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Korean dramas, especially in the historical and romance genre, always attract global attention. If you are a dedicated fan of this genre, you should not miss the compiled list of the best historical Korean dramas in the article below!
Hottest Historical Korean Dramas Right Now
Curated selection of the best historical Korean dramas today
1. Lovers Of The Red Sky (2021)
Genre: Historical, Romance
IMDb Rating:7.6/10
Release Date: 30/08/2021
Duration: 16 episodes, 70 minutes/episode
Director: Jang Tae-yoo
Lead Cast:Kim Yoo-jung, Ahn Hyo-seop
=> Watch Lovers Of The Red Sky on VieON here
=> Soundtrack of Lovers Of The Red Sky on Nhaccuatui here.
Lovers Of The Red Sky stands out as one of the finest historical Korean dramas, weaving a tapestry of profound messages. The story revolves around the life of the talented painter Hong Cheon Gi and her romantic involvement with astrologer Ha Ram.
The plot is intricately linked to the legend of the Demon King - an evil spirit casting a dark shadow over the people. Despite being sealed, the Demon King's curse entangles Cheon Gi and Ha Ram in the underground rule of terror. What horrifying truths lie hidden in their destinies? Can they overcome the challenges to be together?
2. Alchemy of Souls - Hoàn Hồn (2022)
Genre: Historical, Romance
IMDb Rating:8.7/10
Release Date: 18/6/2022
Duration: 20 episodes, 60 minutes/episode
Director: Park Joon-hwa
Lead Cast:Lee-Jae-wook, Jung So-min, Go Yoon-jung, Hwang Min-hyun
Alchemy of Souls is set in a fictional realm where sorcerers wield the power of controlling water energy and practicing the art of soul alchemy. This South Korean historical drama of 2022 stands out for its fresh, fantastical narrative.
The story kicks off with the cold-blooded female assassin Naksu being hunted down. To escape, she merges her soul into the body of Mu Deok, a blind girl living in an academy.
Things take a twist when Jang Uk, one of the renowned noble quartet, discovers Naksu. He spares no expense in acquiring her from the academy to serve as a servant. The captivating tales of love and the coming-of-age journey of young sorcerers begin to unfold...
3. The King's Affection - Luyến Mộ (2021)
Genre: Historical, Romance
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Release Date: 11/10/2021
Duration: 20 episodes, 70 minutes/episode
Director: Song Hyun-wook
Main Cast: Park Eun-bin, Rowoon, Nam Yoon-su, Choi Byung-chan, Jung Chae-yeon, Bae Yoon-kyung
=> Watch The King's Affection on Netflix
=> Latest soundtrack of The King's Affection on Spotify
The King's Affection - the best South Korean historical drama of 2021 you can't miss. Set in the Joseon era, the story revolves around the lives of two brothers, Dam I and Lee Hwi. Due to the superstition of twin siblings being ominous, baby girl Dam Yi is forced to die. To conceal the existence of a princess, the royal court secretly sends the girl away to be raised.
14 years later, the heir Lee Hwi grows up and befriends a palace maid identical to him named Dam I. Tragedy ensues when, in a body exchange, the heir is targeted for assassination. What will happen to Dam I?
4. Love In The Moonlight (2016)
Genre: Historical, Romance, Comedy
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Release Date: 22/08/2016
Duration: 18 episodes, 60 minutes/episode
Directors: Kim Seong-yoon, Baek Sang-hoon
Main Cast: Park Bo-gum, Kim Yoo-jung, Jinyoung, Chae Soo-bin, Kwak Dong-yeon
=> Visit Watch Love In The Moonlight on Netflix.
=> Visit Soundtrack of Love In The Moonlight on Nhaccuatui.com.
Love In The Moonlight is not a Korean movie; it is a humorous historical Korean drama series featuring the witty tales of Crown Prince Lee Yeong and the cross-dressing eunuch.
Hong Ra On, originally a girl, was cross-dressed as a boy named Hong Sam Dom by her mother since childhood. To make a living, Ra On takes on the role of a love counselor. One day, she is tasked with writing a love letter to the current princess with a very high reward.
When Crown Prince Lee Yeong learns of this, he is furious. He decides to meet the person responsible for his sister's unrealistic love. Lee Yeong and Ra On collide in the process. Their love story, filled with laughter and tears, begins.
5. Mr. Queen (2020)
Genre: Historical, Comedy, Romance
IMDb Rating:8.7/10
Release Date: 12/12/2020
Duration: 20 episodes, 70 minutes/episode
Director: Yoon Sung-sik
Lead Cast:Shin Hye-sun, Kim Jung-hyun, Bae Jong-ok, Kim Tae-woo
=> Watch Mr. Queen on VieON.
=> Listen to the soundtrack of Mr. Queen on Spotify.
Mr. Queen is an excellent historical Korean drama with a time-travel theme. It narrates the love story of Queen Kim So Young and King Cheoljong.
In the modern era, chef Jang Bong Hwan meets with an accident and falls into a lake. Upon waking up, he discovers his soul inhabiting the body of a young woman, none other than Queen Kim So Young.
Despite unwilling, he must accept reality. Through culinary talent, Mr. Queen captures the affection of the Thai Queen and gradually develops a romantic relationship with King Lee Won Beom.
6. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
Genre: Historical, Romance, Comedy
IMDb Rating:8.7/10
Release Date: 29/08/2016
Duration: 20 episodes, 60 minutes/episode
Director: Kim Kyu-tae
Lead Cast:Lee Joon-gi, Lee Ji-eun, Kang Ha-neul
=> Listen to the soundtrack of Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo on Nhaccuatui.com
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is among the top historical Korean dramas in 2016, even compared to the blockbuster 'Love In The Moonlight.'
The story revolves around Hae Soo, a modern-day girl who accidentally travels back in time while saving someone from drowning. Living in the past, Hae Soo is entangled in the power struggle for the throne, facing challenging situations as the center of attention for the princes.
7. Empress Ki (2013)
Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama
IMDb Rating:8.4/10
Release Date: 28/10/2013
Duration: 51 episodes, 60 minutes/episode
Director: Han Hee
Lead Cast: Ha Ji-won, Ji Chang-wook, Joo Jin-mo.
=> Watch Empress Ki on Netflix.
=> Listen to the Empress Ki soundtrack on Nhaccuatui.com
Empress Ki stands out as the best historical Korean drama of 2013. The series portrays the life of Queen Ki and her tumultuous love story with two kings of different nations.
Before becoming the queen of the Yuan dynasty, Ki was a slave girl and tea-serving palace maid. Her life, full of ups and downs, forced her to struggle for survival.
The 51 episodes of this Korean drama unfold a tale of intrigues and machinations within the royal harem, accompanied by a poignant love triangle involving Ki, Ta Hwan - the emperor of Yuan dynasty, and Wang Yoo - the king of Goryeo.
8. The Tale Of Nokdu (2019)
Genre: Historical, Comedy
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Release Date: 30/09/2019
Duration: 32 episodes, 35 minutes/episode
Director: Kim Dong-hwi
Starring: Jang Dong-yoon, Kim So-hyun, Kang Tae-oh, Jung Joon-ho
=> Watch The Tale Of Nokdu on VioON.
=> Listen to The Tale Of Nokdu soundtrack on Nhaccuatui.com
The Tale Of Nokdu revolves around Nok Du - a young man who disguises himself as a woman to infiltrate a village of widows.
In a village populated solely by women, Nok Du encounters and befriends Dong Ju - a girl apprenticing to become a gisaeng. From then on, countless 'awkward' situations unfold.
The Tale Of Nokdu is a Korean drama worth 'binge-watching'. Beyond the comedic scenarios, the show also reflects the bitter realities behind the flower-selling profession.
9. Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010)
Genre: Historical, Romance
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Release Date: 30/08/2010
Duration: 20 episodes, 60 minutes/episode
Directors: Kim Won-seok, Hwang In-hyuk
Starring: Park Yoo-chun, Park Min-young, Song Joong-ki, Yoo Ah-in
=> Watch Sungkyunkwan Scandal on VieON
=> Listen to the soundtrack of Sungkyunkwan Scandal on Nhaccuatui.com
Sungkyunkwan Scandal is a captivating Korean historical drama filled with humorous and romantic elements, centered around the noble ideals and friendships of its main characters.
Protagonist Kim Yoon Hee, compelled by circumstances, disguises herself as a man to earn a living. To repay a massive debt, she even takes the entrance exam on someone else's behalf.
Fortunately, avoiding exposure and relying on her intelligence, Yoon Hee passes the Sungkyunkwan entrance exam. From here, she writes history as the first and only female scholar at the prestigious institution not meant for women.
10. The Slave Hunters (2010)
Genre: Historical, Action
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Release Date: 06/01/2010
Duration: 24 episodes, 70 minutes/episode
Director: Kwak Jung-hwan
Starring: Jang Hyuk, Oh Ji-ho, Gong Hyung-jin, Lee Jong-hyuk, Lee Da-hae.
=> Watch The Slave Hunters on TV360
The Slave Hunters - a remarkable Korean historical drama, considered the most captivating in 2010. It deeply reflects the history of the feudal dynasty.
Lee Dae Gil, once of noble birth, turns into a slave hunter due to a plot against him. Partly driven by the desire to reunite with Hye Won - the woman he once loved.
Dae Gil Song's journey in hunting slaves begins with the pursuit of Tae Ha - a fallen hero. Coincidentally, Tae Ha also shares a romantic connection with Hye Woon. From here, chases, battles, and a love triangle unfold.
11. Jumong (2007)
Genre: Historical, Action, Romance
IMDb Rating:8.1/10
Release Date: 15/05/2006
Duration: 60 episodes, 45 minutes/episode
Director: Lee Joo-hwan
Starring:Song Il-kook, Won Ki-joon, Han Hye-jin
Jumong Legend vividly portrays the tumultuous life of Prince Jumong. This masterpiece stands among the top historical Korean dramas aired in 2007.
To establish a glorious nation, Jumong faced numerous trials. The epic feat of defeating thousands of enemies to birth the powerful Goguryeo kingdom remains a remarkable scene. A timeless series for generations to come.
Here are suggestions for some of the finest historical Korean dramas that I'd like to introduce to you. If you don't have time for full series, you can also opt for Korean short films or Korean movies. I hope you'll be satisfied and enjoy moments of true relaxation and entertainment!
