- Are you looking for something to binge-watch to celebrate National Cinema Day today?
- Korean historical dramas are the best niche to offer binge-watch-worthy films
- Here are 10 must-watch historical K-drama
This year, National Cinema Day falls on Saturday, August 31, offering the perfect opportunity for film enthusiasts to revisit the magic of the big screen. What better way to celebrate than indulging in a binge-watching session of historical K-dramas? These top-tier Korean dramas combine gripping narratives, stunning costumes, and vivid depictions of historical events, making them a must-watch for any drama lover. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just getting started, these dramas entertain and provide a fascinating glimpse into Korea’s rich history.
Suppose you’re new to the genre or searching for something new to watch. In that case, TheRadar movie desk has rounded up the best historical K-dramas, including standout titles like Mr. Queen, Under the Queen's Umbrella, and Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. These are excellent starting points for diving into this captivating genre.
Read on for a curated list of the best historical K-dramas, ranging from political shows to epic romances and fantastical adventures.
10 historical K-dramas you should watch
1. Six Flying Dragons: This epic K-drama charts the lives of six legendary dragons at the dawn of the Joseon dynasty. Yoo Ah-in delivers a riveting performance alongside Kim Myung-min and Shin Se-kyung. The show masterfully blends political intrigue with heart-pounding action sequences.
2. Tree with Deep Roots: An intelligently crafted narrative that delves into Korea's rich past. Deep Rooted Tree explores politics, power struggles, and a nation grappling with change. Jang Hyuk’s portrayal of King Sejong is remarkable in this critically acclaimed masterpiece.
3. Alchemy of Souls: Set in a fictional country, similar to the Joseon era, this fantasy historical K-drama takes place in the magical land of Daeho, where mages populate the upper classes. While on the run, master assassin Nak-su transfers her soul to a new body to disguise herself, but she unknowingly chooses Mu-Deok, a servant who's too weak to handle magic. Stuck without access to her powers, she soon encounters Jang Wook, an heir to a family of mages who can't access his powers due to a curse. Jang Wook decides that Nak-su will be his master and the means to remove his spell.
4. Under the Queen's Umbrella: A fictional story within the Joseon dynasty, this royal melodrama is the story of a mother going to extreme lengths to keep her family safe in a succession battle. The woman, Queen Hwa-ryeong, is a mother of five whose eldest son is the heir to King Yi Ho. When the Crown Prince suddenly becomes ill, Hwa-Ryeong realises that her family's status could be in danger if one of the king's many concubines manages to install their son as the new prince. Hwa-Ryeong sets out to install one of her four remaining underachieving sons as the next heir.
5. Mr Queen: A royal whirlwind, this drama takes us on a hilarious journey as a modern-day chef finds himself trapped in the body of a Joseon-era queen. With an exceptional cast, including Shin Hye-sun and Kim Jung-hyun, the show's wit and charm will have you hooked from beginning to end.
6. 100 Days My Prince: Are you searching for a more lighthearted period rom-com? This one's for you. Lee Yul and commoner Hong-shim are childhood sweethearts separated due to tragic events. Sixteen years later, Lee Yul is the cold-hearted Crown Prince who decrees that all Korean citizens of marriageable age must wed. Meanwhile, Hong-shim, the country's oldest single woman, faces possible punishment as she refuses to marry. After he survives an assassination attempt, Hong Shim's father saves an amnesiac, Lee Yul and, having lost his memories, offers to marry Hong Shim.
7. Hwarang: Set during the Silla dynasty, this drama follows a group of elite warriors who struggle to find their place amidst love, loyalty, and duty. Hwarang offers a visually stunning glimpse into ancient Korea.
8. Seven Days Queen: In a tragic tale of love and sacrifice, Queen for Seven Days follows the poignant story of a short-lived queen who falls victim to palace politics. Park Min-young delivers a stunning performance as the doomed queen, capturing viewers' hearts as she navigates through treacherous waters. A tearjerker for the ages, this drama leaves its mark on history.
9. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo: The film uses names of the royal family of Taejo of Goryeo. Modern-day woman Go Ha-jin is transported back to the Goryeo era, where she inhabits the body of royal court lady Hae Soo. She quickly becomes entwined with the lives of the many sons of King Taejo, as the princes are drawn to her unusual, lively personality. She eventually falls for one of the princes, but they're kept apart due to political intrigue as the show's plot gets much darker.
10. Empress Ki: This mega-hit drama is the fictionalised biopic of Ki Seung-Nyang, born in Goryeo-era Korea and ascended to power to become the Empress Consort of the Yuan dynasty. The 50-episode drama follows the future ruler from childhood throughout her life, as she serves Goryeo as a warrior (while disguised as a man) and is eventually sent to become a concubine of the Yuan emperor. There's also a love triangle between her first love Wang Yoo and her eventual husband, Ta Hwan.
Korean historical dramas have become a must-watch for anyone seeking binge-worthy TV, offering a unique blend of political intrigue, sweeping romances, and supernatural elements. No matter your preference, there's a Korean historical drama that will captivate you.
Don't forget to vote for your favourite historical K-dramas and see how they rank among others. Your input could guide fellow fans to their next unforgettable binge-watch!
10 underrated K-dramas you would enjoy watching
Meanwhile, in an earlier report, TheRadar compiled a list of 10 underrated K-dramas that will be worth every bit of your time. In the world of Korean dramas (K-drama), a few high-profile series often dominate the spotlight.
However, beyond these hits lies an abundance of underrated K-dramas that are equally, if not more, captivating. These hidden gems offer rich narratives and stellar performances that deserve recognition and appreciation.