Article: Top 10 Sageuk K-Dramas For Your Next Romance Binge

The Sageuk genre, a term referring to historical Korean dramas, has always been popular in Korea. It has accumulated an international fanbase over the years for its conservative storylines and the political thrill of the monarchy. Bringing forth Korea’s rich history and culture in terms of language, fashion, traditions, and more, Sageuk dramas are highly riveting and usually emotionally charged with forbidden romances that will make you cry for your OTPs. Here are the top 10 Sageuk K-dramas that will give you major drama hangovers!

1. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Moon Lovers is a romance-heavy tearjerker with flawed characters. It stars Lee Ji Eun (more popularly known as IU in the K-pop world) as Hae Soo, a woman accidentally transported back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty and getting involved with six handsome princes and their struggles. The princes are played by Lee Joon Gi, Kang Ha Neul, Nam Joo Hyuk, Baekhyun (yes from the EXO fame!), Kim Jisoo and others. With a cast as popular and attractive as that, if you need another reason to watch this drama, here’s what you can look forward to: morally grey characters, heart-wrenching romance, a resilient female lead, political scheming, and so much more.

 

2. The Red Sleeve

The Red Sleeve is a 2021 drama starring Lee Junho (2 PM) as Lee San, an uptight but traumatized crown prince who falls in love with Sung Deok, played by Lee Se Young, a free-spirited court maid who does not wish to be a royal consort. The chemistry between them is sizzling as they constantly push and pull, trying to deny their feelings for each other. This drama is a beautiful gem with undertones of feminism, court politics, and grief that will make your cheeks wet as you watch it.

 

3. Mr. Queen

A more lighthearted comedy on this list, Mister Queen, is about a male chef who gets transported back in time into the body of, get this, the FUTURE QUEEN of Joseon! It stars Kim Jung Hyun and Shin Hye Sun as the King and Queen couple who initially despise each other but eventually fall in love. With many laugh-out-loud scenes and occasionally absurd plot points, this drama has many intriguing twists that will keep you up at night saying, “Just one more episode!”

 

4. Love In The Moonlight

A cult classic, Love in the Moonlight shot its stars Park Bo Gum and Kim Yoo Jung to fame overnight! Hong Ra On disguises herself as a man and a love coach for the men of Joseon and gets involved with the crown prince, who does not know that she is a woman. A blend of fluff and tragedy, this friends-to-lovers drama deserves to be on your to-watch list.

 

5. Moon Embracing The Sun

Released in 2012, Moon Embracing the Sun stars Kim Soo Hyun as the crown prince Lee Hwon who lost his beloved crown princess and refused to ever love. Interestingly, the dead crown princess resurrects as a shaman but has lost her memories. Brimming with the angst of first love, this drama is a touching story of love getting a second chance that you can’t look away from.

 

6. 100 Days My Prince

Do Kyung Soo (better known as D.O. from EXO), in his first lead role, plays Lee Yul, the crown prince of Joseon, hated because of his cold demeanor, who suffers from amnesia after an accident and starts living as a commoner. Due to a marriage law he had passed, Yul has to marry Hong Shim, his caretaker, to save her from execution. As their romance blooms, Yul’s other world as the crown prince calls him back. Watch this refreshing drama to find out if their love can survive several changes.

 

7. Alchemy Of Souls

More on the fantasy side, Alchemy of Souls released its first season in the summer of 2022 and gearing up for its sequel in the winter. It stars Jung So Min as a ruthless assassin, Naksu, who transplants her soul through forbidden magic into a maid named Mu Deok. Her master is Jang Uk (played by Lee Jae Wook), who desperately wants to be able to do magic. He blackmails Naksu into becoming his magic teacher, but as they spend more time together, their master-servant and a student-teacher relationship, evolves into something more. But as is the law of alchemy, you must give to get something in return. Will their blooming love be able to survive multiple obstacles? Watch to find out.

 

8. The King’s Affection

Yet another gender bender drama on this list, The King’s Affection stars Park Eun Bin, who impersonates her twin brother and becomes the crown prince, Lee Hwi. Idol- actor Ro Woon (SF9) plays her teacher Jung Ji Woon, towards whom the crown prince develops affection. Not too serious, this light-hearted drama will have you rooting for love against all odds.

 

9. The Tale Of Nokdu

This time, a male impersonates a woman in Tale of Nokdu, starring Jang Dong Yoon as the titular character Nok Du who is running away from unknown attackers. He finds safety in a widow’s village where only women are allowed and falls in love with Dong Dong Ju, a stubborn unmarried woman training to be a gisaeng. With many secrets and betrayals, the plot twists will keep you on the edge of your seats, craving for your next fix!

 

10. Lovers Of The Red Sky

Another fairly recent drama, Lovers of the Red Sky, was released in 2021 and starred Kim Yoo Jung as a painter and Ahn Hyo Seop as a blind astrologer. With clashing but intertwining fates, they get involved with each other and the royal court while trying to save the kingdom from demons. It has some outstanding special effects and aesthetic value as one lead character makes paintings, and the other studies the movements of the sky.