30 historical Korean and Chinese TV series worth watching: part 2

As soon as you get to China, Korea, or Japan, you can feel at home if you are a fan of historical gifts. These fascinating series show not only the life and customs of past eras, but also modern traditions and customs. The creators of the dramas boldly take their compatriots from the 21st century to the ancient times, where they are forced to adapt, fall in love and live a life full of adventures. Viewers also empathize with the characters and immerse themselves in an attractive bygone era, as well as learn a lot about the culture of Asian countries.

Secret of the Three Kingdoms (2018)

Secret of the Three Kingdoms (2018)
Image credit: Themoviedb

Genre: Drama, History
Cast: Jianci Tan, Regina Wan, Tianyu Ma, Dongjun Han, Xuan Dong, Meng Wang, Jie Dong…

Country: China
Rating: IMDb – 8.3


The list of the best historical dramas has been expanded by a fascinating series about the complex era of ancient China, when a fierce confrontation unfolded on its territory. Three states fought for power, and after the death of the supreme ruler of the Han Dynasty, the power was threatened. A great discovery by his subjects-the twin brother of the deceased sovereign-helped to avert a crisis and convince him to take his place on the throne. Liu Ping went to the palace with his loyal friend, but later their intentions diverged, and the friendship was threatened.

Mr. Sunshine (2018)

Mr. Sunshine (2018)
Image credit: Jisun Park / Netflix

Genre: Action, Drama, Romance, War
Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-Seok, Yo-Han Byun, Min-Jung Kim, Lee Jeong-eun

Country: South Korea
Rating: IMDb – 8.7


This gripping war drama captures the audience’s interest with its plot and beautiful scenery. Young Eugene Choi finds himself in the United States after the first attempted American invasion in 1871, an event known as “Sinmyang”. A decade later, he returns to his historic homeland as a Marine. In a country where tragic events are taking place, the officer falls in love with a Korean woman from a noble family, and their romantic relationship develops against the backdrop of complex events.

Hymn of Death (2018)

Hymn of Death (2018)
Image credit: Imdb

Genre: Drama, History, Music, Romance
Cast: Lee Jong-Suk, Hae Sun Shin, Sin Jae-ha, Lee Sang-Yeob, Kim Won-Hae, Ji-Hoon Lee, Oh Eui-Sik

Country: South Korea
Rating: IMDb – 7.6


An excellent historical drama that deserves the attention of all fans of Korean cinema, based on real events. It tells the story of a theater writer Kim Woo Jin, who falls in love with the famous singer Yoon Shim Dok, whose beautiful soprano captures the man’s heart. The singer records a song called “Praise of Death,” which becomes an incredibly popular hit. Turning out to be prophetic for the couple, the lyrics become a symbol of their love, which, unfortunately, is allotted too short a time.

Bloody Romance (2018)

Bloody Romance (2018)
Image credit: Imdb

Genre: Action, Fantasy, Romance
Cast: Hsueh-Fu Kuo, Duo Wang, Chuxiao Qu, Yitong Li

Country: China
Rating: IMDb – 8.0


A fascinating melodrama about the troubled times in China, when several clans fought for power, joined the top series. Each ruler sought to expand his territory and lead the whole country. The inhabitants were forced to join one of the kingdoms, and in this ruthless era, a secret organization of mercenaries emerged. These warriors eliminated anyone who valued human life. In one of these missions, they rescue a girl named Qi Xue. Sincerely wanting to repay her defenders, the heroine decides to join the secret community.

Story of Yanxi Palace (2018)

Story of Yanxi Palace (2018)
Image credit: iQiyi

Genre: Comedy, Drama, History, Romance
Cast: Jinyan Wu, Yuan Nie, Enshang Liu, Anna Fang, Charmaine Sheh, Zixin Jiang, Kai Xu

Country: China
Rating: IMDb – 8.1


The historical series about a powerful dynasty has been deservedly recognized as one of the best new dramas by viewers. The protagonist, young Wei Yinglo, goes to the imperial palace posing as a maid to uncover the mystery of her older sister’s death. Her relative died under strange circumstances, and the family believes that the emperor himself is to blame for her death. Once in the palace, Wei falls under the care of the empress, and the woman’s kind attitude towards the maid changes her fate.

The Legend of Dugu (2018)

The Legend of Dugu (2018)
Image credit: Imdb

Genre: Drama
Cast: Bingqing Hu, Danfeng Zhang, Haoming Ying, Yixiao Li, Jeremy Xu Zheng Xi, Yixin Zhao, Ady An

Country: China
Rating: IMDb – 8.3


Three daughters of an influential family become rivals in the struggle for the throne, but only one of them is to become the first empress of the Sui dynasty. The coveted title brings both glory and new challenges. The head of state must survive betrayal, the unbreakable burden of power, and suffering from the intrigues of rivals. The pleasure of victory is combined with the bitterness of defeat, but in palace life, constant struggle is impossible to do without.

Chicago Typewriter (2017)

Chicago Typewriter (2017)
Image credit: Letterboxd

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Cast: Yoo Ah-in, Lim Soo-jung, Go Kyung-Pyo, Jo Woo-jin, Kwak Si-yang, Jin-Sung Yang, Na-ra Oh

Country: South Korea
Rating: IMDb – 8.3


The exciting historical drama offers viewers a unique adventure as its plot skillfully intertwines two eras. Han Se-joo is a famous bestselling author whose books are selling at an incredible rate. Jung Seol is a universal assistant in the agency who takes on any task. Yoo Jin Oh is a talented ghost writer who secretly writes for others under their names. The main characters will have to remember their past lives and unravel what connects them in the present.

The Emperor: Owner of the Mask (2017)

The Emperor: Owner of the Mask (2017)
Image credit: Imdb

Genre: Drama, History, Romance
Cast: Yoo Seung-ho, Kim So-hyun, Hyun-soo Shin, Myung-Soo Kim, Joon-ho Huh, Cheol-min Park

Country: South Korea
Rating: IMDb – 7.3


A powerful clan assists the prince in seizing the throne, making him a puppet in their hands. Along with the inheritance, the boy dreams of freedom from their ties and the opportunity to determine the future of the country himself. The emperor, to ensure his son’s safety, hides his face under a mask, protecting the young prince from the dangerous clan he is about to face.

The King Loves (2017)

The King Loves (2017)
Image credit: Dramabeans

Genre: Drama, Romance
Cast: Si-wan Yim, Im Yoon-ah, Jong-Hyun Hong, Jang Young-Nam, Se-ha Ahn, Ji-Hyun Park

Country: South Korea
Rating: IMDb – 7.3


The popular historical Korean drama deals with the theme of a love triangle. Crown Prince Wang Won seeks recognition from his people, who consider him an unworthy half-breed. His best friend Wang Rin and the heiress of a noble family, Kore In Sang, support the king’s son in his endeavors. However, the relationship between them is tested when they discover their feelings for their mutual friend.

Long Trip to Beautiful Rivers and Mountains (2016)

Long Trip to Beautiful Rivers and Mountains (2016)
Image credit: Dramastation

Genre: History, Romance
Cast: Ruby Lin, Hong Yuan, Jiahang Li, Bo Yu, Zijun Mao, Huizi Bai, Fengyan Zong, Yuanke Wang

Country: China
Rating: IMDb – 8.0


This series received rave reviews from viewers who appreciated the touching storyline of the drama. In the Han Dynasty, a long love story unfolds between the brave Liu Xiu and the beautiful Lin Hua from a simple family. Liu Xiu is destined to become an emperor, but his high status deprives him of the opportunity to choose his beloved. He is forbidden to marry Lin Hua, and the lovers have to overcome many trials on the way to their happiness.

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