Travel back in time with these binge-worthy sageuk shows.
BY ALLYSA GATCHALIAN
From the beautiful hanboks, picturesque locations, and gripping storylines, nothing captivates its audience quite like a sageuk drama. With genres ranging from lighthearted rom-coms to action and adventure, there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy. So, if you’re still on the hunt for new shows to add to your watchlist, consider these highly acclaimed historical K-Dramas:
The Moon Embracing The Sun
In order to strengthen their family’s claim to the throne, the Queen Dowager hatches a plan to dispose of its current Crown Princess. Years after being presumed dead by the palace, Heo Yeon-Woo (Han Ga-In) returns to the palace as a shaman who must stay by the King (Kim Soo Hyun)’s side. Telling the tale of star-crossed lovers destined to reunite, this award-winning drama is a staple for many K-Drama enthusiasts and is sure to tug at the heartstrings every single time.
Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth
Here is a lighthearted, feel-good watch for newbie and veteran fans alike. Set in the Silla Dynasty, the reigning Queen forges an elite group of men to protect the Kingdom and Royal family. Leading the pack is Seon-u (Park Seo Joon), a young man of lowly birth who sneaks in the capital to avenge his friend’s wrongful death. He befriends Sam Maek Jong (Park Hyungsik), a royal in hiding who joins Hwarang in secret. Adding to the hilarious and dashing group of soldiers are k-pop idols Choi Minho (SHINee), Kim Taehyung (BTS’ V), and actors Do Ji-Han and Cho Yoon-woo.
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
This drama is a cult favorite for its complex character arcs, riveting palace conspiracies, and heartwarming (but also tear-jerking) love stories. It follows the story of Go Ha-Jin (IU), who is transported back in time and finds herself in the body of Hae Soo, the cousin of the wife of 8th Prince Wang Wook (Kang Ha Neul). She, later on, meets the hot-headed 4th Prince Wang So (Lee Joon-Gi), a man with a troubled past and a history of violence. As she navigates through life in the Goryeo era, she gets entangled in a web of political warfare as the princes vie for the throne.
Alongside its seasoned main leads, Scarlet Heart Ryeo also boasts a stellar supporting cast. Watch out for scene-stealing scenes from Nam Joo Hyuk, EXO’s Baekhyun, Girls’ Generation (SNSD)’s Seohyun, and more!
Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung
Set in a time where women were not seen as equal to men, the clever and free-spirited Goo Hae Ryung (Shin Se Kyung) seeks to change the world by becoming one of Joseon’s first female historians. She also crosses paths with Prince Dowon Yi Rim (ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo), who is secretly a romance novel writer. This unconventional yet charming drama sheds light on women’s social issues in the Joseon period while delivering a cute and refreshing love story that’s bound to have you breezing through all the episodes.
Love in the Moonlight
This coming-of-age drama centers around the Crown Prince Lee Young (Park Bo Gum), a bright — but sometimes mischievous — young regent that must overcome several obstacles in a court of scheming maternal relatives. After several fated encounters, he develops an unlikely relationship with Hong Ra-On (Kim Yoo-Jung), who has been reluctantly dressing as a man under the name Sam-Nom. She, later on, is forced to work in the palace as a eunuch.
Based on a popular novel, Love In The Moonlight is an entertaining series that balances historical aspects with fun doses of friendship and romance. We can guarantee that you won’t be able to stop watching ‘til the end.
Kingdom
After the King catches an unknown illness and a mysterious plague begins to spread across the nation, Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-Hoon) sets out on a dangerous mission to save his people. Physician Seo-bi (Bae Doona), and a peculiar yet skilled soldier named Yeong-shin (Kim Sung Kyu) join him in uncovering the origins of the ominous threat. This historical thriller effortlessly merges elements of a sageuk drama and an archetypal zombie motion picture and has become so popular that it now has two seasons and a feature-length special.
Mr. Sunshine
A young boy born into slavery flees to the United States after witnessing the brutal murder of his parents at the hands of his landlord. Several years later, Eugene Choi (Lee Byung Hyun) returns to his homeland as a Marine Corps officer, where he falls in love with an aristocrat’s daughter (Kim Tae Ri) and discovers a plot by foreign forces to colonize Korea.
The hit series was highly praised for its stunning cinematography, flawless character portrayal, and unique storyline that’s left a lasting impression in the hearts of its viewers.
The Tale of Nokdu
On a remote island, Jeon Nok-du (Jang Dong Yoon) and his family are attacked by a group of female assassins. During his search for the assailant, he finds himself in a mysterious village for widows and decides to go undercover as a woman. There, he encounters Dong Ju (Kim So Hyun), a kisaeng in training with an agenda of her own. This action-packed show has gained recognition for its playful storytelling as well as the lovely chemistry between its main leads, making it a must-watch in our books.
Sungkyunkwan Scandal
Sungkyunkwan Scandal is another historical drama classic that’s sure to delight viewers of all ages. The story begins when Kim Yoon Hee (Park Min Young) takes her sick brother’s place in entering a prestigious university for boys. While incognito, she befriends the righteous Lee Sun Joon (Park Yoo Chun), ladies man Goo Yong Ha (Song Joong Ki), and the eccentric Moon Jae Shin (Yoo Ah In). You’re in for loads of cross-dressing hijinks and campus shenanigans with this iconic quartet.
My Sassy Girl
When a serious scholar is tasked to tutor a trouble-making princess, his life is turned upside down. The popular series is an adaptation of the 2001 South Korean romantic comedy film of the same name, only this time set in the Joseon era. Its plot is lighthearted and amusing, but not without its fair share of political scheming. Watch an unlikely romance blossom between Gyeon Woo (Joo Won) and Princess Hye Myung (Oh Yeon Seo) as she unlocks the secrets surrounding her mother’s dethronement.
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