Are you a fan of historical drama? Last year only 4 historical dramas were released: “Kingdom 2”, “King Maker: The Change of Destiny”, “Mr. Queen”, and “Royal Secret Agent”. But 2021 has plenty of historical dramas for you. Have a look at the historical K-Dramas of 2021 below. Web dramas are not included in this list but note that two BL web dramas “Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding” and “Tinted With You” are historical dramas as well. This is not a ranking. Dramas starting in 2021 are included in this list.
1. “Lovers of the Red Sky”
When: From August 30 Cast: Ahn HyoSeop, Kim YooJung, Gong Myung, Kwak SiYang Summary: It tells the mysterious and beautiful story of the only female painter of the Joseon Dynasty who solves terrible fate after entering the palace. Why watch?: It sounds like a must-see historical fantasy romance. SBS has solid historical dramas and the story was written by Jung EunKweol who previously wrote the famous novels (adapted into drama) “SungKyunKwan Scandal” and “The Moon that Embraces the Sun” (“Hong ChunGi” is based on her book). For more about the drama, you can check our cast and summary here.
2. “River Where The Moon Rises”
When: From Feb. 15 on KBS and Viu Cast: Kim SoHyun, Na InWoo, Lee JiHoon, Choi YuHwa Summary: It tells the love story of PyeongGang who uses OnDal’s feelings to become an empress and of OnDal who made foolish sacrifices. Why watch?: You can expect perfect acting and amazing chemistry between the leads. Looking at the teasers and the still cuts, the drama promises a lot of action and beautiful scenes and of course a romantic plot (with most likely some tears)! For more about the drama, you can check our cast and summary here.
3. “Joseon Exorcist” - canceled
Update Mar. 26: SBS canceled the broadcast because of the controversy over history distortion (after the airing of its first two episodes). When: From Mar. 22 on SBS Cast: Jang DongYoon, Park SungHoon, Kam WooSung Summary: The Korean-style exorcism fantasy of the people who fight to protect the people against the evil spirits that use human desires to devour Joseon. Why watch?: This drama will make our adrenaline goes up. Looking at the teaser, the production team has spent a lot of effort to make this historical action fantasy a must-watch. Note that if you are scared of zombies, you might pass this one. For more about the drama, you can check our cast and summary here.
4. “The Red Sleeve”
When: November 12 on MBC Cast: 2PM’s JunHo, Lee SeYoung Summary: A record of a mournful court romance between a court lady who wanted to protect the life she had chosen and a king who put the country ahead of love. Why watch?: It seems like the must-watch love story between a court lady and a king who is torn between his heart and power. JunHo and Lee SeYoung are both talented actors that connect with the audience. For more about the drama, you can check our cast and summary here.
5. “Bossam: Steal the Fate”
When: From May 1 on MBN Cast: Jung IlWoo, Kwon YuRi Summary: The man who lives of kidnapping widow for remarriage (named Bosssam in Joseon) life is turned upside down when he kidnapped a princess by mistake. Why watch?: Jung IlWoo is an expert in historical dramas and there is no doubt that this time too his acting will be perfect. Moreover, the subject of Bossam and the widow’s lives in Joseon seems quite interesting. For more about the drama, you can check our cast and summary here.
6. “The King’s Affection”
When: From October 11 on KBS Cast: Park EunBin, SF9’s RoWoon, Nam YoonSu Summary: It is the secret court romance drama of a woman who was abandoned because she was born as a girl. When her twin brother died, she was asked to pretend to be him: the crown prince. Why watch?: From the cast filled with the young and popular cast to the intriguing story, “The King’s Affection” deserve to have a place in everyone’s watchlist. From the first release, the drama seems romantic and beautiful. For more about the drama, you can check our cast and summary here.
7. “Royal Secret Inspector Joy”
When: November 8 on tvN Cast: 2PM’s Ok TaecYeon, Kim HyeYoon Summary: It tells the investigation adventures of a sloppy Secret Royal Agent (working in secret to find the corruption of officials) and of a passionate ladywho are working together. Why watch?: It seems like a comical and feel-good drama to watch this winter. We can’t wait to see TaecYeon and Kim HyeYoon duo in this hilarious drama. For more about the drama, you can check our cast and summary here.
8. “Moonshine”
When: December 20 on KBS Cast: Yoo SeungHo, HyeRi, Byeon WooSeok, Kang MiNa Summary: It tells the romance of a strict inspector who arrests alcohol smugglers and a smuggling lady who wants to change her life by brewing liquors when alcohol was prohibited the strongest in Joseon. Why watch?: Yoo SeungHo in a historical drama is already a must-watch. Paired with HyeRi, the drama will most likely be funny to watch. Byeon WooSeok and Kang MiNa are also actors to look forward to. For more about the drama, you can check our cast and summary here.
9. “Kingdom: Ashin of the North”
When: From July 23 on Netflix Cast: Jun JiHyun, Park ByungEun Summary: “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” is a sequel from Kingdom season two and a backstory about the mysterious character Lee Chang’s group encountered on their journey north to discover the origins of the infected. (Official Netflix) Why watch?: Season one and two of “Kingdom” have received love all across the globe. The expectations for the new sequel can only be higher as the top Hallyu actress Jun JiHyun is starring in her first drama since “Legend of the Blue Sea” (2016) (note that she is also acting in the drama “Cliffhanger” in 2021). Fans are eagerly waiting.
10. “The King of Tears Lee BangWon”
When: From Dec. 11 on KBS Cast: Joo SangWook, Kim YoungChul, Park JinHee, Ye JiWon Summary: This drama sheds new light on the leader Lee BangWon who took the lead in the founding of Joseon more than anyone else when the old order of Goryeo was destroyed and the new order of Joseon was created. Why watch?: KBS is back with its historical drama series and many have been waiting! “The King of Tears Lee BangWon” is 32 episodes drama about one of the most exciting times of Korean history and one of the key leaders in the founding of Joseon (following Goryeo). Stay updated with the 2022 releases below: 4 Historical K-Dramas Of 2022 KDRAMA STORIES|Apr 5, 2022 4 Historical K-Dramas Of 2020 KDRAMA STORIES|Dec 10, 2020 17 Best Romance Historical K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2022 Update) KDRAMA STORIES|Dec 14, 2022 Thank you!!!
