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Historical Korean dramas depict the rich cultural heritage of Korea, whilst telling stories centered on love, friendship, family, and life's struggles. The Korean dramas are set in significant periods of Korean history whilst teaching lessons on politics and societal issues of different eras.
The last few years have seen a surge in interest in historical Korean dramas, due to the success of dramas like Empress Ki, Descendants of the Sun, and Alchemy of Souls, amongst others.
My Drama List, the popular platform for all things Korean Drama, has ranked the historical Korean dramas with the highest ratings from 2023 to 2024.
Highest-rated historical Korean dramas on MDL
These historical Korean dramas feature ratings between 8.9/10 and 7.6/10 on My Drama List.
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- My Dearest
- Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938
- Knight Flower
- Gyeongseong Creature
- Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun
- Song of the Bandits
- Captivating the King
- Missing Crown Prince
- Love Song for Illusion
- Oasis
1. My Dearest
This historical drama stars Namkoong Min, Lee Hak-joo, Ahn Eun-jin, Lee Da-in, and Lee Chung-ah and was co-directed by Kim Seong-yong, Lee Han-jun, and Cheon Soo-jin. My Dearest is set in the Joseon period, attributed to severe hardship as a result of the Qing invasion.
The series focuses on the love story between the mysterious Lee Jang-Hyun and the audacious Yoo Gil-Chae, as they navigate their way through the enduring period.
This K-drama series was released on August 4, 2023.
2. Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938
This June 2023 prequel of the 2020 original stars Lee Dong-wook, Kim So-yeon, Ryu Kyung-soo, and Kim Bum. The Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 takes place in the late 30s', in the Chosun dynasty era, where Lee Yeon time-travels from the future, once again crossing paths with people from his past, Ryu Hong-joo, Cheon Mu-young, and his brother Lee Rang.
3. 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 is devoted to helping the needy. The series also sheds light on her relationship with a senior officer, Park Soo-Ho ( Lee Jong-Won).
The January 2024 Korean drama stars Lee Ha-Nee, Lee Jong-Won, Kim Sang-Joong, and Lee Ki-Woo, amongst others.
4. Gyeongseong Creature
This historical drama is staged in 1945, projecting the issues of brutality in old Seoul by the Japanese army. The story also talks about biological experimentation that the civilians are subjected to, leading to the creation of monster creatures. Gyeongseong Creature stars Park Seo-joon, Claudia Kim, Han So-hee, and others.
The first part of the series aired on Netflix from December 2023 to January 2024, while the second season is set to be released in 2024.
5. Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun
The 2023 release stars Jang Dong-gun, Song Joong-ki, Kim Ji-won, Lee Jong-gi and others. The historical fantasy drama is set in the bronze age, where the inhabitants of Arthdal struggle for power and control.
Eun-Seom played by Song Joong-ki, is determined to help restore the glory of his land and learn of his true origins. He goes through hardships while the hope of love blossoms.
6. Song of the Bandits
The Song of the Bandits takes place in the 20s', at a time when the inhabitants of Joseon fled to Qing to make ends meet, as well as forming a righteous army to restore Korea's independence.
Some of the cast members include the Fiery Priest star, Kim Nam-gil, Yoo Jae-myung, Seohyun, and others.
The K-drama was released on September 23, 2023.
7. 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 Jung-seok, who is faced with a serious political threat.
Amidst Yi In's struggle, he encounters Kang Hee-soo, a spy who later becomes his love interest. The series premiered on January 21, 2024.
8. Missing Crown Prince
Directed by Kim Jin-man, the historical Korean drama is staged during the occupation of the Japanese era, where a crown prince, Yi Gun is kidnapped by the royal physician's daughter, Choi Myung-Yoon, whose fate is destined to be the Crown prince's wife.
The April 2024 K-drama stars Exo's Suho, Hong Ye-ji, Kim Joo-hun, and others.
9. Love Song for Illusion
Written by Ban Ji-woon, and Yoon Kyung-ah, and starring Park Ji-hoon, Hong Ye-ji, and Hwang Hee, amongst others, the historical Korean drama is focused on the dual personality of a crown prince, Sajo Hyun, and likewise on Yeon Wol (Hong Ye-ji) an assassin that gets herself unknowingly entangled as the prince's concubine.
Love Song for Illusion was released on January 2, 2024.
10. Oasis
This coming-of-age story directed by Han Hee is told in a timeline between the 80s' and the 90s'. The drama, starring Jang Dong-yoon, Seol In-a, Choo Yeong-woo, and others, depicts love, dreams, and friendship shared between three high school students, Lee Doo-hak, Oh Jung-shin, and Choi Cheol-woong.
The historical Korean drama was released on March 6, 2023.
These historical Korean dramas have received favorable ratings on other platforms like Viki and IMDb.
