Korean dramas, commonly known as K-dramas, encompass a wide range of genres, and historical K-dramas offer Western audiences intriguing narratives set in less familiar but captivating South Korean historical eras. South Korea's rich past has also been portrayed in K-dramas, but it's only in recent years that historical K-dramas, specifically those set during the Choson dynasty or the Later Three Kingdoms period of the early 10th century, have truly captured everyone’s attention. These historical K-drama plots often involve palace intrigues, political turmoil, and sometimes even elements of romance and humour.
1. ‘Mr. Queen’
‘Mr. Queen’ stands out as a historically rooted K-drama with a comedic twist that is sure to have viewers in fits of laughter due to its humourous scenarios and witty dialogue. This time-travelling K-drama from 2020 ingeniously connects the present and the past into a single narrative. It follows the journey of a promising chef who meets with an accident and suddenly finds himself transported to a different era. What's even more surprising is that he not only time-travels to the Joseon era but also undergoes a gender transformation, becoming none other than the Queen herself.
2. ‘Queen For Seven Days’
‘Queen for Seven Days,’ a historical K-drama, draws inspiration from a true story but doesn't offer the typical happy ending. Lady Shin Chae-kyung, daughter of a prominent Joseon dynasty politician, falls in love with Prince Lee Yuk, who struggles under his half-brother King Yeon San Gun's oppressive rule. Their marriage leads to Prince Lee Yuk's ascent to the throne, making Shin queen. However, political conflicts and family strife ensue, ultimately resulting in Shin's dethronement after merely seven days as queen, weaving a poignant tale of love, power, and historical complexities.
Don't Miss: Disney Movies That Give The Best Life Lessons
3. ‘Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung’
‘Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung’ is an excellent choice for K-drama newcomers and made its debut on Netflix in 2019. This historical K-drama features K-Pop Idol Cha Eun-woo in the role of Prince Dowon Yi-rim. Although it's categorised as a romance and comedy, the series also offers intriguing historical insights. It boasts two intertwining storylines, even though it's not a time-travelling K-drama, providing a captivating blend of romance, comedy, and historical elements.
4. ‘Jewel In The Palace’
For those puzzled by the growing popularity of K-dramas in the Western world, ‘Jewel in the Palace’ offers a compelling introduction. This historical K-drama, set during the Choson Dynasty, stands as one of the earlier works that achieved recognition on the global stage. It tells the true story of Jang-Geum, a woman who defies the odds to become Korea's first royal physician. The series provides a captivating glimpse into history and the remarkable journey of its protagonist.
5. ‘The Emperor: Owner of the Mask’
While not necessarily the top historical K-drama, ‘The Emperor: Owner of the Mask’ boasts compelling political intrigue. The story revolves around Prince Lee Sun, played by Yoo Seung-ho from the romantic K-drama ‘I Am Not A Robot.’ Prince Lee Sun grapples with the powerful and influential organisation, which has a stranglehold on the region's water resources, leading to political conflict and tension in the series.
Don't Miss: From Tokyo Ghoul To Castlevania: Discover The Top Horror Anime Of All Time