4 recent period K-dramas to add to your watchlist

This fictionalised retelling of the lives of King Jeongjo and his royal concubine Uibin Seong blends romance, comedy, palace intrigue and heartbreak—all the ingredients of a great period K-drama. 

Released in 2021, The Red Sleeve became an instant hit, with Lee Jun-ho winning the Best TV Actor Baeksang Award for his portrayal of Prince Yi San (the future King Jeongjo).

The story follows our star-crossed lovers from childhood to adulthood, from young love to eventual heartbreak, and is told from the point of view of Sung Deok-im (who later becomes Uibin Seong), a strong-willed court lady who must choose between a life of independence and freedom or a future with the man she loves, but bound by the constraints of royal life.

As expected, there’s no shortage of longing looks and swoon-worthy confessions of eternal love, but there are also heart-wrenching moments of doubt and emotional turmoil that will tug at your heartstrings. 

See also: ‘The Red Sleeve’ Stars Kang Hoon, Lee Jun-Ho and Lee Se Young on Filming Their New K-Drama

This K-drama is often mentioned in the same breath as My Dearest, thanks to its romantic storyline and the undeniable chemistry between the leads. But what’s truly at the heart of this story is Goo-deok’s journey and evolution from powerless slave to respected legal advocate, Lady Ok. So although there’s plenty of romance, The Tale of Lady Ok centres more on the story of one woman’s remarkable resilience.

Audiences who remember Lim Ji-yeon from The Glory, where she spent the entire time torturing Song Hye-kyo, will be surprised by her transformation into the lovable and heroic Goo-deok or Lady Ok. It’s a testament to her talent that she can play both villain and heroine so effectively.  

The drama highlights the plight of those without power and one woman’s determination to fight for them at a time when women held very little influence. It serves as a commentary on the social injustices people faced during the Joseon period, and champions female empowerment. Think female-led courtroom drama set in the historical Joseon era.

See also: 6 iconic Song Hye-Kyo K-dramas you need to watch

Here’s one that possesses all the hallmarks of a period drama but deals with surprisingly modern themes. The gripping performances, compelling characters and powerful storytelling will have you glued to the screen. 

The incomparable Kim Hye-soo is perfectly cast as a long-suffering but iron-willed queen—and mother—who works double-time to protect her sons from palace treachery. Not an easy task when everyone’s out to get you, and your sons are headstrong, troublesome or harbouring a secret with dangerous repercussions. 

There is plenty of royal court intrigue and political manoeuvring. This is a period K-drama after all. But what makes Under the Queen’s Umbrella stand out is that it’s the story of a mother’s devotion and her commitment to helping her sons navigate both the political pitfalls and the personal struggles that would define who they will become.

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