Ever for the reason that mid-2000s, Ok-dramas have exploded in reputation globally, with some incomes nice reward, equivalent to Boys Over Flowers, Goblin, Crash Touchdown on You, and Full Home. Ok-dramas are identified for his or her romantic, and generally tacky, love tales, that are an vital issue inside a Korean drama.

Whereas romantic comedies are sometimes seen in Ok-dramas, many others fall into the historic drama class, with a few of the hottest being Scarlet Coronary heart Ryeo: Moon Lovers, Queen and I, and The Moon Embracing the Solar. In spite of everything, nothing describes a Ok-drama greater than a romantic comedy that takes place in a historic context. To not point out all of the tacky and corny tropes that made viewers fall in love with Ok-dramas within the first place.

20

‘The Matchmakers’ (2023)

Directed by Hwang Seung-gil and Kim Soo-jin

Younger widower Shim Jung-woo (Rowoon) was as soon as married to a younger princess who had died unexpectedly. Most notably, earlier than he married, he was the youngest man to position in and cross the state civil service examination. Although he’s not allowed to remarry, he then meets and falls for Jung Quickly-deok (Cho Yi-hyun), a younger girl who can be a widow. Nonetheless, Quickly-deok carries a secret: She is the matchmaker Yeoju-daek. Collectively, she and Jung-woo work as matchmakers.

The Matchmakers has a singular premise with an intriguing plot. Two widows who can not remarry for political causes, but it appears as if destiny has different plans for them. Stuffed to the brim with suspense, The Matchmakers is a superbly crafted story of affection between two unlikely individuals who assist others discover love. Although the story appears simple primarily based on the premise, rather a lot is left to be uncovered, and viewers will discover themselves pleasantly shocked.

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19

‘Youth of Might’ (2021)

Directed by Track Min-yeob

Going down through the Gwangju Rebellion in 1980, medical scholar Hee-tae (Lee Do-hyun) has determined to postpone his commencement. When a manufacturing facility employee is injured whereas protesting, Hee-tae helps transport this employee to his hometown. In trade for help from his father, Hee-tae goes to fulfill a possible marriage associate, Myung-hee (Go Min-si). Myung-hee is a headstrong nurse, and the 2 start to fall for each other.

A more moderen historic Ok-drama, Youth of Might takes place through the Gwangju Rebellion, a time when South Koreans protested towards the South Korean authorities. Although the Gwangju Rebellion is wealthy with Korean historical past, the drama does not essentially give attention to it. Slightly, this Korean drama focuses on how the Gwangju Rebellion affected residents, and it explores a love that blossoms in such an immensely darkish time. Lovely and highly effective, this Ok-drama will undoubtedly convey viewers to tears.

18

‘Secret Royal Inspector & Pleasure’ (2021)

Directed by Yoo Jong-seon

Ra Ian’s (Taec-yeon) life is something however tough. That is simply how he likes it: easygoing. Desirous to in the future open a dumpling restaurant, Ra Ian lives a reasonably simple life. At the very least, till he turns into a secret royal inspector, the place runs into Kim Pleasure (Kim Hye-yoon), a curious younger girl and idealist who desires to divorce her husband who’s a gambler.

Secret Royal Inspector and Pleasure is a candy Korean drama filled with lighthearted moments shared between the 2 leads. Whereas the chemistry between the 2 leads is value swooning over, loads of props go to the remainder of the forged for creating such a enjoyable Korean drama that viewers will need to maintain coming again to. Stuffed with romance and troublemaking, Secret Royal Inspector and Pleasure is a one-of-a-kind drama.

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17

‘Gyeongseong Creature’ (2023)

Directed by Chung Dong-yoon & Roh Younger-sub (S1); Jo Yeong-min (S2)

Throughout the Japanese occupation of Gyeongseong—which later grew to become often called Seoul—in 1945, pawnshop proprietor Jang Tae-sang (Park Website positioning-joon) meets Yoon Chae-ok (Han So-hee), a lady monitoring her mom. The 2 of them then encounter a terrifying creature born from experimentation in Ongseong Hospital.

One other historic Korean drama that takes place in additional trendy instances, Gyeongseong Creature is extra terrifying than the rest. With spectacular CGI, this Korean drama is the right mix of horror, comedy, and romance that explores an period of Korea beneath Japanese colonialism. Although the romance is a small a part of the drama, it’s nonetheless a wonderful watch that viewers will discover themselves binge-watching.

16

‘Joseon Lawyer’ (2023)

Directed by Kim Seung-ho and Lee Han-joon

Joseon legal professional Kang Han-soo (Woo Do-hwan) seeks revenge on those that murdered his mother and father. All of the whereas, Han-soo delivers justice to individuals who want it essentially the most. Whereas working as an legal professional within the Joseon period, he finds himself concerned with Princess Lee Yeon-Joo (Bona).

Revenge dramas simply scratch an itch; as a style, it’s usually neglected instead of comedies and romances in relation to historic dramas. Nonetheless, Joseon Lawyer does effectively at making revenge the forefront of the story and its central theme. The story comprises a superbly orchestrated romance, however this is not the central theme of the story, and viewers will discover themselves rooting for Do-hwan as Han-soo each step of the way in which.

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15

‘Love Track for Phantasm’ (2024)

Directed by Lee Jung-seop

Crown Prince Sajo Hyun (Park Ji-hoon) has two personalities. The primary persona Sajo Hyun works as a boutique as a dressmaker. His different persona is Ak-hee who’s instinctively charming; nevertheless, one downside is that he’s cursed to really feel ache when touching one other. In the meantime, Yeon Wol (Hong Ye-ji) suffers the lack of her household after they’re executed resulting from treason. Sooner or later, she makes an attempt to kill the king; nevertheless, as an alternative of that, the subsequent morning she wakes up with no reminiscence of her previous as Prince Sajo Hyun’s concubine.

Based mostly on a webtoon of the identical title, Love Track for Phantasm is an exciting Ok-drama that can hook viewers upon the primary episode. Each intriguing and romantic, Love Track for Phantasm tells a improbable story of affection between individuals who have darkish pasts. Although this drama might contact on heavy and darkish matters, it’s nonetheless an awesome watch for many who get pleasure from romance. Love Track for Phantasm is a trip from begin to end, and most viewers will discover themselves glad with the finale.

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14

‘The Secret Romantic Guesthouse’ (2023)

Directed by Kim Jung-min

Yoon Dan-oh (Shin Ye-Eun) owns Ihwawon Inn, a guesthouse that hosts numerous students who plan to take an examination to develop into a high-rank official. Sadly for Dan-oh, a debt is left to her by her deceased father, and she or he dangers shedding her guesthouse. Nonetheless, in the future, Dan-oh receives a proposal: if she will discover Prince Lee Seol, her debt can be relieved.

The Secret Romantic Guesthouse is such a enjoyable drama, it’s filled with mysteries that maintain viewers guessing. The unpredictability of the present and the suspense will maintain followers on their ft your complete time, making for an exciting trip. To not point out, the romance and comedy to prime it off creates an fulfilling expertise that can maintain viewers wanting extra. The Secret Romantic Guesthouse is the watch that wishes to uncover a thriller.

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13

‘Mr. Queen’ (2020–2021)

Directed by Yoon Sung-sik and Yoo Hyun-ki

In the Ok-drama Mr. Queen, a chef named Jang Bong-hwan (Choi Jin-hyuk) from immediately’s time finds himself within the physique of a Korean queen within the Joseon Period. Earlier than he can return to his physique and time, he should navigate the royal court docket, studying its intricate politics and customs, in addition to influencing the King to stop the nation from chaos.

What’s nice in regards to the present is that it’s not only a easy body-swap historic Ok-drama. The best way the Bong-hwan steers the objectives of the king and finds himself intertwined with the royal court docket’s energy struggles is thrilling and thrilling. Past its distinctive premise and historic themes, it’s not afraid to lean into comedy and humor to be able to maintain the viewers invested in its story.

12

‘My Dearest’ (2023)

Directed by Choi Hyeong-hun and Kim Sang-hwi

My Dearest is a historic Korean Ok-drama that’s set within the backdrop of the Quing invasion of Joseon. Within the present, Lee Jang-hyun, is a person who is understood for his anti-marriage stance. Nonetheless, he modifies his thoughts as soon as she meets the charming and exquisite noblewoman Yoo Gil-chae. The present focuses on how the couple’s love story blooms regardless of the invasion that threatens their village.

What makes the Ok-drama definitely worth the watch is its historic accuracy and enchanting love story. Every little thing about My Dearest feels genuine — from the romance and chemistry between the 2 essential characters in addition to the small print of the period the present relies on. There are additionally loads of values and classes to be taken from the present because it options the societal points and challenges confronted by the protagonists of their little city.

11

‘Tinted With You’ (2021–2022)

Directed by Kim Dae-hyun

This Ok-drama follows present-day scholar Eun Ho as he’s transported into the portray of the previous. There he meets the crown prince, Lee Heon (Hyun Woo Yoo), who’s on the sting of demise, each actually and mentally, as he has been exiled by his brother. Prince Heon decides to make use of Eun Ho to do his bidding. Within the course of, the 2 start falling in love with each other, making a candy love story.

Tinted With You is a BL Ok-drama primarily based on an online drama known as Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding ceremony. Paying homage to the time journey Ok-drama Splash, Splash, Love, the place the feminine lead travels again in time and is found by the Crown Prince, Tinted With You performs out equally, additionally being comparatively quick at 10 minutes per episode. Though fast, to not point out, being as quick and condensed as it’s, it allowed for the plot to get to the purpose, proving that the chemistry between the Crown Prince and Eun Ho may be very actual and simple to root for.

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10

‘Moonshine’ (2021–2022)

Directed by Kim Tae-hun and Hong Seok-joo

Prohibition has been occurring for 10 years within the capital metropolis of Hanyang. Kang Ro-seo is a poor woman dwelling to make ends meet by doing all kinds of wierd jobs, and she or he received’t let anybody have their manner together with her. Nam Younger is a younger scholar who stays honorable and reserved with a way of humility. Lee Pyo (Wook Seok), the crown prince, is rather more hassle than he’s generally value, as he sneaks out of the palace and goes to drink alcohol, even when prohibition is occurring.

Moonshine is a hilarious Ok-drama that has a daring begin with a fierce feminine lead. The sequence begins off sturdy, with Ro-seo proving that she isn’t a lady to be messed with. Whereas many feminine characters in Ok-dramas usually attempt to show their toughness – Jan Di from Boys Over Flowers involves thoughts, generally – they’re extra on the frail facet. Ro-seo, nevertheless, is without doubt one of the first of many feminine results in actually present her toughness by and thru. Because of this, her idealism usually clashes with that of Inspector Nam Younger’s, creating an entertaining rivalry that turns into good romantic chemistry. Regardless of its uniqueness, it may be slightly complicated as a result of massive variety of characters showing within the present. Nonetheless, this present is a moderately refreshing look ahead to viewers who get sick and uninterested in an absence of illustration of sturdy ladies within the style.

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9

‘The Forbidden Marriage’ (2022)

Directed by Kim Sang-hwi and Yoon Sung-sik

The Forbidden Marriage is ready within the Joseon dynasty, following the wedding ban enacted by King Lee Heon after shedding his spouse to suicide, although he believes her to have been murdered. Regardless of this ban, scammer Ye So-rang (Park Ju-hyun) runs a wedding compatibility enterprise. King Lee Heon’s attendants attempt to get the King to supply an inheritor, however sadly, resulting from Lee Heon’s concern and infatuation with the earlier queen, it proves to be an unimaginable job. After being jailed, So-rang decides to fake to be possessed by the King’s deceased spouse, which ends up in Lee Heon being satisfied and preserving So-rang by his facet.

The Forbidden Marriage is a enjoyable Ok-drama filled with silliness and laughter. The premise itself is nearly preposterous, as it tells the love story of a king who’s stricken with grief and a lady who makes a mockery of his ban. Nonetheless, this idea is what makes the present humorous to start with, particularly with Park Ju-hyun’s performing, making So-rang as a personality stand out. Though it’s moderately quick, there’s by no means a single boring second inside the present.

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8

‘Bossam: Steal the Destiny’ (2021)

Directed by Kwon Seok-jang

Going down through the Joseon dynasty, bossams occurred beneath the rule of Gwanghaegun. Ba-woo (Jung Il-woo) takes half in a bossam, which is the act of kidnapping or stealing a widow and forcing her to marry the kidnapper. Besides, in contrast to most bossams, Ba-woo mistakenly kidnaps Princess Su-kyeong (Kwon Yuri), the mistaken widow. Because of this, the hunt to seek out the King’s lacking daughter begins, although her father-in-law tries to resolve her disappearance on his personal.

Bossam: Steal the Destiny is one other South Korean historic rom-com with an charisma and intrigue. It examines an attention-grabbing and unexplored idea of bossaming, which then develops into an attention-grabbing plot of what occurs when somebody kidnaps the mistaken individual. Plot apart, the characters had been additionally very compelling, with the male lead, Ba-woo, having a very good quantity of depth to his character. Likewise, the politics within the present helped decide up the tempo.

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7

‘Lovers of the Purple Sky’ (2021)

Directed by Jang Tae-yoo and Park Soo-jin

Set within the Joseon dynasty, Lovers of the Purple Sky follows Cheon-ki (Kim Yoo-jung) who’s blinded as a child because of a curse positioned by Mawang, the God of Dying. Samshin, the Goddess of childbirth, can not take away Cheon-ki’s blindness, however she will supply an answer sooner or later: in the future, a younger boy named Ha-Ram (Ahn Hyo-seop) will assist break the curse positioned on her. Concurrently, Ha-Ram is born. 9 years later, Cheon-ki and Ha-Ram meet, forming a friendship with each other. Nonetheless, little did they know that Samshin had plans for each of them, with Ha-Ram being sacrificed to seal away Mawang, and with Cheon-ki gaining her sight again by the lack of Ha-Ram’s. After this incident, the 2 meet once more afterward.

Lovers of the Purple Sky is without doubt one of the finest historic Korean Ok-dramas that’s rooted deeply within the fantasy style. Some fantasy-driven Korean historic Ok-dramas embody Gu Household Ebook, Religion, and Goblin. Nonetheless, that is one in all few that introduces mythology into the combination, making a considerably tense love story, particularly realizing that Cheon-ki acquired the reward of sight resulting from Ha-Ram shedding it. Nonetheless, on the similar time, this creates a phenomenal story with a beautiful romance between two appropriate characters. Although the ending could also be a bit on the sadder and extra emotional facet, it makes Lovers of the Purple Sky all of the extra definitely worth the watch.

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6

‘River The place the Moon Rises’ (2021)

Directed by Yoon Sang-ho

Soldier Pyong Gang (Kim So-Hyun) was born a princess, and upon studying the reality about her delivery, she decides to take her nation again by turning into the primary queen of Goryeo. To take action, she plans to assassinate the king. In the meantime, On Dal (Na In-woo) does all the pieces in his energy to guard the princess—even when it means going towards his personal pacifist nature.

Based mostly on a novel known as Princess Pyeonggang, River The place the Moon Rises is an thrilling story that follows the dream of a strong-willed and decided warrior. Probably the most attention-grabbing half about this drama is that the princess plans to rule Goryeo and be the primary to do it, which isn’t seen in loads of Ok-dramas (if any in any respect). The premise alone makes this drama stand out and definitely worth the look ahead to its uniqueness. But additionally, rather a lot may be mentioned in regards to the romance itself: their attraction to 1 one other is gorgeous, the chemistry between them is extremely highly effective that it may be felt within the smallest of moments, and the 2 leads play off one another extraordinarily effectively. Although the present had problems early on, involving the scandal of the earlier lead for On Dal (Ji Soo), River The place the Moon Rises made the most effective determination to switch him with On Dal, as he performed the position completely.

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5

‘Our Blooming Youth’ (2023)

Directed by Kim Sang-hwi and Yoon Sung-sik

Crown Prince Lee Hwan’s (Park Hyung-sik) older brother died resulting from mysterious circumstances. Though Lee Hwan is beneath some suspicion, a much bigger drawback lies at hand for the brand new Prince: his arm has been injured by a poisoned arrow, and except he can heal his arm, he has to abdicate the throne. One other difficulty lies at hand: three years prior to the current day, Lee Hwan acquired a haunting letter of blackmail, declaring that he could be betrayed and lose all use of his limbs. In the meantime, Min Jae-yi’s (Jeon So-nee) household is murdered, and she or he is framed for it. With each of them being concerned in their very own troubles, they comply with assist one another out.

Whereas Our Blooming Youth might be thought-about extra of a thriller than a historic Ok-drama, there’s nonetheless a love story between the 2 leads as they develop a deeper connection with each other resulting from their insinuating circumstances. Moreover, regardless that it does are likely to have a a lot slower tempo than different Ok-dramas on this checklist, the gradual tempo is definitely forgiven due to the intriguing thriller and political drama that Our Blooming Youth develops to be.

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4

‘Alchemy of Souls’ (2022)

Directed by Park Joon-hwa

Within the fictional world of Daeho, elite soldier Nak-su (Go Youn-jung) has her soul trapped in Mu-deok’s (Jung So-min) weaker physique. Now as Jang Uk’s (Lee Jae-wook) servant, Mu-deok takes him on as her apprentice and teaches him the abilities and spells she is aware of, all whereas falling for him.

Alchemy of Souls is a charming drama with a magical love story that viewers will discover themselves entranced by. On the similar time, viewers have to be prepared for the emotional depth and heartache that Alchemy of Souls is understood for. Lovely and breathtaking, this Ok-drama is value a number of rewatches.

3

‘Charming the King’ (2024)

Directed by Cho Nam-guk

Yi In (Jo Jung-suk) is a king who’s wrapped in each royal and political battle, leaving him little room to belief others. Kang Hee-soo (Shin Se-kyung) needs to take revenge on him and acts as a spy to deceive him. Then, each start to fall in love with each other.

Charming the King is a singular historic Ok-drama that includes a phenomenal love story. It examines the vulnerability two individuals share when in love, creating one thing stunning between each leads who had been completely good with their roles. To not point out, the supporting forged deserves a spherical of applause, as they helped immerse viewers into the world established. Charming the King is certainly definitely worth the look ahead to these who love historic romances.

2

‘The King’s Affection’ (2021)

Directed by Track Hyun-wook

A princess bears twins one evening, however in response to superstition, a prince who shares the womb with a woman is an abomination. The crown prince is pressured to discard the princess, together with anybody who witnessed the delivery. The princess is whisked away, leaving the royal household to consider that solely the prince stays.

The King’s Affection begins off extraordinarily darkish, affected by demise. Curiously sufficient, afterward within the present, the darkish and gloomy colours that launched the present flip into a lot brighter ones, making a surprisingly colourful and vivid present that lightens the ambiance at instances. Aside from the ambiance, what makes The King’s Affection intriguing is the plot, as (spoiler alert) ultimately, years down the street, the prince passes away after being disguised as Dam-i (who was the one meant to be murdered), and his sister, Dam-i (Park Eun-bin) should take his place. This isn’t the primary time {that a} Ok-drama has carried out a gender-swap plot, however this is without doubt one of the few instances when it’s carried out believably effectively, following a considerably unhappy premise. To not point out, the chemistry is value swooning over.

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1

‘The Purple Sleeve’ (2021–2022)

Directed by Jung Ji-hyun and Yoon Sang-ho

Prince Yi-san (Lee Jun-ho) is set to develop into a benevolent King who will reform the regulation after taking the throne from his ruthless grandfather. Yi-san, nonetheless traumatized by his father’s demise, resolves to place his nation on the forefront of all the pieces else. In the meantime, Sung Deok Im (Lee Se-young) is a court docket girl who enjoys her freedom. Prince Yi-san falls in love together with her, however the two are torn by their very own resolves and needs.

The Purple Sleeve is a superbly written drama that offers with the emotional trauma of shedding one’s mother or father, mixed with falling in love with somebody who’s out of your attain. There are many tense moments all through the present as a result of political facet, and the present in its entirety is just a captivating watch. Generally, The Purple Sleeve generally is a bit on the slower facet in regard to tempo, however it’s one of many higher historic dramas to showcase a phenomenal but bittersweet love story.

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