enapeters writes:
Hi, kfangurl, thanks for your amazing and detailed drama reviews.
I’m currently watching Mr. Sunshine, and although I’m not loving the OTP, I have enjoyed learning about the time period in Korean history when the show is set. I’ve learned so much about Korean, Japanese, and U.S. relations at the time, and it’s fascinating!
Similarly, when I watched Crash Landing on You, I loved seeing the different perspective of North Korea so much that I started getting really emotional thinking about the separation between North and South Korea.
I was wondering, what dramas have you seen or recommend where you felt like you were getting a new or better understanding of history or culture?
I’m ready to learn some history, your highness! 🤩😅
Dear enapeters,
Thanks for the interesting question!
Because of the creative license that dramas take when telling their stories, it’s safe to say that whatever cultural or history lessons we take away from kdramas ought to be processed with a grain of salt.
At the same time, it is also true that these dramas give us glimpses into culture and history that we might not otherwise get. I know I personally found the glimpse into North Korean life in Crash Landing On You very interesting, just like you did!
I tried my best to put together some titles that would offer you some options in terms of the various aspects of history and culture that you might be interested in, but I’m also acutely aware that there are a ton of dramas that I haven’t yet seen.
If you guys have more titles to add to the list, feel free to let us know in the comments!
A SAMPLING OF KDRAMAS WHICH OFFER GLIMPSES INTO CULTURE &/OR HISTORY
Reminder & caveat: ALL of these dramas use dramatic license to spice up their stories, so use your discretion to sift out the cultural & historical nuggets, among the narrative thrills. 😉
As One [Movie]
A cinematic retelling of the first ever post-war Unified Korea sports team which won the women’s team gold medal at the 1991 World Table Tennis Championships in Chiba, Japan.
Update: Flash Review is here!
Bridal Mask [Gaksital]
An interesting look at the 1930s Japanese colonial era in Korea, via the story of a Robin Hood-like figure.
Review is here.
Chicago Typewriter
A look at resistance fighters during the 1930s Japanese occupation of Korea, via a fantasy story set-up.
Flash Review is here.
Crash Landing On You
As already mentioned, an intriguing glimpse into what life is like for regular folk in North Korea.
Review is here.
Family Honor
Because one of the two main families in this story is very traditional in its ways, a nice amount of traditional Korean customs and culture is showcased in the course of our story.
Fermentation Family [Kimchi Family]
A lot of careful food preparation is showcased in this story, including (but not limited to) the art of kimchi making, and the many varieties of kimchi that exist, aside from the usual cabbage and radish ones that we see in dramas.
Review is here.
Girls’ Generation 1979 [Lingerie Girls’ Generation]
A glimpse at what Korea was like for regular folks in the 1970s, when martial law was in force.
Flash Review is here.
Jewel In The Palace
I haven’t finished this one myself, but it is an icon of a kdrama, with extensive scenes of intricate food preparation in the palace for the first half, and then an interesting look at the use of traditional herbs in healing, for the second half.
Kang Deoksun’s Love History [Drama Special]
Our story is set in 1926, when resistance fighters are dedicating their lives to fight for independence for their country.
Flash Review is here.
Life On Mars
A look at 1988 Korea, via a fantasy story set-up. This is after Korea’s return to democracy.
Flash Review is here.
Modern Girl [Drama Special]
A look at what life is like in the 1920s, for both the regular folk and the so-called nobles, as things like modern ideas of education come into trend.
Flash Review is here.
Mr. Sunshine
A story set in the early 1900s, that features activists fighting for Korea’s independence.
Queen Seondeok
Queen Seondeok reigned as Queen Regnant of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, from 632 to 647. She was Silla’s 27th ruler, and its first reigning queen. This series is a dramatization of her reign.
Reply 1988
A heartwarming look at what life was like for regular folks in 1988, in all its retro glory. Key events, like Korea hosting the Olympics, get featured as part of our characters’ lives.
Review is here.
Reply 1994
A heartwarming look at what life was like for regular folks in 1994, in all its retro glory. This period is significant because Kim Young Sam, the president at the time, was Korea’s first freely elected civilian president.
Review is here.
Reply 1997
A heartwarming look at what life was like for regular folks in 1997, in all its retro glory. This was after Korea was admitted to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Review is here.
Sado [The Throne] [Movie]
Based on the true story of Crown Prince Sado, the heir to the throne who was deemed unfit to rule, and at age 27, was condemned to death by being locked in a rice chest, by his own father, King Yeongjo.
Flash Review is here.
Six Flying Dragons
A dramatization of the foundation of the Joseon dynasty in Korea.
The King’s Letters [Movie]
A cinematic retelling of the story of how King Sejong worked to create the Korean alphabet, Hangul, as a reading and writing system that would be accessible to everyone.
The Red Teacher [Drama Special]
A story set in 1985 Korea, where, even though martial law has ended, the government continues to act strongly to prevent dissent.
Flash Review is here.
Tree With Deep Roots
A dramatization of how King Sejong created the Korean alphabet, Hangul, as a reading and writing system that would be accessible to everyone.
Youth Of May
A look at the Gwangju Uprising, which happened in May 1980, via the various stories of our main characters.
Review is here.
IN CLOSING
I hope that this list gives you some ideas of what shows you’d like to check out, as you explore Korea’s history and culture!
Like I said earlier, if you have other titles to add, or if you’d like to elaborate on any of the titles I’ve mentioned, or if you know where to watch some of the rarer titles, feel free to share in the comments!
Thanks, you guys.
Smooches. ❤️
~kfangurl
Yes, we are studying.. 😉
POST-SCRIPT:
1. If you feel that I missed anything, or if you have your own insights that you’d like to share with the rest of us, do tell us about it in the comments!
2. Do you have a question of your own? Drop me a comment here or on the Dear kfangurl page, or send me an email!