Teleseryes have become such a huge part of our viewing habits that we often rush home after office hours just to catch them. We don’t even want to miss an episode because those scenes could be the game-changer in the story. Aside from the local Philippine prime time dramas, there are the syndicated series that keep us glued to the boob tube.
Years before, we followed Spanish telenovelas such as “Marimar” and “Maria Mercedes.” But now that Hallyu or the Korean wave has invaded the Philippine television, we shifted to K-drama. We might be able to pinpoint the exact things that draw us into it–possible factors may be the heart-wrenching storylines, the visually-appealing productions and sets, the fast-paced plots, or the good-looking actors and actresses.
Or perhaps, it is because Koreanovela gives viewers another option when they get tired of Filipino soap operas which usually have the same plots (mistresses, anyone?), portrayed by the same actors and love teams over and over again. K-drama provides a different style of storytelling, especially the historical Korean drama series which gives viewers a glimpse into the colorful history of South Korea.
Here are 8 Korean historical dramas to start your history lesson or K-drama addiction.
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT: Follow how one man rose above many struggles and became a hero who established a kingdom. Although, it will take a while to finish the entire series because it has about 80 episodes. Originally, the series has only 60 episodes but because of its popularity, MBC decided to extend it to 80.
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT: Discover how a mischievous ghost and a serious magistrate team up to solve a murder mystery, and fall in love in he process. It will make you laugh with the antics of Arang, as well as fall in love with romantic scenes between the two protagonists.
The one who secures the people will acquire the world and rule the ages, says the tagline. This historical drama chronicles the life of Queen Seondeok of Silla Dynasty. Deokman (who would later be known as Queen Seondeok) was born as a twin but, because of a prophecy, was abandoned and sent away from the palace by her father King Jinpyeong to protect her from the influential royal court lady named Mishil (played by Ko Hyun Jung). She later entered the palace to join forces with her twin sister Princess Cheonmyeong and oppose the main antagonist who tried to snatch the throne from the royal successor. However, Mishil devised a sinister plan to have the twin princess exiled from the kingdom which led to the death of Princess Cheonmyeong. Princess Deokman (portrayed by Lee Yo Won) enlisted the help of a general and eliminated her archenemy.
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT: Learn more about the first female ruler of the Silla Kingdom who sacrificed her true love to save the people and make some brilliant achievements. Plus, Ko Hyun Jung made a believable antagonist you’d love to hate. And oh, did we mention that this drama has been banned (no additional reruns on cable TV and internet, no reproduction of DVD and related books) because of plagiarism?
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT: How can a mere servant girl rise from the rank and later become the mother of the future king? Get to know the woman who fought for the life and rights of the lower class and who made a great influence to King Yeongjo. The 60-episode series also features traditional music of Joseon Kingdom, including various court music. Watch actress Han Hyo Joo plays the hageum, a two-stringed musical instrument.
One girl who disguises herself as a man to take a national exam and enter Sungkyunkwan, an all-male institution. One guy who comes from a privileged background and whose father’s political affiliation is at odds with the King’s. One guy who seems easy-go-lucky and quite popular with the ladies. One guy who is known as the crazy horse and has a dangerous secret. Together, they tell a story of love and friendship.
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT: What happens when a girl enters an all-male school? Surely, something is bound to happen when the three guys discover that one of them is actually a girl.
Based from the novel of the same title, this historical drama tells a love story between King Lee Hwon (actor Kim Soo-Hyun) and a female shaman named Wol (actress Han Ga-In). Born from a noble family, Wol became the crown princess but was entrapped and faced execution. However, she lived and became a shaman but she lost her memories. Years later, she returned to the palace as shaman but must contend with the current Queen, the Queen’s father and the Queen Dowager to reclaim her rightful place. Meanwhile, the young king began to investigate the death of his love after seeing Wol but he is fighting against time because the queen’s political clan wants to overthrow him from the throne.
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT: Actor Kim Soo-Hyun, need we say more? Aside from this actor stealing the hearts of young female viewers, the historical drama captures the hearts with its sad but beautiful plot, with the story developing around the conflicts and conspiracy of political powers vying for the throne against the king’s efforts for good politics.
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT: A word of caution, watching this would make you crave for Korean food. But more than that, this is woman empowerment to a T. In a period when there was a rigidly hierarchical and male-dominated structure, Jang Geum rose above social discrimination.
Want to add more shows to this list? Share them with us the Comments Section below!