Best (mostly) historical dramas from various countries

Best historical dramas

Beijing TV, Dragon TV

In the midst of a bitter feudal conflict between the Northern Wei and Southern Liang dynasties, Lin Shu (Hu Ge) helps the Liang secure a significant victory. Betrayal follows, leading to the massacre of his family. Poisoned and transformed, Lin Shu becomes Mei Chang Su, adopting a new identity to seek revenge. He allies with Prince Jing (Wang Kai), an unfavored royal heir embroiled in a fierce succession battle, and reconnects with Mu Ni Huang (Liu Tao), a strong-willed female general resistant to traditional marriage expectations. As Mei Chang Su navigates the complex imperial court, he carefully plots his path to justice while concealing his true identity. Will he successfully avenge his family and expose the truth behind their betrayal? "Nirvana in Fire" is a 2015 Chinese historical drama series directed by Kong Sheng and Li Xue.

Nirvana in Fire

Lang Ya Bang

KBS2

During the Joseon Dynasty, Kim Yoon Hee (Park Min Young) disguises herself as a boy to support her struggling family by taking entrance exams for other students at Sungkyunkwan University. When the principled Lee Sun Joon (Park Yoo Chun) discovers her scheme, he unexpectedly helps her take the exam under her brother's identity and enter the university herself. They become roommates and classmates, with Yoon Hee befriending the playboy Goo Yong Ha (Song Joong Ki) and rebellious Moon Jae Shin (Yoo Ah In), while simultaneously developing feelings for Sun Joon. As she struggles to maintain her secret identity, Yoon Hee must navigate the challenges of university life and her growing emotions. This is a 2010 South Korean historical drama series based on a bestselling novel and directed by Kim Won Suk and Hwang In Hyuk.

Sungkyunkwan Scandal

In 14th-century Goryeo, loyal and fearless general Choi Young (Lee Min Ho) is tasked by King Gongmin (Ryu Deok Hwan) to find a legendary doctor capable of healing the dying queen. Through a mysterious portal, he travels 700 years into the future, landing in modern-day Seoul. There, he encounters Yoo Eun Soo (Kim Hee Sun), a feisty plastic surgeon who initially believes him to be a delusional cosplayer. Kidnapped and brought back to Goryeo, Eun Soo struggles to adapt to the ancient world and its primitive medical practices, all while facing political intrigue and the dangers of a warring kingdom. As she reluctantly treats the royal family and Choi Young protects her fiercely, an unlikely romance blossoms amidst their desperate attempts to find a way for her to return home.

The Great Doctor

The Faith Team

Hunan TV

During the Chinese Northern Qi dynasty, Lu Zhen (Zhao Li Ying) escapes an arranged marriage and enters the palace as an attendant. She meets Prince Gao Zhan (Chen Xiao), and despite their deep love, their social differences seem insurmountable. Using her exceptional pottery skills, Lu Zhen navigates palace politics, facing challenges from Empress Lou and Prince Gao Yan (Qiao Ren Liang). Though Gao Zhan cannot marry her, he supports her rise through the palace ranks, ultimately helping her achieve the unprecedented position of female prime minister. This is a 2013 Chinese historical drama series directed by Li Hui Zhu and Deng Wei En.

Legend of Lu Zhen

The Legendary Team

In 15th-century Joseon, King Se Jong (Han Suk Kyu), a visionary monarch, dreams of creating a more equal world for his people, especially after his father’s brutal regime before him. However, his radical pursuit of "Hangul," an accessible alphabet, faces fierce opposition from Confucian scholars who aim to stop the king by any means necessary – even if it means murder. At the same time, Kang Chae Yoon (Jang Hyuk) and So Yi (Shin Sae Kyung), former slaves who survived the prior king’s massacre, have both found ways into King Se Jeong’s court, but have very different end goals in mind. Will King Se Jeong find a way to spread literacy across the nation despite fierce opposition from multiple sides?

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