Inspired by Original Stories, Here are 6 Real-Life Korean Historical Dramas Worth Following

Kapanlagi.com - Historical stories of kingdoms often serve as inspiration for Korean films or dramas. While they may not be exactly the same, real-life Korean historical dramas often present stories that resemble the original tales.

The messages conveyed in these real-life Korean historical dramas can serve as valuable lessons. It's no wonder that many people are fans of dramas inspired by true stories of past kingdoms.

If you're curious about real-life Korean historical dramas, please read the following reviews.

1. THE RED SLEEVE (2021)

Korean Historical Drama (Credit: Mydramalist)

Rating	8.8/10 Mydramalist
Durasi	1 hour 20 minutes
Episode	17
Tayang	MBC, Viki, Apple TV
Pemain	Lee Jun Ho, Lee Se Young, Kang Hoon

Although not entirely, THE RED SLEEVE can be called a Korean historical drama. This drama is inspired by the historical events about a love story full of struggles between Seong Dok Im, a palace servant, and Yi San, a crown prince. It is told that Yi San fell in love with Dok Im because of her simplicity and humility.

Initially, Dok Im refused to become Yi San's concubine, but their love story drew attention because the King loved his concubine regardless of social status. This drama, THE RED SLEEVE, takes inspiration from the true story of King Jeongjo and his concubine, Sung Ui Bin.

2. THE CROWNED CLOWN (2019)

Rating	8.4/10 Mydramalist
Duration	1 hour 20 minutes
Episodes	16
Aired	tvN, WeTV, Netflix, Prime Video, iQIYI, Viki
Cast	Yeo Jin Goo, Lee Se Young, Kim Sang Kyung

Known as the wisest ruler, the story of Gwanghaegun takes center stage. This true story of a Korean historical drama is titled THE CROWNED CLOWN. In general, this drama tells the journey of a king named Yi Heon who tries to escape from his assassins. To avoid danger, he orders a clown who looks very similar to him to take his place on the throne.

The clown then transforms into a fair and caring king towards the welfare of his people. This drama combines elements of history, romance, and melodrama that leave a deep impression on its viewers. Certainly, this drama is worth following.

3. QUEEN FOR SEVEN DAYS (2017)

Real-Life Korean Kingdom Drama (Credit: Mydramalist)

Rating	8.2/10 Mydramalist
Durasi	60 minutes
Episode	20
Air Date	KBS2, Viki, Kocowa, Apple TV, Netflix
Cast	Park Min Young, Yeon Woo Jin, Lee Dong Gun

Next, there is a Korean historical drama titled QUEEN FOR SEVEN DAYS. This drama is inspired by the true story of Lady Shin during the Joseon Dynasty. In general, this drama depicts the lives of the royal couple, Prince Jinsung and Queen Dayeong, who became king and queen in 1506. However, the kingdom faces political problems that result in their dethronement within just seven days.

They are forcibly separated, with Queen Dayeong being expelled and exiled from the palace. Despite being far apart, their longing for each other remains intense. Queen Dayeong always sends a sign that she is doing well to Jung Jong by placing a red cloth on a stone in the mountains. Every day, Jung Jong eagerly searches for signs of news from his beloved wife.

4. SAIMDANG, LIGHT'S DIARY (2017)

Rating	7.8/10 Mydramalist
Duration	60 minutes
Episodes	28
Aired	SBS, Viki, Netflix, Prime Video
Cast	Lee Young Ae, Song Seung Heon, Oh Yoon Ah, Yoon Da Hoon

Talking about real-life Korean kingdom drama, SAIMDANG, LIGHT'S DIARY is also interesting to discuss. This drama tells the story of Shin Saimdang, a prominent artist and calligrapher in the early 16th century during the Joseon era. The story of this drama begins when a history of art professor from a Korean university (Lee Young-ae) discovers a long-lost diary. The diary used to belong to a historical figure.

Through this discovery, she uncovers the hidden secrets behind an ancient painting. The secret is related to the life of Shin Saimdang (Lee Young-ae), a renowned poet and artist during the Joseon era.

5. HWARANG: THE POET WARRIOR YOUTH (2016)

Real Story Korean Historical Drama (Credit: Mydramalist)

Rating	8.0/10 Mydramalist
Durasi	60 minutes
Episode	20
Tayang	KBS2, Kocowa, Apple TV, Viki, WeTV, Netflix
Pemain	Park Seo Joon, Go Ah Ra, Park Hyung Sik

HWARANG: THE POET WARRIOR YOUTH is also one of the interesting Korean historical dramas to follow. In general, this drama tells the story of the Silla Kingdom in the 10th century. Hwarang knights are important members of society at that time and consist of elite youths from high-ranking families.

They undergo rigorous training in philosophy, religion, art, and martial arts provided by the government. Not only dealing with politics, this drama also highlights a love story that reveals the meaning of love, friendship, and dreams, making the story even more interesting.

6. DONG YI (2010)

Rating	8.5/10 Mydramalist
Duration	1 hour 5 minutes
Episodes	60
Aired	MBC, Viki, Kocowa
Cast	Han Hyo Joo, Ji Jin Hee, Lee So Yeon

Next, there is a real story Korean historical drama titled DONG YI. This drama, which is said to be close to the original story, tells the story of Choi Suk Bin, a palace maid who becomes the concubine of King Sukjong. Initially, she was the daughter of a rebel during the 19th reign of King Sukjong. Therefore, her entire family was killed.

She was raised by a courtesan and worked in the royal music department. When she grew up, Dong Yi was promoted to a court lady responsible for the royal kitchen affairs. Many problems occurred until she gained special attention from the king and became one of the concubines with the title Suk Bin in the royal palace. She also had a son who eventually became the 21st King of Joseon with the title Yeongjo.

So, KLovers, those are a series of real story Korean historical dramas inspired by true stories.

(kpl/ans)