Korean sageuk or royal drama are very interesting, with many of the latest and most popular recommendations making it difficult for viewers to move on. Usually, Korean dramas with a royal theme revolve around the struggle for the throne and power, but they also include romance and comedy genres.
There is even hope for a second sequel to the royal-themed drama so that we can find out how the story continues. For fans of saeguk, here are some recommendations for the best and most popular Korean royal dramas.
List of the Latest Korean Sageuk Drama
1. Queen Woo
| Genre: | Kingdom, family, rivalry |
| Release date: | August 29 – September 12, 2024 |
| Number of episodes: | 8 |
| Cast: | Jun Jong-Seo, Kim Moo-Yul, Ji Chang-Wook |
| Streaming Platform: | TVING |
The Korean drama Queen Woo tells the story of political intrigue in the Kingdom of Goguryeo after the death of the King of Goguryeo. Queen Woo Hui, an intelligent and strong woman, faces crisis and tension in the palace due to a power struggle. She becomes the target of the ambitions of the prince and five influential clans, and is determined to protect her family and clan by implementing levirate marriage, a controversial ancient tradition.
Woo Hui plans to marry her late husband’s younger brother to elevate him as the new king, despite facing high risks from opposition and the complexities of palace politics. Every step Woo Hui takes is carefully calculated, testing her intelligence and resilience as a leader.
In the Korean drama Queen Woo, Woo Hui has 24 hours to carry out her plan, negotiate, and engage in diplomacy for the sake of maintaining power and stability in the kingdom. This thrilling story depicts politics, power, and the resilience of a woman in the feudal era.
2. Captivating The King
| Genre: | Kingdom, thriller, rivalry |
| Release date: | January 21 – March 3, 2024 |
| Number of episodes: | 16 |
| Cast: | Cho Jung-Seok, Shin Se-Kyung |
| Streaming Platform: | tvN |
Captivating The King tells the story of the love affair between King Lee In (Jo Jung Suk) and a spy named Kang Hee Soo (Shin Se Kyung) who disguises herself as a man to seek revenge.
Their story began the day before Lee In became king. While still a prince, Lee In was willing to be taken prisoner by the Qing Dynasty in order to protect his brother, King Lee Sun (Choi Dae Hoon). However, the king considered Lee In’s actions treasonous and hated him, while Prince Lee In felt such deep sadness that he was eventually crowned king.
3. Missing Crown Prince
| Genre: | Kingdom, comedy, struggle |
| Release date: | April 14 – June 16 |
| Number of episodes: | 20 |
| Cast: | Suho, Hong Ye-Ji |
| Streaming Platform: | MBN |
The Korean sageuk drama Missing Crown Prince is a Joseon-era romantic comedy that tells the story of the Crown Prince who is kidnapped by his future in-laws, turning his orderly life into an unexpected adventure.
A crown prince tries to return to the palace while avoiding pursuit by guards. Amidst the chaos, an unexpected romance blossoms between the crown prince and one of the kidnappers’ family members as they hide from the guards.
On the run, they got to know each other better and discovered the love that was growing between them. Although awkward at first, they eventually found comfort and happiness amid the chaos.
4. Love Song For Illusion
| Genre: | Kingdom, melodrama, romance |
| Release date: | January 2 – February 27, 2024 |
| Number of episodes: | 16 |
| Cast: | Park Ji-Hoon, Hong Ye-J |
| Streaming Platform: | KBS |
The korean sageuk drama Love Song for Illusion focuses on Sajo Hyun, the crown prince of the Joseon era, who has two personalities. One of his personalities, Ak Hee, is a hired assassin who appears when Sajo Hyun experiences stress or trauma.
Two men with different personalities fall in love with Yeon Wol, a woman with a complicated past as a hired assassin and concubine in the palace, who harbors a hidden secret. Their love is fraught with conflict and risk, as Yeon Wol is torn between her feelings for Sajo Hyun and her attraction to Ak Hee.
5. Knight Flower
| Genre: | Action, royal, comedy |
| Release date: | January 12 – February 17, 2024 |
| Number of episodes: | 12 |
| Cast: | Lee Ha-Nee, Lee Jong-Won |
| Streaming Platform: | MBC |
Knight Flower tells the story of Jo Yeo-hwa (Honey Lee), who leads a double life. During the day, she plays the role of an obedient daughter-in-law and tries to make her mother-in-law, Yoo Geum-ok (Kim Mi-kyung), happy.
Yeo-hwa transforms into a Robin Hood-like figure at night, helping people in need and punishing the powerful and wealthy who cause problems. Yeo-hwa wears all black when in action, making it difficult for people to recognize her, and many assume she is a man.
6. Goryeo Khitan War
| Genre: | Kingdom, thriller, melodrama |
| Release date: | November 11, 2023 – March 10, 2024 |
| Number of episodes: | 32 |
| Cast: | Kim Dong-Joon, Ji Seung-Hyun, Choi Soo-Jong |
| Streaming Platform: | KBS |
The Goryeo-Khitan War features Kim Dong Jun as King Hyeonjong, who attempts to unite the Goryeo Dynasty in Korea to defeat the Liao Dynasty led by the Khitan.
King Hyeonjong, who was crowned emperor at a young age, was the eighth ruler of Goryeo and played an important role in the establishment of the dynasty. He was known for his tolerant nature and charismatic aura, as well as his gentle smile and eyes.
Hyeonjong became king at the age of 19, but faced difficulties due to attacks by the Khitan army. He was assisted by General Kang Gam-Chan, played by Choi Soo-Jong. The two leaders collaborated to unite the people of Goryeo and lead the war against the Khitan empire, successfully repelling the invasion and achieving victory.
7. The Forbidden Marriage
| Genre: | Kingdom, family, romance |
| Release date: | December 9, 2022 – January 21, 2024 |
| Number of episodes: | 12 |
| Cast: | Park Ju-Hyun, Kim Young-Dae |
| Streaming Platform: | MBC |
The Forbidden Marriage is a Korean sageuk drama that explores the theme of forbidden marriage during the Joseon Dynasty. The drama stars Park Ju Hyun, Kim Young Dae, and Kim Woo Seok.
The story begins with King Lee Heon (Kim Young Dae) still mourning the death of his wife, the late queen, when he was still the crown prince. The kingdom tried to find a match for the king, but always failed, so the government forbade its people from marrying until the king was married, which greatly shocked the people.
8. Moonshine
| Genre: | Kingdom, comedy, romance |
| Release date: | December 20, 2021 – February 22, 2022 |
| Number of episodes: | 16 |
| Cast: | Yoo Seung-Ho, Hyeri, Byeon Woo-Seok, Kang Mi-Na |
| Streaming Platform: | KBS |
Moonshine is a Korean sageuk drama set during the Joseon Dynasty, which tells the story of a risky love affair between an inspector and a woman. Nam Young (Yoo Seung-ho) is a Saheonbu officer responsible for handling cases involving the illegal production of alcohol or liquor.
Nam Young, who was born in a remote area, came to Hanyang in search of success. Kang Ro-seo then dared to make alcohol illegally amid tightening regulations.
9. Under The Queen’s Umbrella
| Genre: | |
| Release date: | October 15 – December 4, 2022 |
| Number of episodes: | 16 |
| Cast: | Kim Hye-Soo, Kim Hae-Sook, Choi Won-Young, Bae In-Hyuk |
| Streaming Platform: | tvN |
Under the Queen’s Umbrella tells the story of Queen Im Hwa-ryeong (Kim Hye-soo) who struggles to protect her immediate and extended family. She is the wife of King Lee Ho (Choi Won-young) and the mother of five children: the Crown Prince (Bae In-hyuk) and four Grand Princes, namely Seongnam (Moon Sang-min), Muan (Yoon Sang-hyeon), Gyeseong (Yoo Seon-ho), and Ilyoung (Park Ha-joon).
The Crown Prince is the heir apparent who seems perfect in terms of education and family, but he suffers from a serious illness that threatens his position. His young son is also doubtful to become the heir.
Queen Hwa-ryeong’s four younger brothers had no intention of becoming the heir to the throne, each having their own priorities and secrets. This prompted Queen Hwa-ryeong to work hard to ensure that one of her children would become the heir.
10. Bloody Heart
| Genre: | Melodrama, royal, action |
| Release date: | May 2 – June 21, 2022 |
| Number of episodes: | 16 |
| Cast: | Lee Joon, Kang Han-Na, Jang Hyuk |
| Streaming Platform: | KBS |
The historical drama Bloody Heart tells the story of a power struggle in the Joseon dynasty, led by Lee Tae (Lee Joon), who became king after succeeding his father. Lee Tae’s father seized the throne by overthrowing the previous king with the help of Park Gye-won (Jang Hyuk).
Lee Tae is a king who is willing to do anything to achieve his desires and establish an absolute monarchy for his own survival. He believes that any means he uses to achieve this goal are justified, including illegal or dishonest actions.
Lee Tae runs the kingdom with the help of Park Gye-Won, a powerful prime minister who dares to oppose the king. Lee Tae is married to Yoo Jung, a free-spirited and progressive noblewoman. He often acts coldly because he is in love with another woman, but he was forced to marry Yoo Jung in order to maintain his throne.
11. The Scandal of Chun Hwa
| Genre: | Kingdom, comedy, romance |
| Release date: | February 6 – March 6, 2025 |
| Number of episodes: | 10 |
| Cast: | Go Ara, Chang Ryul |
| Streaming Platform: | TVING |
The historical drama The Scandal of Chun Hwa is set in a fictional country called Dongbangguk. This historical romance drama follows the story of Princess Hwa Ri. After her heart is broken, she is determined to choose her own husband, which causes chaos in the palace. Princess Hwa Ri is caught in a dilemma between two men: Choi Hwan, a notorious playboy, and Jang Won, the most sought-after bachelor in town.
Princess Hwa Ri, who grew up surrounded by the king’s love and affection, has a free spirit and a curious mind. These traits influence her views on love and marriage, leading her to boldly choose her own husband.
Hwa Ri shocked the royal palace by revealing her intention to date freely before choosing a partner, causing chaos throughout the city. Choi Hwan, a wealthy and famous playboy, competes for Princess Hwa Ri’s heart. With his charming personality, he attracts the attention of many women. The question is, can he win the princess’s heart?
12. Jewel in the Palace
| Genre: | Kingdom, struggle, romance |
| Release date: | September 15, 2023 – March 23, 2024 |
| Number of episodes: | 55 |
| Cast: | Lee Young-Ae, Ji Jin-Hee, Hong Ri-Na |
| Streaming Platform: | MBC |
Jewel in the Palace, also known as Dae Jang Geum, is a drama that tells the life story of a legendary Korean woman who played an important role in history as a symbol of women’s emancipation.
This drama tells the inspiring story of Jang Geum, who despite coming from a humble background, struggles and faces various challenges and obstacles in her life.
Starting out as a cook in the palace, he then pursued a career as a royal physician. In fact, he rose to the position of personal physician to the king. This story highlights his career journey, courage, perseverance, and extraordinary achievements.
13. Gu Family Book
| Genre: | Kingdom, action, mystery |
| Release date: | April 8 – June 25, 2013 |
| Number of episodes: | 24 |
| Cast: | Lee Seung-Gi, Bae Suzy |
| Streaming Platform: | MBC |
The story revolves around Choi Kang-Chi (Lee Seung-Gi), a famous and legendary gumiho. He possesses duality, being half-human and half-animal. His life is filled with struggles as he strives to balance his existence as a human.
Meanwhile, Seo-Hwa (Lee Yeon-Hee), a princess from a noble family, tragically witnesses her father, Jo Gwan-Woong (Lee Sung-Jae), being branded a rebel and beheaded in front of her.
After that incident, Seo-Hwa and her younger sister, Jung-Yoon (Lee Da-Wit), were sent to a gisaeng house. However, she refused to follow in their footsteps and become a gisaeng or enter the house. Her desire for freedom led to her being tied to a tree for three days until she finally fainted.
Those are some of the latest Korean sageuk drama that you may not have seen yet and could be recommendations for your next viewing with friends!
