A rainy or snowy day is the perfect time to binge-watch an epic Korean drama (i.e. a series with 50 or more episodes). Below is my watch list for the historical period K-dramas I deemed binge-worthy. (Let's just hope the rain does not cause a blackout and there is no Internet access. LOL.)
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1.
Empress Ki (2013) ~ 51 episodes
This
series is about a woman named Ki Seung-nyang, who was born into a
family of low-ranking officials. At age 18, she was sent to the Yuan
Empire in China as tribute. She became the emperor's preferred
concubine and ultimately went from being a servant to becoming the
Empress of Yuan. It's
about love, war, and betrayal. In other words, it's typical drama!
Even though this epic is based on real historical figures, the
relationships depicted are probably fictionalized.
Main
Characters:
Ha
Ji-won as Ki Seung-nyang
Joo
Jin-mo as Wang Yoo, the King of Goryeo.
Ji
Chang-wook as Toghon Temür, the last Emperor of the Yuan dynasty
2.
Dong Yi (2010) ~ 60 episodes
This
series is also titled “Jewel in the Crown” and it follows the life
of Dong Yi from childhood to adulthood. It is based on a real
historical figure and it is a true love story between Dong Yi and the
King. According to the fortune tellers, her “light” would shine
bright in the Joseon Kingdom. This prediction proved to be true.
But it does not mean that she did not experience trouble and sorrow. She
was a lowborn commoner and worked as a watermaid in the palace. But
she became the king's favorite concubine which made her a target of
envy, jealousy, and treachery. One of the sons she bore the king,
died at a very young age. She bore the king another son, Yeong Jo.
He was the second son of King Sok Jong and the future king of Joseon.
Her life story is one for the ages.
Main
Characters:
3.
Jumong (2006-2007) ~ 60 episodes
This
series is about the life of Jumong Taewang, founder of the kingdom of
Goguryeo, set in 37 BC. Even though the details about Jumong in the
historical records are scant, the scriptwriters pieced together what
their research revealed and created this marvelous epic. “Described
as the son of the heavens, Jumong was the founding king of Goguryeo,
which eventually became the largest dynasty in Korean history. Also
known as the Holy King of the East, mythological tales of his origins
mostly follow the same basic story.” (Quote
Source)
DID
YOU KNOW? Jumong
was believed to be the grandson of the water god Habaek.
Main
Character:
4.
The Flower in Prison (2016) ~ 51 episodes
Set
during the Joseon dynasty, this series follows the life of Ok-nyeo.
She was born and raised in prison. Jeonokseo is one of the most
horrifying prisons in Joseon. Her mother died in childbirth and the
man who worked at the prison who adopted and raised her did not know
her identity. She finds a secret prison cell with a mysterious
prisoner. The prisoner teaches her martial arts and she becomes an
intelligence agent. Martial arts is just one of her many talents.
She is very intelligent and understands the law. She crusaded for
the poor people who are unfairly accused under the litigation system.
Her life is filled with danger and adventure. Eventually, she learns
her true identity. She is s surprised as everyone else to learn that
she is a princess. Her mother's enemies did not know she had been
born. But when they found out, that's when Ok-nyeo faces true peril.
Main
Character:
If
You Don't Agree With My Suggestions, Check Out These Lists:
10
Korean Dramas Based on True Stories | MovieWeb
Top
25 Historical Korean Dramas You Will Love | KdramaPlanet
Original source
