These are the most enjoyable historical romantic dramas from 2019 to 2023.
2019 – The Crowned Clown
“The Crowned Clown” is the drama adaptation of the 2012 movie “Masquerade,” taking place in the turbulent years of the mid-Joseon era. The series surrounds Ha Sun (Yeo Jin Goo), a clown brought into the palace to replace King Lee Hun, his doppelganger who is the target of an assassination.
Ha Sun’s life takes a turn for better and worse. By becoming the king, Ha Sun gets to meet and falls in love with Yoo So Woon (Lee Se Young).
2020 – Mr. Queen
“Mr. Queen” stars Kim Jung Hyun and Shin Hye Sun in a story about Jang Bong Hwan (Choi Jin Hyuk), a talented chef who was picked to make meals for top politicians. After an accident, he finds himself in the body of Kim So Yong, wife of King Cheol Jong.
Cheol Jong is a figurehead who does not hold true power in his hands. However, he is determined to take back what is his. Kim So Yong understands what Cheol Jong is scheming and gradually earns his love.
“Mr. Queen” boasts a high level of creativity and comedy, keeping viewers glued to the screen with each episode. While political schemes in the drama may come off as predictable, it allows more room for romance to develop.
2021 – The Red Sleeve
“The Red Sleeve”, which stars Lee Jun Ho and Lee Se Young, is a tragic love story about the crowned prince Yi San and a court lady in the royal palace Sung Deok Im. Deok Im yearns for freedom and life outside the palace but chooses to stay after she falls in love with Yi San.
“The Red Sleeve” boasts a high-quality script, great acting performances from the lead actors, and stunning cinematography.
Lee Jun Ho won “Best Actor” at the 2022 “Baeksang Arts Awards,” while Lee Se Young got nominated for “Best Actress” at the same award show.
2022 – Alchemy of Souls
“Alchemy of Souls” takes place in the fictional country of Daeho, a land of magic and powerful mages. Naksu is a famous warrior who gets stuck in a body of a fragile and blind servant after performing a forbidden spell called “alchemy of souls.”
Later, she becomes a servant to Jang Uk, who knows about Naksu’s bravery and hopes she can help him. They develop feelings for each other. Yet, the road to happiness is filled with nothing but malicious schemes, pain, and hardship.
At the time it first aired, “Alchemy of Souls” was a sensation. The series boasted a compelling plot, satisfying CGI, and wonderful acting performances from Jung So Min and Lee Jae Wook.
Season 2 went through a rough patch at first, when Go Yoon Jung replaced Jung So Min as the female lead. Nonetheless, the 27-year-old actress regained the audience’s trust and brought an excellent acting performance.
2023 – The Secret Romantic Guesthouse
2023 welcomed a lot of highly anticipated historical romantic dramas such as “Our Blooming Youth,” “The Forbidden Marriage,” or “Joseon Attorney: A Morality”; nevertheless, none of them achieved desirable success.
On the contrary, “The Secret Romantic Guesthouse” starring Shin Ye Eun got more praise than it could ask for. It tells the story of Yoon Dan Oh, a daughter of a noble family who has to run a guest house after a family crisis.
Dan Oh meets three special boarders, who bring joy and laughter to the guest house with their appearances. However, she is forced to give up the place to pay her father’s debt.
Yoon Dan Oh has to ask for financial help from Jang Tae Hwa. To return the favor, she promises to look for the missing prince. However, she does not know that decision will take her life down a different path.
“The Secret Romantic Guesthouse” is a perfect balance between suspense and romance. Outstanding acting chops help bring to life interesting characters in a compelling story that entices audiences.
Source: k14
