Korean historical Kdramas showcase Korea’s rich cultural heritage, while telling stories centered around love, friendship, family, and life’s struggles. They are set during important periods in Korean history and teach lessons about the politics and societal issues of different eras.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Korean historical dramas, thanks to the success of series such as Empress Ki, Descendants of the Sun and Alchemy of Souls, to name just a few examples. My Drama List, the popular platform dedicated to all Korean dramas, has ranked the most popular historical Kdramas from 2023 to 2024.
The most popular historical Kdramas according to the ranking and rating site MDL
These Korean historical Kdramas are rated between 8,9/10 and 7,6/10.
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My Dearest
Directed by Kim Seong-yong, Lee Han-jun and Cheon Soo-jin, and starring Namkoong Min, Lee Hak-joo, Ahn Eun-jin, Lee Da-in and Lee Chung-ah, this historical drama titled “My Dearest” is set in the Joseon era, which experienced serious difficulties following the Qing invasion. The series focuses on the love story between the mysterious Lee JangHyun and the daring Yoo Gil-Chae, as they go through this difficult time.
This K-drama was released on August 4, 2023.
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Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938
This June 2023 prequel to the 2020 original stars Lee Dong-wook, Kim So-yeon, Ryu Kyung-soo and Kim Bum. “The Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938” is set in the late 30s, during the Chosun Dynasty, where Lee Yeon time travels from the future, reuniting with people from his past, Ryu Hong-joo, Cheon Mu-young, and his brother Lee Rang.
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Knight Flower
Directed by Jang Tae-yoo, Choi Jung-in and Lee Chang-woo, “Knight Flower” tells the story of a widow, Jo Yeo-hwa, played by Lee Ha-Nee, who devotes herself fully to help to the most deprived. The series also discusses her relationship with a superior officer, Park Soo-Ho (Lee Jong-Won).
This January 2024 Korean drama stars Lee Ha-Nee, Lee Jong-Won, Kim Sang-Joong, and Lee Ki-Woo, among others.
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Gyeongseong Creature
Taking place in 1945, this historical drama depicts the brutalities committed by the Japanese army in old Seoul while evoking the biological experiments to which civilians are subjected in order to create monstrous creatures.
“Gyeongseong Creature” features Park Seojoon, Claudia Kim, Han So-hee and other characters. The first part of the series aired on Netflix from December 2023 to January 2024, while the second season is scheduled for 2024.
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Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun
Starring Jang Dong-gun, Song Joong-ki, Kim Ji-won, Lee Jong-gi and others, this whimsical 2023 historical drama is set in the Bronze Age, where the people of Arthdal struggle to survive. power and control. Eun-Seom, played by Song Joong-ki, is determined to help restore his country’s glory and learn its true origins. This is how he faces trials, while the hope of love flourishes.
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Song of the Bandits
“Song of the Bandits” is set in the 20s, when the people of Joseon fled to the Qing to make ends meet while forming a righteous army to restore Korean independence. The cast includes Fiery Priest star Kim Nam-gil, Yoo Jae-myung, Seohyun, and others.
The K-drama was released on September 23, 2023.
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Captivating the King
Starring Cho Jung-seok, Shin Se-kyung, Lee Sin-young and others, Captivating the King revolves around a king, Yi In, played by Cho Jungseok, who faces a serious political threat. In the midst of his fight, Yi In meets Kang Hee-soo, a spy who later becomes his lover.
The series first aired on January 21, 2024.
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Missing Crown Prince
Directed by Kim Jin-man, this Korean historical drama takes place under Japanese occupation, where a crown prince, Yi Gun, is kidnapped by the royal doctor’s daughter, Choi Myung-Yoon, whose destiny is to be the wife of the crown prince.
Airing in April 2024, this K-drama features Suho, Hong Ye-ji, Kim Joo-hun and other members of the group Exo.
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Love Song for Illusion
Written by Ban Ji-woon and Yoon Kyung-ah, and starring Park Ji-hoon, Hong Ye-ji and Hwang Hee, among others, this Korean historical drama centers on the split personality of a crown prince, Sajo Hyun, as well as Yeon Wol (Hong Ye-ji), an assassin who unknowingly finds herself involved as the prince’s concubine.
Love Song for Illusion was released on January 2, 2024.
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Oasis
Directed by Han Hee, this coming-of-age film takes place between the 80s and the 90s. This drama, which stars Jang Dong-yoon, Seol In-a, Choo Yeong-woo and Others, depicts the love, dreams and friendship shared by three high school students, Lee Doo-hak, Oh Jung-shin and Choi Cheol-woong.
This Korean historical drama was released on March 6, 2023.
It is worth noting that these Korean historical dramas have been highly rated on other platforms such as IMDb.
So, which of these historical Kdramas interested you the most?