her compelling tales and dramatic aptitude, drawing viewers into richly woven narratives. Amongst these, some collection are impressed by real-life occasions, which provides a layer of depth and authenticity to their storytelling.
These dramas contact upon the subject of historic struggles and infamous crime circumstances, providing a vivid portrayal of Korea’s previous. By mixing reality with fiction, they create a robust lens via which audiences can perceive and relive important moments in Korean historical past.
The dramas on our checklist spotlight 13 exceptional collection which are primarily based on true occasions. Every present brings historic and real-life tales to life with participating storytelling and emotional resonance.
From revolutionary actions to non-public sagas, these dramas present a compelling sneak of Korea’s wealthy and sophisticated previous, demonstrating how actual occasions will be remodeled into highly effective narratives that stun and educate audiences in addition to.
1. Sign (2016)
Sign is a South Korean TV collection written by Kim Eun-hee and directed by Kim Received-seok. The present stars Lee Je-hoon, Kim Hye-soo, and Cho Jin-woong. It’s primarily based on the 2000 movie Frequency and impressed by real-life legal incidents in Korea, together with the Hwaseong serial murders.
In 2015, legal profiler Park Hae-young (Lee Je-hoon) found a mysterious walkie-talkie. He communicates with Detective Jae-han (Cho Jin-woong) from the previous, despite the fact that they’ve by no means met. With Jae-han’s assist, Hae-young solves a 15-year-old kidnapping and homicide case involving a former classmate.
This success led to a chilly case workforce led by Detective Cha Soo-hyun (Kim Hye-soo). She has been trying to find her long-lost mentor and unrequited love, Jae-han, for 15 years. Collectively, they clear up different chilly circumstances which have remained unsolved for years.
As Hae-young and Jae-han attempt to repair the previous and catch the criminals, unintended penalties observe within the current. The thriller surrounding Jae-han’s disappearance in 2000 deepens, drawing Hae-young additional into the investigation.
- Aired: Jan 22, 2016 – Mar 12, 2016
- No of Episodes: 16
- Solid: Lee Je Hoon, Kim Hye Soo, Jo Jin Woong
- Streaming Platform: Disney+, Netflix, Prime TV
2. The Hymn of Loss of life (2018)
The Hymn of Loss of life is a 2018 South Korean miniseries primarily based on true occasions. Starring Lee Jong-suk and Shin Hye-sun, the collection depicts the tragic romance between Joseon’s first soprano, Yun Sim-deok, and genius playwright Kim Woo-jin.
Kim Woo-jin, a stage drama author, lives in the course of the Japanese occupation of Korea. Regardless of being married, he falls in love with Yun Sim-deok. Yun Sim-deok, often known as the primary Korean soprano, recorded “Reward of Loss of life,” Korea’s first pop track, in 1926.
Their love story is marked by ardour and tragedy. The collection follows their deep connection and their challenges underneath oppressive circumstances.
In the end, Woo-jin and Sim-deok’s destiny ends in heartbreak, leaving a poignant legacy behind.
- Aired: Nov 27, 2018 – Dec 4, 2018
- No of Episodes: 6
- Solid: Lee Jong Suk, Shin Hye Solar
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
3. By way of the Darkness (2022)
By way of the Darkness is a 2022 South Korean TV collection starring Kim Nam-gil, Jin Seon-kyu, and Kim So-jin. Based mostly on the 2018 non-fiction e book by Korea’s first legal profiler Kwon Il-yong and journalist Ko Na-mu, it highlights Kwon’s subject experiences.
Set within the Nineteen Nineties, Seoul is terrorized by a mysterious determine often known as ‘Pink Cap,’ who stalks and kills girls randomly. His unpredictable assaults depart detectives struggling to establish his subsequent transfer. The worry gripping town prompts a brand new method to catching the serial killer.
Gook Younger Soo, head of the Prison Behavioral Evaluation workforce, recruits Track Ha Younger, a perceptive former detective, to make the most of legal profiling. Impressed by the American FBI’s success, Gook believes this psychological methodology will assist seize ‘Pink Cap.’
Nevertheless, murder knowledgeable Yoon Tae Goo and her officers are skeptical of this new method. To show its price, Track Ha Younger should acquire the belief of criminals and outwit them, whereas demonstrating the emotional resilience required for the job. The collection showcases the challenges and breakthroughs of utilizing legal profiling in a high-stakes setting.
- Aired: Jan 14, 2022 – Mar 12, 2022
- No of Episodes: 12
- Solid: Kim Nam Gil, Jin Seon Kyu, Kim So Jin
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
4. The Pink Sleeve (2022)
The Pink Sleeve is a South Korean TV collection starring Lee Jun-ho, Lee Se-young, and Kang Hoon. Based mostly on a novel, it tells the story of a royal court docket romance in Joseon. The collection focuses on the King of Joseon, who prioritizes obligation over love, and a court docket girl who values her chosen life.
Set in 18th-century Korea, Prince Yi San is a perfectionist haunted by his father’s homicide. He’s subsequent in line for the throne, awaiting the demise of his merciless grandfather, the present king. Regardless of his emotional scars, Yi San goals to be a benevolent ruler, looking for to reform the dominion’s legal guidelines.
At court docket, Yi San meets Sung Deok Im, a spirited and clever younger lady. Whereas Yi San falls in love and proposes she grow to be his concubine, Sung Deok Im struggles with the constraints of royal life. She grapples with the duties and restrictions that accompany being a royal consort.
As their love deepens, Sung Deok Im begins to see their union’s potential to carry constructive change to the troubled realm. The collection presents a fictionalized account of King Jeongjo and his royal consort Ui-bin Seong, highlighting their private and political challenges.
- Aired: Nov 12, 2021 – Jan 1, 2022
- No of Episodes: 17
- Solid: Lee Jun Ho, Lee Se Younger, Kang Hoon
- Streaming Platform: Viki
5. Battle For My Manner (2017)
Battle For My Manner is a 2017 South Korean TV collection starring Park Search engine optimisation-joon and Kim Ji-won, together with Ahn Jae-hong and Track Ha-yoon. The story revolves round underdogs with massive desires struggling to achieve careers for which they’re underqualified. It additionally showcases the evolving romance between longtime mates Ko Dong-man (Park Search engine optimisation-Joon) and Choi Ae-ra (Kim Ji-won).
Ko Dong-man has all the time aspired to be a well-known taekwondo athlete however now works a secular job as a contract worker. His buddy Choi Ae-ra desires of changing into a tv anchor however works at a division retailer’s data desk. Regardless of their infantile dynamic, their friendship begins to blossom into romance.
Their mates, Kim Joo-man and Baek Seol-hee have been courting for six years however face challenges that threaten their relationship. The collection delves into whether or not the 4 mates can obtain their desires regardless of their “third-rate” {qualifications}.
Apparently, Battle For My Manner is impressed by the real-life couple Choo Sung Hoon and Yano Shiho, often known as The Return of Superman. The collection captures the emotional depth of Dong-man and Ae-ra’s relationship, drawing parallels to the couple’s story.
- Aired: Might 22, 2017 – Jul 11, 2017
- No of Episodes: 16
- Solid: Park Search engine optimisation Joon, Kim Ji Received, Ahn Jae Hong, Track Ha Yoon
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
6. Transfer to Heaven (2021)
Transfer to Heaven is a 2021 South Korean TV collection directed by Kim Sung-ho and written by Yoon Ji-ryeon. An authentic Netflix collection, it stars Lee Je-hoon, Tang Jun-sang, and Hong Seung-hee. The story follows Geu-ru (Tang Jun-sang), a younger man with Asperger’s, and his guardian, Sang-gu (Lee Je-hoon), as they work as trauma cleaners.
Geu-ru meets his ex-convict uncle Sang-gu for the primary time after his father’s sudden demise. Sang-gu, now Geu-ru’s guardian, helps run the household trauma cleansing firm, “Transfer to Heaven.” Collectively, they uncover untold tales of the deceased whereas Sang-gu grapples along with his painful previous and the incident that landed him in jail.
The collection relies on the nonfiction essay “Issues Left Behind” by Kim Sae Byul, a first-generation trauma cleaner. Sae Byul describes his career of clearing out the belongings of those that have handed away and cleansing the areas the place they have been discovered. He shares tales of his purchasers, corresponding to a 70-year-old who died alone.
Every episode reveals the tales of the departed earlier than their demise. One exceptional story in episode six includes a janitor and his loving spouse who died with no household to mourn them. Geu-ru finds a technique to honour them, highlighting the present’s poignant exploration of life and demise.
- Aired: Might 14, 2021
- No of Episodes: 10
- Solid: Lee Je Hoon, Tang Jun Sang, Hong Sung Hee
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
7. D.P (2021)
D.P. is a South Korean army motion TV collection on Netflix. Directed by Han Jun-hee, it’s primarily based on the webtoon D.P Canine’s Day by Kim Bo-tong and stars Jung Hae-in, Koo Kyo-hwan, Kim Sung-kyun, and Son Suk-ku. The primary season premiered on August 27, 2021, and the second on July 28, 2023.
Set in 2014, D.P. follows a workforce of Korean army police tasked with capturing deserters. The collection exposes the cruel realities of army life in South Korea, emphasizing the widespread bullying and hazing. The “survival of the fittest” mindset prevails, with the weakest enduring horrific experiences by the hands of their superiors and friends.
Non-public Ahn Jun-ho and Corporal Han Ho-yeol are assigned to trace down deserters. As they set off on their mission, they uncover the brutal fact concerning the Korean army. Their journey reveals the extreme bullying and hazing that drive troopers to the desert, highlighting the distressing nature of obligatory army service in Korea.
Tailored from the webtoon D.P. Canine Days, the drama is fictional however attracts from the true experiences of Korean troopers. D.P. goals to show the darkish aspect of the Korean army, specializing in the abuse within the system, though some points could also be exaggerated for dramatic impact
- Aired: Aug 27, 2021
- No of Episodes: 12
- Solid: Jung Hae In, Koo Jyu Hwan, Kim Sung Kyun, Son Suk Ku
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
8. Juvenile Justice (2022)
Juvenile Justice is a 2022 South Korean authorized drama that premiered on Netflix on February 25, 2022. Written by Kim Min-seok and directed by Hong Jong-chan, it stars Kim Hye-soo, Kim Mu-yeol, and Lee Sung-min. The collection follows Decide Shim Eun-Seok, who is thought for her disdain for juveniles and will get appointed to a juvenile court docket within the Yeonhwa District.
Eun-Seok is an elite decide with a chilly character, and she or he breaks conventional strategies to punish younger offenders. The courtroom drama sends a robust message about society’s function in juvenile crime. As Eun-Seok tackles complicated circumstances, she should steadiness her aversion to minor offenders together with her agency beliefs in justice and punishment.
The present highlights delicate points corresponding to juvenile crime, poverty, and flaws within the judiciary. Loosely primarily based on real-life crimes dedicated by teenagers in South Korea, the drama emphasizes the societal and systemic elements contributing to those points. Regardless of the darkish themes, it additionally portrays the potential for troubled teenagers to reform when guided by the suitable adults.
Juvenile Justice showcases the complexities of justice and the duties of society in shaping the futures of younger offenders. It presents a nuanced have a look at how authorized and social programs influence juveniles and the chance for redemption and alter.
- Aired: Feb 25, 2022
- No of Episodes: 10
- Solid: Kim Hye Soo, Kim Mu Yeol, Lee Sung Min, Lee Jung Eun
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
9. Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016)
Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth is a 2016 South Korean tv collection starring Park Search engine optimisation-joon, Go Ara, and Park Hyung-sik. Set within the Silla Kingdom (57 BC-AD 935), the collection revolves round an elite group of younger males referred to as Hwarang. These warriors uncover their ardour, friendship, and love amid the dominion’s turmoil.
Queen Jiso (Kim Ji-soo) guidelines Silla as regent after her father, King Beopheung’s demise, preserving her son, Sammaekjong (Park Hyung-sik), hidden from enemies. As Sammaekjong comes of age, impatience grows amongst residents and officers for the Queen to cede energy.
Nevertheless, highly effective nobles who’ve grown accustomed to their privileges proceed to covet the throne, inflicting Jiso to worry the results of relinquishing her authority.
To undermine the nobles’ energy, Jiso creates the Hwarang, an elite group of male youths meant to chop throughout current energy factions and shield her son and the throne. Unbeknownst to them, the younger King Sammaekjong and Kim Solar-woo (Park Search engine optimisation-Joon), a commoner with a secret previous, are amongst their ranks.
The Hwarang have been actual elite warriors from high-ranking households within the Silla Kingdom. Whereas the present’s romance and storyline are fictional, it’s rooted within the historic idea of the Hwarang, recognized for his or her youth and wonder, as depicted in poems and songs.
- Aired: Dec 19, 2016 – Feb 21, 2017
- No of Episodes: 20
- Solid: Park Search engine optimisation Joon, Go Ah Ra, Park Hyung Sik
- Streaming Platform: Netflix, Viki
10. Youth of Might (2021)
Youth of Might is a South Korean drama set in 1980 in the course of the Gwangju Rebellion. It centres on the love story of medical scholar Hwang Hee-tae (Lee Do-hyun) and nurse Kim Myung-hee (Go Min-si). Not like many historic dramas, it focuses on the lives and relationships of younger individuals throughout this tumultuous interval.
Hwang Hee-tae turns into the pleasure of Gwangju by coming into Seoul Nationwide College Faculty of Medication with prime marks. His buddy, Kyung-soo (Kwon Younger-chan), a pro-democracy activist, persuades him to open an unlawful clinic for college kids fleeing the federal government.
When a manufacturing unit employee is injured throughout a protest, Hee-tae is coerced into attending a gathering with a possible marriage accomplice organized by his father to safe transport prices.
At this assembly, he encounters Myung-hee, a nurse enduring life’s hardships. Myung-hee agrees to the assembly instead of her buddy Soo-ryeon (Keum Sae-rok) to boost funds for learning in Germany. Nevertheless, she and Hee-tae fall in love. In Might 1980, amidst the fervent cries for democracy in Gwangju, Hee-tae and Myung-hee discover their lives intertwined by destiny.
Whereas the characters’ story is fictional, Youth of Might is rooted within the Gwangju Rebellion. Throughout this era, residents and college students protested in opposition to the army authorities led by Basic Chun Doo-hwan.
The federal government’s violent response, deploying tanks and helicopters, resulted in quite a few accidents and deaths, marking one of many bloodiest moments in South Korean historical past. The drama, although fictional in its romance, honestly portrays the period’s turmoil, a topic not often explored in Okay-dramas.
- Aired: Might 3, 2021 – Jun 8, 2021
- No of Episodes: 12
- Solid: Lee Do Hyun, Go Min Si
- Streaming Platform: Netflix, Viki, Prime Video
11. Crash Touchdown on You (2019)
Crash Touchdown on You is a South Korean tv collection written by Park Ji-Eun and directed by Lee Jeong-hyo. The present stars Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Search engine optimisation Ji-hye, and Kim Jung-hyun. Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin) is a profitable South Korean businesswoman and chaebol heiress. Sooner or later, whereas paragliding in Seoul, she is blown off beam by a twister and crash-lands within the North Korean portion of the DMZ.
Ri Jeong-hook (Hyun Bin), a member of the North Korean elite and a captain within the Korean Folks’s Military, discovers Se-ri whereas patrolling. He’s persuaded to cover her and assist her return to the South. The collection is immensely fashionable, having damaged information beforehand held by Goblin and, for a time, was the highest-rated tvN collection earlier than the Queen of Tears finale.
The inspiration for Crash Touchdown on You got here from an incident in 2008 involving actress Jung Yang, who by accident crossed the North Korean border throughout a crusing mishap. In a 2021 interview, Park Ji-eun revealed that this incident sparked the concept for the story. She envisioned a girl who, via a paragliding accident, finds herself misplaced on the North Korean border, resulting in a love story that has entertained many viewers.
- Aired: Dec 14, 2019 – Feb 16, 2020
- No of Episodes: 16
- Solid: Hyun Bin, Search engine optimisation Ye Jin, Search engine optimisation Ji Hye, Kim Jung Hyun
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
12. Taxi Driver (2021)
Taxi Driver is a South Korean tv collection starring Lee Je-hoon, Kim Eui-sung, Pyo Ye-jin, Jang Hyuk-jin, and Bae Yoo-ram, with Esom within the first season and Shin Jae-ha within the second. Based mostly on the webtoon The Deluxe Taxi (Pink Cage) by Carlos and Lee Jae-jin, the collection is impressed by precise heinous crimes dedicated in Korea. It has garnered reward for its performances and compelling storylines.
Do Gi, a former Particular Forces officer is devastated when a serial killer murders his mom. Struggling along with his grief, he encounters Jang Sung Chul, who recruits him to work for Rainbow Taxi. That is no peculiar taxi service however a secret group that seeks revenge for victims whom the legislation has failed. As a star driver for Rainbow Taxi, Do Gi delivers justice via revenge.
Ha Na, a prosecutor, investigates Rainbow Taxi’s actions. Whereas she is infuriated by their disregard for the legislation, she is conflicted by their means to unravel circumstances that the authorized system can not tackle. The collection reveals the strain between those that see revenge as a type of true justice and those that uphold the legislation.
Whereas the storyline itself is fictional, it’s set in opposition to the backdrop of crimes that intently mirror precise occasions in Korea, including a layer of eerie realism to the gripping narrative.
- Aired: Apr 9, 2021 – Might 29, 2021
- No of Episodes: 16
- Solid: Lee Je Hoon, Esom, Kim Eui Sung, Pyo Ye Jin
- Streaming Platform: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki
13. The Glory (2022)
The Glory is a South Korean revenge psychological thriller on Netflix, created by Kim Eun-sook and directed by Ahn Gil-ho. Starring Track Hye-Kyo, Lee Do-hyun, Lim Ji-yeon, Yeom Hye-ran, Park Sung-hoon, and Jung Sung-il, the collection is split into two components: Half 1 premiered on December 30, 2022, with Half 2 releasing on March 10, 2023.
The plot follows Moon Dong-eun, a sufferer of college violence who seeks revenge on her former bullies after changing into a homeroom instructor on the college of the bully chief’s little one, Ha Ye-sol. The collection attracts inspiration from a 2006 incident in Cheongju, South Korea, the place center schoolers severely abused a classmate.
The thought for The Glory was sparked by Kim Eun-sook’s daughter, who requested whether or not it might be extra heartbreaking to beat somebody practically to demise or to be crushed practically to demise. This led Kim to research the Korean college system’s violence, making a fictional story that resonates with real-life bullying points.
- Aired: Dec 30, 2022
- No of Episodes: 8
- Solid: Track Hye Kyo, Lee Do Hyun, Im Ji Yeon, Yeon Hye Ran, Park Sung Hoon, Jung Sung II
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
