SAGEUK 101 (II): THE RECOMMENDATION
Last time, I gave a list of background information you need to keep in mind when watching a sageuk (historical drama). It was concise, straight-to-the point and informative (even if I do say so myself).
Today, I am glad to bring you 10 sageuks (yes, 10 because I am feeling very generous) to gently let you into this exciting part of what I love.
- Mr. Sunshine
The 2018 24- episode drama technically should not be termed a sageuk. Its plot is set in the period after the Joseon era before the complete Japanese occupation of Korea (between 1897–1910). Mr. sunshine tells a beautiful story of Ae-sin, a noblewoman, who does everything in her power (even those outside her powers) to prevent the Japanese invasion of her dear country, Korea (then Joseon) and her numerous encounters with the Korean born American solider, who tries his best to deny that he still has warm feelings for his motherland despite the terrible treatment he received.
To give you a heads up, it has a sad ending, a heart breaking one, but the amazing story makes you keep watching despite knowing that.
If you are in for that warm fluttery feeling with a spice of gun action, then Mr. Sunshine is just right.
2. Rebel: The thief who stole the people
The 2017 30- episode drama is my second personal favorite sageuk. I loved everything about it (except maybe the awful hairstyle the male lead had for the most part of the drama). I loved the OSTs (Original Soundtracks), the plot, the love story that took a step away from the norm, the sword action, the tears, just everything.
Set in Joseon era, it tells the story of a servant boy who becomes a “Robin Hood” stealing from the rich and corrupt and giving to the poor. Relying on his immense strength, wits and the goodwill of the people, he stands against the tyrannical King (although he didn’t do a lot of standing, half the time, he was almost beat to death).
The beauty of the story lies however, in the fact that he doesn’t die which is a good thing as most sageuks have the habit of killing of a major lead.
If vicarious sense of justice is your thing (as it is mine), then Rebel is just right.
3. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
The 2016 20- episode drama has it all. An amazing (and very pleasing to the eye) cast, beautiful OSTs, lovely costumes (hanboks) and cinematography and underneath it all a great plot with time travel, action, betrayal, politics, bromance (or a bit of it), romance and most important of all a sad ending (you saw it coming).
The drama set in Goryeo dynasty tells the ordeals of a young lady thrown back in time from the 21st century to the Goryeo era (sweet and thoughtful, right? I think not).
In a mood for a roller-coaster of emotions, your pick should be Moon Lovers.
4. 100 days my Prince
The 2018 16-episode drama puts a lighter spin on the serious note we have been on. It tells the tale of a Joseon Prince who loses his memories after an ambush attack. Mistaken for dead, he spends 100 days married to a commoner (through a royal command of his). The hilarious and “uncomfortable” 100 days he spends with her changes the course of his life forever.
If you are in for that comedy that stems from naivety, 100 days my Prince is just right.
5. Crowned Clown
The 2019 16-episode drama shows the desperate steps a loyal minister takes to save the life of the King who is about to be assassinated. Set in Joseon era, the journey of the minister leads him to a doppelganger of the King (who is a clown) who he then disguises as the King to protect the real King (a lot of Kings there). Funnily enough, the clown does a better job of being a King and husband than the real King himself.
In for comedy buried deep in politics, then Crowned Clown is just right.
6. Hwarang
The 2017 20- episode drama set in Silla dynasty tells the story of young elite men who as their name connotes “Flowering Knights” are dedicated to protecting the King. The drama follows their passion, brotherhood, friendship and hatred, joys, and fights. Alongside many other major names, the Hwarang cast includes BTS’ V who fits very well into his role until he (let me break your heart) dies.
If you would like an outpouring of bromance, Hwarang is just right.
7. When a King loves
The 2017 40- episode drama tells the story of a Goryeo Prince and his close friend. It highlights the journey of their friendship amidst palace politics and how they deal with love in such an environment.
For a close look into the sacrifices it takes to keep their relationship and friendship, When a King loves is just right.
8. Moonlight drawn by clouds
The 2016 18- episode drama set in Joseon era tells of the relationship between Prince Lee Yeong and his newly requited eunuch, who is a girl disguised as a boy to save her family. The Prince, who would rather be anywhere else than the thorn-ridden palace, begins to experience life through a new set of eyes alongside his eunuch.
A pinch of politics, tablespoon of action and lots and lots of bromance makes Moonlight drawn by clouds a drama to see.
9. The tale of Nokdu
The 2019 32- episode drama set in Joseon era tells the story of Nok-du who disguises as a woman to find the complex story of his birth and Dong-ju who in order to avenge her parents death disguises herself as a man (I guess the grass is always greener on the other side). The hilarious, yet action- packed drama follows the journey of two young but very emotionally scarred people as they have no choice but to trust each other.
With a little bit of action and a little bit of laughter, the onion-like drama reveals a new side which each episode.
10. River where the Moon rises
This heart-wrenching, painfully honest and beautifully shot drama is the newest on this list and is my personal favorite sageuk. The 2021 20-episode drama, based loosely on a true-life story, follows the struggles of Princess Pyong Gang (who is sometimes Yeom Ga-jin), a princess of Goguryeo and General On-Dal, who decides to raise his sword only for her.
The drama shows how easy it is to manipulate a jealous King to kill the people who are even on his side and it gives absolute girl-crush vibes as our princess fights to save what is hers (no damsel in distress sitting and waiting here). It also shows the varying sides of On-Dal, the innocent, almost naïve and peaceful country boy, the General who is always magnificent at war and the man whose one desire is the happiness and safety of the Princess even if it involves him leaving her side.
Despite all the drama the production of this drama had to go through, with cast changes in the middle of the drama, the drama still draws you in close and holds you tight (I recommend watching the re-filmed episodes from 1 to 6 to avoid confusion). Even when we were approaching the end, knowing it was a sad ending, as the true story of On-Dal ends a sad way, the writer saves us from an impending long period of disorientation by including a twist after the story.
If you ready for some laughter laced with tears, then River where the moon rises is just right.
With this I come to the end of this class.
THANK YOU.
