Korean historical dramas, or sageuk, have long captivated global audiences. They offer rich stories, stunning visuals, and deep historical contexts. These period dramas, set in Korea’s past, blend politics, romance, and action. They offer a window into the country’s rich heritage. Historical K-dramas immerse viewers in the Joseon Dynasty’s court intrigues and love stories. Let’s explore some of the top historical Korean drama. They showcase Korea’s vibrant past and cinematic brilliance.
My Dearest (2023)
My Dearest is a poignant love story set during the turmoil of the late Joseon period. This drama is about a noblewoman and a commoner. War, betrayal, and chaos disrupt their lives.
Main Cast: Namkoong Min, Ahn Eun-jin
Key Highlights:
- The cinematography captures both emotional resonance and historical significance.
- Rich in romantic tension against a historical backdrop.
- Exceptional performances that resonate with viewers.
The Red Sleeve (2021)
The Red Sleeve is a love story. It is between Crown Prince Yi San (later King Jeongjo) and a court lady, Sung Deok-im. Their romance is tragic. Deok-im fears losing her freedom to live royal life.
Main Cast: Lee Jun-ho, Lee Se-young
Key Highlights:
- A portrayal of court life that captures intimacy and emotional sacrifice.
- Strong chemistry exists between Lee Jun-ho and Lee Se-young.
- A unique blend of romance, royal duty, and political intrigue.
Six Flying Dragons (2015–2016)
This epic drama chronicles the rise of the Joseon Dynasty. It follows six key figures who helped found it. The story is about the future King Taejong. He battles enemies both within and outside his ranks.
Main Cast: Yoo Ah-in, Kim Myung-min, Shin Se-kyung
Key Highlights:
- Large-scale battles and intense power struggles.
- Deep political machinations and a dynamic plot.
- Strong performances, particularly by Yoo Ah-in as Lee Bang-won.
Alchemy of Souls (2022–2023)
A fantasy historical drama. It is set in a fictional kingdom. It follows young mages. They must navigate their powers and a feudal system. The story is about Nak-su, a skilled assassin. She swaps bodies with a blind girl. A fate ties her to Jang Uk, an ambitious mage.
Main Cast: Lee Jae-wook, Jung So-min
Key Highlights:
- Unique fusion of historical and fantasy elements.
- Designers create strong visual effects and sets with beauty.
- A gripping narrative of magic, power struggles, and romance.
Sunshine (2018)
Set in the early 1900s, Mr. Sunshine is about Eugene Choi, a Korean man. He returns to his homeland as a U.S. Marine. With Japan threatening Korea, tensions rise. Eugene’s journey intertwines with noblewoman Go Ae-shin and resistance fighters.
Main Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok
Key Highlights:
- The film has high production values and sweeping cinematography. They enhance its visual appeal.
- Emotional, complex stories that explore patriotism and personal sacrifice.
- Excellent performances, particularly by Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-ri.
Empress Ki (2013–2014)
Empress Ki follows Ki Seung-nyang, a Goryeo woman. She rises to power and becomes the empress of the Yuan Dynasty. This intense drama is about palace politics, a throne battle, and a love triangle. It involves Ki Seung-nyang, Emperor Ta Hwan, and King Wang Yoo.
Main Cast: Ha Ji-won, Ji Chang-wook, Joo Jin-mo
Key Highlights:
- Grand historical scope with 51 episodes of intense storytelling.
- Strong performances, especially by Ha Ji-won as the titular character.
- A captivating mix of love, betrayal, and power struggles.
Under the Queen’s Umbrella (2022)
This drama is about Queen Im Hwa-ryeong. She must navigate the royal court’s treacherous politics to save her sons. The queen struggles to transform her unruly princes into worthy successors.
Main Cast: Kim Hye-soo, Kim Hae-sook
Key Highlights:
- A powerful female lead performance by Kim Hye-soo.
- A refreshing focus on maternal strength and royal family dynamics.
- Complex political intrigue balanced with familial ties.
Dae Jang Geum (Jewel in the Palace) (2003–2004)
A classic K-drama, Dae Jang Geum, tells of a woman’s rise from a kitchen worker to the king’s first female physician. Set in the Joseon Dynasty, this drama shows her fight to succeed in a male-dominated society.
Main Cast: Lee Young-ae, Ji Jin-hee
Key Highlights:
- Inspiring female-led narratives in a patriarchal setting.
- Scenes of traditional Korean cooking and medicine, crafted with beauty.
- One of the highest-rated K-dramas internationally.
The Crowned Clown (2019)
In the Joseon Dynasty, a clown must impersonate a paranoid king. This is to protect the throne from assassins. This double role played by Yeo Jin-goo explores themes of identity, loyalty, and power.
Main Cast: Yeo Jin-goo, Lee Se-young
Key Highlights:
- Excellent dual performance by Yeo Jin-goo.
- Gripping plot full of suspense, with unexpected twists.
- Detailed portrayal of the pressures and dangers of royal life.
The King’s Affection (2021)
The King’s Affection is set in the Joseon Dynasty. It follows a hidden princess. She must disguise herself as her brother to ascend the throne after his death. This unique drama shows her struggle to rule a kingdom while keeping her identity.
Main Cast: Park Eun-bin, Rowoon
Key Highlights:
- A refreshing take on gender roles and identity in a historical context.
- Romantic and political tensions are balanced with dramatic twists.
- Strong character development, particularly of the female lead.
The Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)
A love and betrayal story set in the Joseon Dynasty, The Moon Embracing the Sun follows a king who loves a shaman. He does not know she is the reincarnation of his first love. Political intrigue, supernatural elements, and romance blend to create a compelling story.
Main Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Han Ga-in, Jung Il-woo
Key Highlights:
- A touching love story laced with royal politics and mystery.
- Great performances by Kim Soo-hyun and Han Ga-in.
- Stunning visual effects that enhance the fantasy elements.
Saimdang, Memoir of Colors (2017)
This biographical drama is about Shin Saimdang. She was a famed painter and poet from the Joseon Dynasty. The drama shifts between her past and a scholar finding her lost legacy.
Main Cast: Lee Young-ae, Song Seung-heon
Key Highlights:
- Beautiful depictions of Korean art and culture.
- Lee Young-ae’s strong lead performance as both the historical and modern character is impressive.
- A mix of past and present storytelling gives viewers a fresh perspective on history.
Queen for Seven Days (2017)
This drama tells the tragic love story of King Jungjong and Queen Dangyeong. They were dethroned after seven days on the throne. Power struggles, betrayal, and royal life test their relationship.
Main Cast: Park Min-young, Yeon Woo-jin
Key Highlights:
- A heart-wrenching portrayal of ill-fated love.
- Beautiful costume design and meticulous attention to period details.
- Powerful performances by Park Min-young and Yeon Woo-jin.
River Where the Moon Rises (2021)
A retelling of a Korean folktale, River Where the Moon Rises is a love story. It has both action and romance. The princess seeks revenge on her enemies. On Dal, a peaceful man, is drawn into the conflict.
Main Cast: Kim So-hyun, Na In-woo
Key Highlights:
- Stunning fight choreography and action sequences.
- An emotionally charged love story mixed with political intrigue.
- A unique retelling of a beloved Korean legend.
Joseon Exorcist (2021)
This supernatural historical drama is about the Joseon royal family. They fight to protect their kingdom from invading evil spirits. Joseon Exorcist mixes history with horror. It provides a thrilling look at the battle between good and evil.
Main Cast: Jang Dong-yoon, Kam Woo-sung
Key Highlights:
- A bold combination of historical and supernatural elements.
- Intense, high-stakes battles and thrilling plot twists.
- High production values, especially in set and costume design.
Historical Korean dramas offer a captivating mix of romance, politics, epic battles, and supernatural elements, making them some of the best historical Korean dramas to watch. Each show offers a unique look at Korea’s rich past. Their lasting popularity makes them must-watch classics for 2024. Among these, MBC’s highest-rated historical dramas are particularly notable for their storytelling and historical depth.
