Mature Korean Historical Dramas
More and more it seems like the majority of the historical Korean dramas that get made every year are very light romances with perhaps a hint of seriousness. Even the heavier, grim dramas (My Dearest) center entirely around romances. I'm desperate for the bigger, meatier, more political or suspenseful tales. Dramas that center around stories of a more mature or complex nature; dramas in which the limited romance featured is as far removed from high school shenanigans as humanly possible; dramas in which the stakes are much higher than obtaining a lover.
I don't love romance. But I appreciate its presence when it's mature, not the primary plot, and not portrayed like the world spins around whether or not Suzy Q. Maiden gets the guy.
I'm open to suggestions.
This list is mostly meant as a checklist for myself. I haven't seen all these, though I intend to. I could be wrong about a few, who knows.
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1. My Country: The New Age
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
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2. The Crowned Clown
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
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3. Bloody Heart
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
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4. Kingdom
Korean Drama - 2019, 6 episodes
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5. Kingdom Season 2
Korean Drama - 2020, 6 episodes
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6. Haechi
Korean Drama - 2019, 48 episodes
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7. Gunman in Joseon
Korean Drama - 2014, 22 episodes
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8. Korea-Khitan War
Korean Drama - 2023, 32 episodes
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9. The Nokdu Flower
Korean Drama - 2019, 48 episodes
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10. Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People
Korean Drama - 2017, 30 episodes
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11. Six Flying Dragons
Korean Drama - 2015, 50 episodes