10 Recommendations of K-Dramas that Tell the History of South Korea, from REPLY 1997 to GIANT

Kapanlagi.com - Written by: Putriku Aishwarya Ravelia

Korean dramas often present historical stories or stories about kingdoms set in the Joseon, Goryeo, and other eras. Not only that, Korean dramas also provide viewers with a glimpse into life in the past centuries.

Just like fashion or appearance, important events that have occurred are also presented in Korean dramas. Here are 5 most interesting K-dramas with the theme of South Korean history!

1. REPLY 1997

REPLY 1997 (Credit: Soompi.com)

REPLY 1997 tells the story of a group of high school friends experiencing their first love and life. Yoon Yoon Jae (Seo In Guk), Sung Shi Won (Jung Eun Ji), Mo Yoo Jung (Shin So Yul), Kang Joon Hee (Hoya), Do Hak Chan (Eun Ji Won), and Bang Sung Jae (Lee Si Eon) form a group together.

In REPLY 1997, it showcases the setting of the late 1990s such as payphones, television, and trendy phones of that time. Not only that, it also features the Kpop group H.O.T. which was one of the most popular bands at that time.

2. REPLY 1994

REPLY 1994 (Credit: Viu.com)

Sung Na Jung (Go Ara) reminisces about the beautiful past in the mid-1990s when her parents moved to Seoul from the countryside. They manage a boarding house, where she meets her future husband. Trash (Jung Woo), Sam Cheon Po (Kim Sung Kyun), Haitai (Son Ho Jun), Bing Grae (Baro), Chil Bong (Yoo Yeon Seok), and Jo Yoon Jin (Min Dohee) become the boarders of the boarding house.

The Korean Basketball League and Seo Taiji and the Boys are just a few of the hottest topics around 1994. All the characters are influenced by the music group, and the female lead actress likes a basketball player.

3. REPLY 1988

REPLY 1988 (Credit: Soompi.com)

A group of childhood friends maintain an inseparable friendship that continues into their teenage years. Sung Duk Sun (Hyeri), Kim Jung Hwan (Ryu Jun Yeol), Sung Sun Woo (Ko Gyung Pyo), Ryu Dong Ryong (Lee Dong Hwi), and Choi Taek (Park Bo Gum) are neighbors who are also close friends. However, love begins to develop between Sung Duk Sun and some of her friends.

REPLY 1988 focuses on the 1988 Summer Olympics. At that time, the city was very enthusiastic about the opportunity given to South Korea to perform on the global stage. It was a great honor and paved the way for Korean culture to take over the world.

4. GIANT

GIANT (Credit: Pinterest)

Tells the story of Lee Kang Mo (Lee Beom Soo), Lee Mi Joo (Hwang Jung Eum), and Lee Sung Mo (Park Sang Min) as they grow up and face many heart-wrenching situations. They believe that revenge is the only thing they can do after the death of their parents and their separation from each other.

Betrayal, unplanned pregnancy, and a near-fatal accident disrupt their adult lives. And siblings unite to seek revenge for their father's death.

GIANT is set against the backdrop of South Korea's economic explosion in the 1970s. The industrial revolution and the hard work and genius thinking of the 1970s paved the way for successful companies in this country. GIANT also provides a stunning portrayal of the 1950s and 1960s, a time when Korea was in the midst of and emerging from the Korean War.

5. BRIDAL MASK

BRIDAL MASK (Credit: Pinterest)

Feeling sick of the oppression experienced by his family for the Korean independence movement, Lee Kang To (Joo Won) starts a successful path as a police officer enforcing Japanese law. Lee Kang To encounters a masked person who comes to save the independence fighters multiple times. Throughout his career, Lee Kang To realizes that the Japanese colonial regime is unjust and disguises himself to fight for Korean independence as well.

BRIDAL MASK is set in the 1930s, so viewers can experience what Korea was like before the Korean War. And also see when they were under foreign rule. This drama depicts the struggles of independence fighters who have to endure regularly.

6. PACHINKO (2022)

K-drama that Tells the History of South Korea (Credit: Mydramalist)

PACHINKO is one of the K-dramas that tells the history of South Korea. Combining romance and melodrama elements, this drama follows Sunja's life journey. She goes through a challenging and complex youth during the Japanese occupation of Korea.

One day, Sunja meets a broker named Koh Hansu who drastically changes her life. They become involved in a love relationship until Sunja becomes pregnant. Because Koh Hansu disappears without a trace, Sunja eventually decides to marry a Japanese man. However, Sunja's life continues to be difficult. So, how will this story unfold?

7. DIFFERENT DREAMS (2019)

K-drama that Tells the History of South Korea (Credit: Mydramalist)

Next, there is a K-drama that tells the history of South Korea titled DIFFERENT DREAMS. This drama tells the story of the Japanese colonization in Korea, specifically the formation of the Korean Patriotic Corps with a mission to achieve independence.

The main characters in this drama are Kim Won Bong, a leader of the corps, and Lee Young Jin, a surgeon who was raised by a Japanese military doctor family. Interestingly, Lee Young Jin remains part of a secret agent to achieve Korean independence.

8. MR. SUNSHINE (2018)

Korean Drama that Tells the History of South Korea (Credit: Mydramalist)

MR. SUNSHINE is also one of the K-dramas that tells the history of South Korea. Set in the years 1870-1900, this drama tells the story of historical events including the US expedition to Korea, the Ganghwa battle in 1871, and others.

The character Eugene is said to have just returned to Korea after a trip to the United States known as Shinmiyangyo. He falls in love with Go Ae Shin, a noblewoman. This love story unfolds against the backdrop of deep historical events. Interested in watching it?

9. CHICAGO TYPEWRITER (2017)

K-drama that Tells the History of South Korea (Credit: Mydramalist)

There is another K-drama that tells the history of South Korea for you to watch. The drama titled CHICAGO TYPEWRITER is about the lives of heroes during the Japanese colonization in Korea. Interestingly, the main character in this drama is a reincarnation of a writer during the Japanese colonization.

It all starts when Se Joo finds an antique typewriter. This brings him back to meet some of his old friends, including Jeon Seol and Yu Jin Oh. In an effort to rewrite their life stories during the colonization, the three of them are involved in an unforgettable struggle. This story is definitely interesting to follow.

10. FREEDOM FIGHTER, LEE HOE YOUNG (2010)

Korean Drama that Tells the History of South Korea (Credit: Mydramalist)

Next, there is a K-drama that tells the history of South Korea titled FREEDOM FIGHTER, LEE HOE YOUNG. This drama tells the story of Lee Hoe Young who lived during the Japanese occupation. He allocated his wealth and moved to Manchuria with the aim of opening a school for soldiers and intellectuals fighting for independence.

In addition, he was also active in the underground movement in Shanghai to fight against the Japanese power. Unfortunately, his journey of struggle ended tragically when he was arrested and eventually died in prison.

In this drama, there are also some heartbreaking moments between characters as they make difficult choices. BRIDAL MASK is a raw look at life before the comfort of modern times and the current development of government.

(kpl/mag)