Korean historic dramas, usually referred to as “sageuks”, have captured the hearts of world audiences with their breathtaking cinematography and fascinating plots. These dramas dive deep into Korea’s historical previous, unravelling tales of royal conflicts, forbidden love, and political intrigue. The gorgeous visuals and intense character developments make these exhibits a must-watch.
From time-travelling tales like Moon Lovers: Scarlet Coronary heart Ryeo to the hilarious body-swap chaos in Mr Queen, every drama brings a novel twist to the historic style. Audiences are drawn into the advanced relationships and high-stakes selections that form the destiny of kingdoms.
In additional intense sequence like Kingdom, viewers expertise a chilling fusion of historical past and the supernatural. This zombie-infused story set within the Joseon period retains you on the sting of your seat. The mixture of horror and political drama is a recent tackle the style.
When you get pleasure from fantastically crafted narratives and mesmerizing performances, these 15 dramas provide an ideal mix of leisure and historic schooling. Whether or not you’re new to “sageuks” or a long-time fan, these exhibits promise unforgettable tales that may linger lengthy after the credit roll.
1. Mr. Queen (2020)
Jang Bong Hwan, a gifted South Korean chef, has constructed a profitable profession cooking for high politicians within the Blue Home. Nonetheless, after a life-changing accident, he’s mysteriously transported into the previous, discovering himself trapped within the physique of Queen Kim So Yong. This stunning twist throws him right into a world of royal intrigue and palace politics.
Queen Kim So Yong’s husband, King Cheol Jong, holds the throne, however in actuality, the true energy lies elsewhere. Queen Solar Gained, the widow of the late King Sunjo, manipulates the dominion’s affairs, ruling in King Cheol Jong’s identify. Her brother, Kim Jwa Geun, additionally has ambitions to regulate the throne, making the palace a battleground for energy.
As Jang Bong Hwan observes his life within the queen’s physique, he begins to uncover the reality about King Cheol Jong. The seemingly mild and passive king is way extra advanced and secretive than he first seems. This realization provides one other layer of pressure and drama to the already difficult palace dynamics.
With hidden motives and harmful alliances surrounding him, Jang Bong Hwan should discover a solution to survive in a time not his personal, whereas defending the secrets and techniques of each the previous and current.
- Aired: Dec 12, 2020 – Feb 14, 2021
- No of Episodes: 20
- Forged: Shin Hye Solar, Kim Jung Hyun
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
2. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Coronary heart Ryeo (2016)
Throughout a complete photo voltaic eclipse, Go Ha Jin is unexpectedly transported again to the Goryeo Dynasty, underneath the reign of King Taejo. She awakens within the physique of Hae Soo, a 16-year-old woman dwelling within the family of the eighth Prince, Wang Wook, who’s married to her cousin. As she adjusts to her new actuality, Hae Soo rapidly turns into acquainted with a number of royal princes.
Among the many princes, Hae Soo grows near the 4th Prince, Wang So, who has been shunned by his household. Regardless of her preliminary intentions to keep away from palace politics, she quickly finds herself entangled within the harmful energy struggles for the throne. Her relationships with the princes complicate issues additional.
As tensions rise, a number of princes start to fall in love with Hae Soo, including layers of romance and jealousy to the political drama. Regardless of understanding the risks of getting concerned, she turns into a key determine within the battle for royal succession.
Caught between love, loyalty, and the lethal ambitions of the royal household, Hae Soo should examine a dangerous path, not sure of who to belief and the way her actions would possibly alter historical past endlessly.
- Aired: Aug 29, 2016 – Nov 1, 2016
- No of Episodes: 20
- Forged: Lee Joon Gi, IU, Kang Ha Neul, Hong Jong Hyun, Nam Joo Hyuk, Byun Baek Hyun, Kim San Ho, Kim Ji Soo, Yoon Solar Woo
- Streaming Platform: VIU, Viki
3. Below the Queen’s Umbrella (2022)
Contained in the palace, a bunch of unruly princes consistently stirs bother, a lot to the frustration of the royal household. Their mom, Queen Im Hwa Ryeong, is tasked with reworking these mischief-makers into worthy crown princes. Nonetheless, Queen Im Hwa Ryeong is just not the everyday calm and sleek royal determine.
As soon as recognized for her serenity, she has develop into sharp-tongued and quick-tempered, consistently on edge as a result of countless challenges she faces. Her life as queen has been full of obstacles, and the pressures of elevating her troublemaking sons have pushed her to her limits. She isn’t afraid to shed her royal delight and even swear when issues get powerful.
Regardless of the fixed trials that encompass her, Queen Im Hwa Ryeong stays decided. Each battle, sacrifice, and frustration she endures is for the sake of her kids, as she strives to safe their future and defend the legacy of the royal household. Her journey as a mom and queen is each relatable and admirable, showcasing the lengths a mum or dad will go to for the love of their kids.
- Aired: Oct 15, 2022 – Dec 4, 2022
- No of Episodes: 16
- Forged: Kim Hye Soo, Kim Hae Sook, Choi Gained Younger, Kim Eui Sung, Moon Sang Min
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
4. Alchemy of Souls (2022)
Within the fictional land of Daeho, the place historical past and maps maintain no place, younger mages grapple with the challenges of affection and destiny. Their destinies are twisted by a forbidden magic often known as the “alchemy of souls,” a spell that enables souls to modify our bodies. This harmful magic units the stage for a mystical story of progress and redemption.
The story centres round Naksu, a feared murderer whose soul is mistakenly trapped within the frail physique of Mu Deok, a servant of Jang Uk. Jang Uk is a younger grasp from the noble Jang Household, recognized for his deep secrets and techniques and highly effective lineage. Regardless of his status, Jang Uk carries the burden of a scandalous start, which has haunted him all through his life.
Determined to alter his destiny, Jang Uk seeks Naksu’s lethal expertise to assist him rewrite his future. Nonetheless, as the 2 type an unlikely bond, the strains between their pasts and futures blur. Their journey is one among survival, love, and discovering the energy to face the fates which were compelled upon them.
On this thrilling story of magic and thriller, the younger mages of Daeho should overcome their cursed fates to seek out true freedom.
- Aired: Jun 18, 2022 – Aug 28, 2022
- No of Episodes: 20
- Forged: Lee Jae Wook, Jung So Min
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
5. Dong Yi (2020)
Dong Yi is a historic drama that tells the exceptional story of Dong Yi, later often known as Choi Suk Bin. She begins her life within the royal palace as a humble watermaid, serving the courtroom with little recognition. Nonetheless, her destiny takes a dramatic flip when King Suk Jong chooses her to be his concubine.
After changing into the king’s concubine, Dong Yi offers start to Yeong Jo, the second son of King Suk Jong. This baby would ultimately rise to develop into one of the crucial important rulers of the Joseon Dynasty. Following Yeong Jo’s start, Dong Yi is elevated to the distinguished title of Suk Bin.
Her journey from a lowly palace maid to a strong determine within the royal courtroom is each inspiring and dramatic. Dong Yi fantastically captures the struggles and triumphs she faces as she tackles courtroom politics and rises above her humble beginnings.
This drama affords a compelling look into the lifetime of a lady whose intelligence and resilience helped form the way forward for the Joseon Dynasty, making it a must-watch for followers of historic Korean dramas.
- Aired: Mar 22, 2010 – Oct 12, 2010
- No of Episodes: 60
- Forged: Han Hyo Joo, Ji Jin Hee
- Streaming Platform: Viki
6. Moon Embracing the Solar (2012)
At 13, Heo Yeon Woo, the daughter of a high-ranking official, visits the royal palace together with her mom for her brother Heo Yeom’s civil service examination congratulatory ceremony. Throughout her go to, she encounters Crown Prince Lee Hwon and a deep love blossoms between them. Yeon Woo is quickly chosen because the Crown Princess of Joseon, marking the start of a promising future collectively.
Nonetheless, earlier than their marriage can happen, the Dowager Queen, pushed by political motives, plots to have Yeon Woo killed. She goals to switch Yeon Woo with Yoon Bo Gyeong, from a strong household clan, to strengthen her grip on energy. The Dowager Queen instructions the pinnacle shaman to forged a spell on Yeon Woo, inflicting a mysterious sickness that results in her demise.
Miraculously, Yeon Woo is resurrected from her grave however loses all her reminiscences. To the world, together with the heartbroken Crown Prince Lee Hwon, she is taken into account lifeless, and he vows by no means to like once more.
Eight years later, Yeon Woo reappears as Wol, a shaman whose previous is shrouded in thriller. Because the younger king begins to research the reality behind Yeon Woo’s demise after recognizing the grown-up Wol, he faces opposition from the queen’s influential political faction decided to take away him from energy.
- Aired: Jan 4, 2012 – Mar 15, 2012
- No of Episodes: 20
- Forged: Han Ga In, Kim Soo Hyun
- Streaming Platform: Netflix, Viki
7. The Purple Sleeve (2021)
In 18th-century Korea, Prince Yi San is a perfectionist deeply affected by the tragic homicide of his father. As he awaits his flip to inherit the throne from his ruthless grandfather, the reigning king, Yi San is pushed by a imaginative and prescient to reform the dominion’s legal guidelines and convey benevolence to the land. His dedication to beat the emotional scars from his father’s demise fuels his quest to develop into a simply ruler.
Throughout his time at courtroom, Yi San meets Sung Deok Im, a spirited and sharp-witted younger lady who captures his coronary heart. Regardless of her rising affection for Yi San, Sung Deok Im faces the daunting actuality of royal life and the constraints that include it. Yi San proposes that she develop into his concubine, hoping their union will result in optimistic change.
As their relationship develops, Sung Deok Im begins to acknowledge the potential for his or her partnership to affect the dominion’s future. Her preliminary reservations give solution to a rising perception that collectively, they’ll handle the dominion’s challenges and drive significant reform.
Their love story turns into intertwined with the destiny of the dominion, as each Yi San and Sung Deok Im attempt to stability private needs with their aspirations for a greater realm.
- Aired: Nov 12, 2021 – Jan 1, 2022
- No of Episodes: 17
- Forged: Lee Jun Ho, Lee Se Younger, Kang Hoon
- Streaming Platform: Viki
8. Empress Ki (2013)
Genghis Khan cast an empire that stretched throughout East Asia and Jap Europe, leaving a legacy of immense energy and affect. Among the many notable figures within the Yuan Dynasty, which he established, was a exceptional lady who wielded important energy for 37 years. Her story is extraordinary as a result of she was neither Mongol nor Han Chinese language, however hailed from the distant kingdom of Goryeo.
Empress Ki started her journey in Goryeo, a small kingdom within the Far East, and was taken to the Mongol courtroom towards her will as a Gungnyeo, or palace lady. Regardless of her lowly beginnings, she defied the chances and ascended to develop into a formidable drive in the Yuan Dynasty. Her rise to prominence in a international land was unprecedented.
Because the final empress of the Yuan Dynasty, Empress Ki’s affect prolonged far past her preliminary standing. Her story is one among resilience and transformation, demonstrating how she navigated the complexities of her circumstances to develop into a key determine in Mongol historical past.
- Aired: Oct 28, 2013 – Apr 29, 2014
- No of Episodes: 51
- Forged: Ha Ji Gained, Ji Chang Wook, Joo Jin Mo
- Streaming Platform: Netflix, Viki
9. Love within the Moonlight (2016)
To protect herself and her household from hazard, Hong Ra On disguises herself as a person and turns into a courting advisor for males. Her life takes an surprising flip when a love letter she writes for a shopper leads her to come across Crown Prince Hyo Myung. Neither Ra On nor Hyo Myung is aware of the true identification of the opposite—Ra On is unaware that she’s interacting with the Crown Prince, and Hyo Myung has no concept that Ra On is a lady.
Ra On’s state of affairs turns into much more difficult when she is compelled to develop into a eunuch by mortgage sharks, additional entangling her within the palace’s intricate net. Regardless of the deception, the Crown Prince and Ra On develop a deep curiosity in one another, complicating their already difficult lives.
As Ra On observes the treacherous waters of palace life and the Crown Prince strives to safe his path to kingship, their secretive relationship faces quite a few obstacles. The query stays: will their love endure amidst the palace’s political turmoil and their private struggles?
- Aired: Aug 22, 2016 – Oct 18, 2016
- No of Episodes: 18
- Forged: Park Bo Gum, Kim You Jung
- Streaming Platform: Netflix, Viki
10. 100 Days My Prince (2018)
Crown Prince Lee Yul of Joseon is thought for his exacting requirements and aloof manner, a façade that conceals his profound loneliness. His dissatisfaction with palace life led him to enact a legislation mandating that every one Korean residents of marriageable age should wed earlier than turning 28.
Hong Shim, a resilient and clever lady who helps each herself and her father, turns into entangled in Lee Yul’s life when he’s gravely injured in an assassination try. With Lee Yul affected by non permanent amnesia, he finds refuge in Hong Shim’s family, unaware of his royal identification and free to dwell amongst commoners.
Below the brand new legislation, Hong Shim faces stress to marry as she is now the oldest single lady in her village. In a accident, Lee Yul proposes marriage to Hong Shim, creating a novel alternative for each of them.
As their relationship begins to develop, the true problem lies forward: can their rising affection endure as soon as Lee Yul’s reminiscence returns and he reclaims his royal standing? Their love should climate the complexities of his eventual restoration and the calls for of his life as a prince.
- Aired: Sep 10, 2018 – Oct 30, 2018
- No of Episodes: 16
- Forged: Doh Kyung Soo, Nam Ji Hyun, Kim Seon Ho
- Streaming Platform: Netflix, Viki
11. Kingdom (2019)
As quickly because the Joseon King succumbs to smallpox, rumours of his demise unfold quickly. The influential Cho Clan, to which the pregnant Queen and her father, Chief State Councillor Cho Hak Joo, belong, seizes the chance to model the Crown Prince as a traitor.
Amidst the chaos, the Crown Prince, decided to uncover the reality about his father’s demise, embarks on a mission together with his loyal guard, Moo Younger. Their quest leads them to seek for Lee Seung Hui, the final doctor who handled the late King.
Their journey takes an surprising flip once they discover themselves in a village troubled by a terrifying illness, accompanied by Assistant Doctor Website positioning Bi and a mysterious man named Younger Shin. As they examine deeper into the village’s plight, the group should eradicate the risks of the illness and uncover the secrets and techniques surrounding the King’s demise
- Aired: Jan 25, 2019
- No of Episodes: 6
- Forged: Ju Ji Hoon, Ryu Seung Ryong, Ryu Seung Ryong, Kim Sung Gyu
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
12. Mr. Sunshine (2018)
Mr. Sunshine tells the gripping story of Eugene Choi, who was born into slavery in Joseon. Following the brutal demise of his father and his mom’s sacrifice to guard him, a younger Eugene escaped to america throughout the 1871 Shinmiyangyo incident, because of the help of a Christian missionary. In New York Metropolis, he grows as much as develop into a Marine Corps officer.
Years later, Eugene returns to Korea as a captain stationed on the U.S. legation in Hanseong. There, he meets Go Ae-shin, a nobleman’s granddaughter who leads a secret life as a freedom fighter and sniper for the Righteous Military. Their love affair is difficult by their differing social lessons and the presence of Kim Hui-seong, Ae-shin’s betrothed from a outstanding household.
Eugene’s journey additionally brings him into contact with Gu Dong-mae, a fierce samurai with a ruthless fame, and Kudo Hina, a Joseon-born widow of a rich Japanese man and proprietor of the favored “Glory Lodge.”
As Eugene uncovers a Japanese plot to colonize Korea, he turns into deeply concerned within the battle for his homeland’s sovereignty, balancing his passions together with his patriotism.
- Aired: Jul 7, 2018 – Sep 30, 2018
- No of Episodes: 24
- Forged: Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae Ri, Yoo Yeon Seok, Byun Yo Han, Kim Min Jung
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
13. Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016)
Within the drama, Queen Jiso (Kim Ji-soo) has dominated Silla as regent for the reason that demise of her father, King Beopheung, whereas retaining her son, Sammaekjong (Park Hyung-sik), hidden from potential threats. As Sammaekjong approaches maturity, there may be rising stress from residents, officers, and even the younger King himself for Queen Jiso to relinquish her management.
Regardless of this stress, Jiso is reluctant to surrender energy as a result of ongoing menace from highly effective nobles who’ve been plotting to grab the throne. To weaken their affect and make sure the safety of her son and the throne, Jiso devises a plan to ascertain a brand new elite group often known as the Hwarang. This group is designed to transcend the entrenched energy constructions and create a loyal drive dedicated to defending the dominion.
Because the Hwarang members—younger males from numerous backgrounds—bond and develop into their roles, they continue to be unaware of two pioneer secrets and techniques. One is that their King, Sammaekjong, is amongst them, and the opposite is that Kim Solar-woo (Park Website positioning-Joon), a commoner, harbours a hidden fact that even he doesn’t absolutely perceive.
- Aired: Dec 19, 2016 – Feb 21, 2017
- No of Episodes: 20
- Forged: Park Website positioning Joon, Go Ah Ra, Park Hyung Sik
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
14. My Dearest (2023)
Within the 1600s throughout the Qing invasion, the story unfolds round Yu Gil Chae, a vigorous and considerably spoiled younger noblewoman in Neunggun-ri. Generally known as the “99-tailed fox,” she struggles with social exclusion because of her unorthodox behaviour, which attracts admiration from younger noblemen however scorn from her friends.
Lee Jang Hyun, a mysterious newcomer, makes a dramatic entrance into the native social scene. His enigmatic presence and allure make him unpopular with the younger nobles however endear him to the aged, who’re simply impressed by him. Regardless of his quite a few romantic entanglements, he turns into intrigued by Gil Chae.
Their paths cross in a dramatic and unforgettable means when Gil Chae fairly actually falls into Jang Hyun’s arms. As their relationship begins to develop, the pair begins to battle their rising emotions for one another.
Nonetheless, simply as their romance begins to flourish, the outbreak of warfare forces them aside. Their relationship is left in limbo, with their future collectively unsure amidst the chaos of battle.
- Aired: Aug 4, 2023 – Sep 2, 2023
- No of Episodes: 10
- Forged: Namkoong Min, Ahn Eun Jin, Lee Hak Joo
- Streaming Platform: Viki, Prime Video, KOCOWA
15. The Story of Nokdu (2019)
Jeon Nok Du lives a secluded life on an island together with his father and older brother. Regardless of his expertise as a swordsman and his intelligence, his father restricts him from finding out or visiting the mainland. Every part adjustments when his household is attacked by a bunch of feminine assassins, main Jeon Nok Du to pursue one of many attackers to the capital.
Within the capital, Jeon Nok Du encounters Dong Dong Ju, who’s plotting to assassinate the King together with her arrow. He intervenes and saves her from bother, forming an surprising connection. As he continues his seek for solutions concerning the assault on his household, Nok Du discovers that the murderer has taken refuge in a village for widows.
To uncover the motive behind the assault, Jeon Nok Du disguises himself as a lady and infiltrates the widow’s village. There, he crosses paths with Dong Dong Ju as soon as extra, who’s now an apprentice coaching to develop into a gisaeng. Their interactions within the village deliver new challenges and deepening relationships, including layers to his quest for the reality.
- Aired: Sep 30, 2019 – Nov 25, 2019
- No of Episodes: 32
- Forged: Jang Dong Yoon, Kim So Hyun, Kang Tae Oh
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
