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Must-Watch Historical Romances

Ra Yi Eon (Taecyeon) is a food-loving young man in the Joseon Dynasty era (1392-1910) with a simple dream: He wants to buy a patch of land outside the royal capital and open a dumpling store. But his brilliant mind has got the better of him: He inadvertently performs so outstandingly well at the civil service entrance examination that the Office of Special Advisors takes note. One day, the office approaches him and informs him that he will be appointed as the new secret royal inspector – charged with going undercover to hunt out corruption. His peers would turn green with envy if they knew of his new role, but Ra Yi Eon is more concerned about what’s for lunch…
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Fate also throws in another unexpected twist, in the form of a new acquaintance: Kim Joy (Kim Hye Yoon). Three years ago, she married a man who turned out to be an incurable gambler who has never escaped from beneath his mother’s wing. In ultra-conservative Joseon society, divorce was frowned upon, but Kim Joy eschews convention and seeks to end her marriage and seek happiness. She eventually forms an uneasy alliance with the new investigator...but could their relationship deepen?

Secret Royal Inspector & Joy

The Royal Inspectors Team 

Set in the Dan dynasty, this is a love story featuring ghosts, demons, and gods. Hong Chun Gi (Kim Yoo Jung), a painter of extraordinary talent, is born blind due to a curse but later gains vision. She is accepted into a prestigious art school despite societal views on such pursuits for a woman. In contrast, Ha Ram (Ahn Hyo Seop) is an astrologer with an opposing fate: born with sight, he later loses his vision in a childhood accident. He is able to carve the trajectory of the night sky and see into the future.
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The two meet and fall in love, but are sucked into the political games of the royal court, particularly involving two princes: Prince Anpyeong (Gong Myung) and Prince Sooyang (Kwak Si Yang). What games do these two have in mind for the lovers, and what is the fate that the stars have in store?

Lovers of the Red Sky

For Your Eyes Only 👁‿👁  

Since they were young, Shi Xia (Wu Qian Ying) and her brother have relied solely on each other. So when Shi Xia’s brother goes missing, she wastes no time in setting out to look for him. Searching far and wide, Shia Xia is magically transported across time, landing squarely in the middle of a Xianxia world.

Lost in a dangerous and unfamiliar world of fantasy, Shi Xia finds herself standing outside the great Yu Hua Gate. Asking for help, she calls out her name, only to find that in doing so, she has drawn countless enemies to her. Surprised as she is, to learn that Shi Xia is actually the name of the younger sister of the infamous Demon King, Shi Dong (Dai Yun Fan), Shi Xia is even more surprised when she realizes that she is, in fact, that very same sister. Now running from those who wish to harm her, Shi Xia is secretly kept from harm by none other than Hou Chi (Zhao Ying Bo). The high priest of the Yu Hua sect, and the Demon King’s archnemesis, Hou Chi is the last person one would expect to protect Shi Xia, but no matter how hard he tries, Hou Chi just can’t seem to stay away.

Under the care of both her brother and her brother’s greatest enemy, Shi Xia finds herself torn between them. Will the strong bonds of family prevail over the unexpected tugging of her own heart?

Adapted from the novel “Jia Xiong You Zai Zuo Si” by You Qian, “My Dear Brothers” is a 2021 fantasy romance drama directed by Qiu Yu.

My Dear Brothers

Youku

As the daughter of the former crown prince, Chu Jiu Ling’s (Peng Xiao Ran) wedding day should have been a beautiful dream come true. But the dream soon turned into a nightmare after learning that her uncle, the current emperor, was responsible for her father’s death. Determined to have her revenge, Jiu Ling begins to set her plans into motion but is thwarted by her husband, the loyal imperial guard, Lu Yun Qi (Du Ya Fei). Escaping near-death at the hands of her husband, Jiu Ling flees her old life, never to return again.

On the brink of death, Jiu Ling is rescued by the skilled physician, Zhang Qing Shan. With his help and tutelage, Jiu Ling begins a new life as a physician, practicing under the name Jun Jiu Ling. Working alongside the Fang family, who took her in after her escape from the imperial city, Jiu Ling helps to unravel the schemes of the emperor that would see their family ruined. Still determined to avenge her father’s death, Jiu Ling returns to the city she once called home. Integrating with the royal families who seek her medical expertise, Jiu Ling works hard to expose the corruption that plagues the political court while simultaneously winning the hearts of the people. As she does so, she finds her path often crossing with three powerful men: the son of a duke, Chen Zhu Zan (Jin Han); the nobleman, Ning Yun Zhao (Wang You Shuo); and her ex-husband, Lu Yun Qi.

Just as her quest for justice takes her down an unexpected road, Jiu Ling finds her heart pulling her in three very different and unexpected directions. Will she be able to find the path she’s destined to take when so many obstacles now stand in her way?

Adapted from the web novel of the same name, by Xi Xing, “Jun Jiu Ling” is a 2021 historical romance drama directed by Xie Ze.

Jun Jiu Ling

♡♥ Unraveling a Heart Team ♥♡

KBS02

Ra On will do anything for money. Disguised as a man, she earns money by consulting and giving pieces of advice on love and dating. One day, one of her customers comes up to her with a pale face. It turns out that a lady who Ra On has been ghostwriting for the customer wants to meet a sender of love letters. She feels reluctant at first, but she'd do anything for money, so she decides to pretend to be her customer. However, instead of a pretty lady, Yeong, the handsome-looking man, comes to meet her. Yeong is the last hope of falling Joseon and the crown prince. The unpredictable romance between Ra On and Yeong unfolds at the royal palace.

Love in the Moonlight

The Moonlight Lovers

Tencent Video

&nbsp;The year is 626 C.E, and the realm, and its political center Chang’an, are shaken to its core by the Xuanwu Gate Incident, a successful palace coup to take charge of the Tang Dynasty.

A scheming prince leads the bloody coup, and kills the family of Li Chang Ge (Dilraba Dilmurat) during the raid, although she manages to escape.

Now the prince has placed himself on the Imperial throne, and rules as the Emperor Tai Zong.

Li Chang Ge has her mind firmly set on revenge – and musters a powerful army intent on overthrowing the new Emperor.

But her plans are thrown into disarray when she suffers an unexpected defeat against the armies of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate. The victorious General, Ashi Na Sun (Leo Wu), decides to keep her in his service, making her his military strategist as he looks to pursue his own military goals.

The duo forms a formidable military partnership. And over time, she finds herself falling for her captor – as he also starts developing feelings for her.

But what will become of Li Chang Ge’s quest for vengeance as she continues to serve at the General’s side?

This drama was based on a popular manhua by artist Xia Da.

“The Long Ballad” is a 2021 Chinese drama series that was directed by Zhu Rui Bin.

The Long Ballad

The Ode to Love Team

Youku, Mango TV

Growing up as the daughter of a performer, Xiao Wan Zi (Li Geng Xi) spent her entire life on the streets. Always cheerful and incredibly clever, Wan Zi had a knack for grabbing the attention of those passing by, drawing them into watch her father’s impressive performance. Though she never learned to read or write, Wan Zi never wanted for anything, as she possessed all the skills she needed to survive. But none of her street-smarts could prepare her for the encounter that would unexpectedly change her life forever.

Suddenly declared to be a princess, Wan Zi finds herself completely unprepared for the life she is now expected to live. As if trying to adjust to this new life wasn’t enough, Wan Zi soon learns that she’s expected to marry Mei San Shao (Huang Jun Jie), a man who wants nothing to do with her. Vehemently opposed to the marriage, San Shao does everything he can to push Wan Zi away, but despite his best efforts, neither can escape the inevitable marriage. Meanwhile, the king has arranged a marriage for the ninth prince’s daughter, Lu Ying Yao (Sun An Ke), but things go terribly wrong when the bandit Xiao Bao Ye (Ding Jia Wen) mistakes her as his wife.

Trapped in the most unexpected and unlikely marriages, Wan Zi, San Shao, YIng Yao, and Bao Ye all find themselves wondering what to do next. Is love even possible when your marriage starts out as a mistake?

Adapted from the novel, “Wrong Carriage, Right Groom” by Xi Juan, “Truth or Dare” is a 2021 historical romantic comedy drama directed by Wai Hong Chui.

Truth or Dare

CCTV, Tencent

During the reign of Emperor Zhe Zong of the Song Dynasty, the ebb and flow of the world was dictated by the power and prowess of great martial arts masters. As leader of a mighty clan of beggars, Qiao Feng (Tony Yang) was one such master. Viewed by many as a hero, Qiao Feng courageously defended the people of Song. But when rumors of his Khitan ancestry began to spread, the people turned on him and drove him away.

Determined to clear his name, Qiao Feng sets out to learn the truth about his past and clear his name. Along the way, he meets Duan Yu (Bai Shu), the peace-loving prince of the Dali Kingdom. As a man who abhors violence, Duan Yu has spent his entire life running from the masters who were to train him in martial arts. Despite his best efforts, fate had other plans. Now the inadvertent master of powerful martial arts techniques, Duan Yu joins Qiao Feng on his quest. Not long after, they are joined by the powerful and pure Shaolin Monk, Xu Zhu (Zhang Tian Yang), whose only wish is to bring peace to this war-torn world.

Brought together by fate, the destinies of these three great martial arts masters are soon intricately intertwined as the adventures they share begin to alter the course of history forever. But will this change bring any of them the answers they seek or will it only lead to more questions?

Adapted from the novel of the same name by Jin Yong, “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils” is a 2021 action adventure wuxia drama directed by Ringo Yu.

Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils

⚔️Martial Arts Team ⚔️

A male chef (Choi Jin Hyuk) has risen up the ranks to find a job cooking for the country’s top politicians in the South Korean presidential residences, the Blue House.

He is something of a dreamer – but one day finds himself in the body of a young queen from Korea’s past, Kim So Yong (Shin Hye Sun).

Kim So Yong’s husband is the reigning monarch, King Cheol Jong (Kim Jung Hyun). However, he is only king in name – the late King Sunjo’s Queen, Sun Won (Bae Jong Ok), has taken advantage of Cheol Jong’s better nature, and is ruling the realm in his name.

Queen Sun Won’s brother Kim Jwa Guen (Kim Tae Woo) also has designs on power.

However, Kim So Yong soon discovers that King Cheol Jong harbors secrets, and is not as gentle and meek as he seems…

“Mr. Queen” is a 2020 South Korean period drama series that was directed by Yoon Sung Sik.

Mr. Queen

The Royal Team 👑

The family of a young noble heir named Jeon Nok Du (Jang Dong Yoon) is attacked by a band of female assassins. During his pursuit of one of the members of this violent gang, Jeon Nok Du finds himself in a village that is populated entirely by widows!
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Jeon Nok Du is forced to go undercover, disguising himself as a woman in order to evade detection while he searches for clues.
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In the village, he encounters a woman named Dong Dong Ju (Kim So Hyun), who discovers his true identity. However, Dong Dong Ju is also hiding a secret – she has also run away from home.
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Dong Dong Ju is fleeing from an ill-fated gisaeng (courtesan) apprenticeship. Although she is very adept at practical tasks, she is hopeless at singing, dancing, and the other artistic skills required of the gisaeng.
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Will the unlikely duo succeed in keeping each others’ identities a secret? And what will happen when they begin developing romantic feelings for one another?
This drama was based on a web-based comic series named Nok Du Jeon, by author Hye Jin Yang. The series ran from 2014 to 2018.

“The Tale of Nokdu”, also known as Joseon Rom-com: Mung Bean Chronicles, is a 2019 kdrama series directed by Kim Dong Hwi.

The Tale of Nokdu

💞Lovers Secrets Joseon's Team

Under the rule of King Gwang Hae, widows of the Joseon Dynasty were often stolen in the night and forced to marry their kidnapper, against their will. This practice, known as bossam, was a customary practice employed by those wishing to easily gain a wife and there were those, like Ba Woo (Jung Il Woo) who made their living, stealing these widows for other men.&nbsp;

Framed for a crime he didn’t commit, Ba Woo was forced into hiding at a very young age. Barely escaping with his life, he was forced into hiding. Growing up in abject poverty Ba Woo got by as best he could. Now a scoundrel and a degenerate, with a nasty gambling habit and a penchant for picking fights, Ba Woo wasn’t the marrying type himself; but he had no qualms about stealing widows for other men. Often hired for bossam, Ba Woo never had any troubles stealing a wife, at least not until the day he accidentally kidnapped the widowed princess, Soo Kyung (Kwon Yuri).&nbsp;

Now stuck with the daughter-in-law of his sworn enemy, Ba Woo finds his life taking an unexpected and increasingly complicated turn. Will he be able to free himself of Soo Kyung and return to his old life, or will the presence of a princess lead him down a different path?

A tale of mistaken identities and unexpected love, “Bossam: Steal the Fate” is a 2021 historical romance drama directed by Kwon Seok Jang.

Bossam - Steal the Fate

Destiny Thieves

The kingdom of Joseon is plagued by disorder, with violent political uprisings breaking out, and a power struggle surrounding the ruthless King Lee Hun (Yeo Jin Goo).

To avoid assassination attempts on the king's life, a clown named Ha Sun (Yeo Jin Goo), who happens to look exactly like the king, is brought to the palace to act as his double. As Ha Sun takes the throne and tricks the court into believing he truly is the king, he begins to fall for the beautiful Queen Yoo So Woon (Lee Se Young).

This series is an adaptation of the movie “Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King” (also known as “Masquerade”), starring Lee Byung Hun and Han Hyo Joo.

“The Crowned Clown” is a 2019 Korean drama series directed by Kim Hee Won.

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