![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dangermousieInterested in checking out Korean period dramas but are put off by the length? Don't want interminable political discussions but are not averse to a bit of swordplay? Nay for hats and beards but yay for Robin Hoods and kick-ass princesses?
Then Dangermousie's Period Korean Drama Guide for Beginners is just for you.
I have a short attention span and the thought of sitting through 100 episodes is appalling. My knowledge of Korean history is that of a novice (it consists of reading "A New History of Korea" by Prof. Lee Ki-baek - an excellent book, highly recommended, but hardly enough to make one well-educated in the subject) so anything that delves too deeply into Korean politics and is impenetrable to an outsider will probably be left off this list. Beards and hats are not my style. The dramas behind the cut managed to meet those qualifiers of yours truly - if I liked them, you might too.
1. LEGEND OF HYANG DAN
Why you might like it: The two-episode Hyang-Dan (it was a 'special' drama) is probably the easiest, most painless introduction to Korean period drama you will find. Taking the famous folktale of Chunhyang and upending it on its ear, Hyang-Dan posits what would have happened if the noble scholar Mongryong fell for Chunhyang's plucky servant Hyang-Dan instead. Throw in a dash of Robin Hoodism and happy endings all-around, and you've got a delightful fun fairytale.
Why you might not: At 2 episodes, there is clearly not enough room to develop situations and characters in great depth. Chunhyang legend has been done better elsewhere (in the movie Chunhyang or, for a modern riff, Delifhgtful Girl Chunhyang drama) and so has Korean take on Robin Hood (various Iljimaes and Hong Gil Dong come to mind). Still, it's a charming, romantic bit of fluff.
2. DAMO
Why you might like it: The story revolves around a female police tea servant who also doubles as an investigator. At one time, the Damo was a pampered daughter of nobility until her father was executed and she was separated from her older brother and sold into slavery. She became a personal servant of now-Police Commander, an outcast himself due to his uncertain social status (his father was a noble and his mother a slave). More like brother and sister than servant and master, and both rather broken, the Damo and Commander share a complicated, fraught relationship. And then enter the charismatic rebel leader - the Damo infiltrates his group but finds herself drawn to the freedom and escape he represents. At 14 episodes, this drama is pretty darn short but it packs an incredible emotional punch - an unfixable love triangle, an amazing complex heroine tougher than any guy, some politics (not too complex) and the gorgeous feel all add to a drama that went on my favorites list.
Why you might not: It does go into politics a bit much for me sometimes. Also, if you are looking for a chirpy drama, stay away.
3. TAMRA THE ISLAND
Why you might like it: Set in the tropical paradise of Tamra (now Jeju), this story revolves around three fish-out-of-water: William, a blond English castaway, Beo Jin, unsuited to be a diver but doomed to it because her mother was one before her, and Park Kyu, an exiled Seoul noble. There is comedy, there is intrigue, there are pirates and duels and the best love triangle I've seen in a really long time. A delight from beginning to end, the length is eminently doable - either the 16-ep broadcast version or a 21-ep director's cut (restoring what the station made them cut due to poor ratings).
Why you might not: If you are the person who complained about Pirates of the Caribbean not being an accurate take on 18th-century piracy, this is not the drama for you. It's lighthearted and somewhat anachronistic, at many an instance. The first few eps even have potty humor *gasp* before it settles down to the usual kdrama business of suffering, torture, and wounds.
4. HONG GIL DONG
Why you might like it: Korean take on Robin Hood, this deliberately anachronistic drama is in my top 10 dramas of all time - starting out slapstick and descending into tragedy (and making sense every step along the way), this has a rousing adventure story, a hopeless fight against institutionalized unbeatable injustice, a lovely love story, dysfunctional families, and some amazing laughs and more than one moment where I bawled. Gil Dong starts the drama as a reluctant hero - uninspired, uninterested, uncaring - to see him grow into a hard-as-nails idealist is really something to watch. All that in 24 eps.
Why you might not: Slapstick and deliberate anachronisms - there is English, sunglasses and modern music. It was fine with me but might not be so with you.
5. ILJIMAE
Why you might like it: It must be Robin Hood season. Iljimae is a son of an executed noble, losing his memory and brought up as a peasant. A put-upon weakling, he discovers his heritage and his spine and begins his fight for justice and revenge. It's a gorgeously shot drama and reminds me a lot of those adventure serials or maybe old 1930s movies. It's not deep but it's fun. There is a love story thrown in, of course. 24 eps.
Why you might not: The ending is somewhat open and, if you are like me, you might be more interested in what happens to Shi Ho (Iljimae's half-brother, with whom they were switched). But if that is the case - you should watch Return of Iljimae which, in many ways, makes a Shi-Ho type the hero.
6. RETURN OF ILJIMAE
Why you might like it: No relation to Iljimae above, this is a separate drama. I like it better, actually. Young Iljimae, born of the rape of his mother by his awful father and then thrown on the street to die, eventually gets adopted by a loving family in China. But on finding truth about his heritage, he embarks on a journey to Korea to find his family - it is going to be a brutal eye-opening experience, forcing him to grow up and to start a fight for justice. This is one of the most gorgeous dramas I've ever seen and the coming-of-age story is wonderful. 24 eps.
Why you might not: The love story, while satisfactory, is strictly secondary to the narrative goals.
7. LEGEND (FIRST KING'S FOUR GODS)
Why you might like it: My favorite drama of all time, Legend tells of the struggles of Damduk, a neglected prince of a despised kingdom, to claim his heritage and to eventually save the world. I can't really describe the story but it has an amazing hero (success through merchantilism!) some incredibly kick-ass women, a tragic anti-hero, an epic fight between good and evil and it is just all-around awesome. Featuring my favorite hero and heroine. 24 eps.
Why you might not: If you don't like fantasy, this is not for you.
8. THE KINGDOM OF THE WINDS
Why you might like it: The story of Muhyul, a prince cursed at birth to destroy those he loves, and his subsequent adventures as a slave, painter, enemy ninja, and eventually Crown Prince, is one of my favorite dramas. Muhyul's road to the throne is fascinating, the love story is wonderful and tragic (it's one of my favorite OTPs), the hurt/comfort is out of the world, the fights gorgeous, and the characters irresistable, but what I really love most is the feel of it - like one of those grand 19th-century adventure novels, Korea does Dumas or similar. And then there is Muhyul himself, one of my favorite drama protagonists - good at heart but haunted and revenge-driven. I love him ridiculously much. 36 eps.
Why you might not: At 36 eps, we are getting into "on a longer side" territory.
But here is a little bonus to convince you:
9. PRINCESS JA MYUNG GO
Why you might like it: Are you eager for woman power? Then this story is for you. This story is about and driven by women. Ja Myung herself, a hidden princess, a protector of her kingdom, is the protagonist. Everyone is tarsnished in this story of decline and fall, except for her. There are no true innocents - there is Ja Myung's stepmother, perhaps the most fascinating character of them all, an ambitious, tragic, Shakespearean monster. There is Prince Hodong, who wins the kingdom by seducing its princess and promising her love in return for treason, all the while loving that princess' sister. There is La Hee, Jamyung's sister the tragic, spoiled princess who gives it all up for false love to see her world destroyed. There is Muhyul (yup, we see him again, quite different from the above drama), a hard man who's denied himself any human feelings and who treats his son Hodong as an expendable instrument. There is Muhyul's wife, trapped in a loveless, empty marriage, desperate to win the throne for her son and remove Hodong. If you love intrigue, strong women, dysfunctional love, and tragedy, this is for you. 39 eps.
Why you might not: 39 eps. Also, if you are looking for upbeat and happy, stay away.
10. EMPEROR OF THE SEA
Why you might like it: A story of a man who rises to the rank of general from slavery, this was a smash hit, featuring pirates, gladiators, true love, love triangles of awesomeness, pitched battles, tough women, intrigue, and everything you may want. 51 eps (I am halfway through).
Why you might not: Aha - I have slowly prepared you for this - 51 episodes. Still - gladiators. Pirates.
DRAMAS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2010: Jaejoongwon - a medical drama about a noble who gave up his rank to be a doctor and a woman who aspires to be a doctor, this doesn't sound like your usual period drama. Chuno - set in the world of runaway slaves and slave hunters, this is my most anticipated drama of the year, promising intrigue, doomed love, and some amazing fights.
If you've graduated through this course, you may be ready for an 80+ ep JUMONG or 70+ ep YI SAN. Let me know how that goes...
Then Dangermousie's Period Korean Drama Guide for Beginners is just for you.
I have a short attention span and the thought of sitting through 100 episodes is appalling. My knowledge of Korean history is that of a novice (it consists of reading "A New History of Korea" by Prof. Lee Ki-baek - an excellent book, highly recommended, but hardly enough to make one well-educated in the subject) so anything that delves too deeply into Korean politics and is impenetrable to an outsider will probably be left off this list. Beards and hats are not my style. The dramas behind the cut managed to meet those qualifiers of yours truly - if I liked them, you might too.
1. LEGEND OF HYANG DAN
Why you might like it: The two-episode Hyang-Dan (it was a 'special' drama) is probably the easiest, most painless introduction to Korean period drama you will find. Taking the famous folktale of Chunhyang and upending it on its ear, Hyang-Dan posits what would have happened if the noble scholar Mongryong fell for Chunhyang's plucky servant Hyang-Dan instead. Throw in a dash of Robin Hoodism and happy endings all-around, and you've got a delightful fun fairytale.
Why you might not: At 2 episodes, there is clearly not enough room to develop situations and characters in great depth. Chunhyang legend has been done better elsewhere (in the movie Chunhyang or, for a modern riff, Delifhgtful Girl Chunhyang drama) and so has Korean take on Robin Hood (various Iljimaes and Hong Gil Dong come to mind). Still, it's a charming, romantic bit of fluff.
2. DAMO
Why you might like it: The story revolves around a female police tea servant who also doubles as an investigator. At one time, the Damo was a pampered daughter of nobility until her father was executed and she was separated from her older brother and sold into slavery. She became a personal servant of now-Police Commander, an outcast himself due to his uncertain social status (his father was a noble and his mother a slave). More like brother and sister than servant and master, and both rather broken, the Damo and Commander share a complicated, fraught relationship. And then enter the charismatic rebel leader - the Damo infiltrates his group but finds herself drawn to the freedom and escape he represents. At 14 episodes, this drama is pretty darn short but it packs an incredible emotional punch - an unfixable love triangle, an amazing complex heroine tougher than any guy, some politics (not too complex) and the gorgeous feel all add to a drama that went on my favorites list.
Why you might not: It does go into politics a bit much for me sometimes. Also, if you are looking for a chirpy drama, stay away.
3. TAMRA THE ISLAND
Why you might like it: Set in the tropical paradise of Tamra (now Jeju), this story revolves around three fish-out-of-water: William, a blond English castaway, Beo Jin, unsuited to be a diver but doomed to it because her mother was one before her, and Park Kyu, an exiled Seoul noble. There is comedy, there is intrigue, there are pirates and duels and the best love triangle I've seen in a really long time. A delight from beginning to end, the length is eminently doable - either the 16-ep broadcast version or a 21-ep director's cut (restoring what the station made them cut due to poor ratings).
Why you might not: If you are the person who complained about Pirates of the Caribbean not being an accurate take on 18th-century piracy, this is not the drama for you. It's lighthearted and somewhat anachronistic, at many an instance. The first few eps even have potty humor *gasp* before it settles down to the usual kdrama business of suffering, torture, and wounds.
4. HONG GIL DONG
Why you might like it: Korean take on Robin Hood, this deliberately anachronistic drama is in my top 10 dramas of all time - starting out slapstick and descending into tragedy (and making sense every step along the way), this has a rousing adventure story, a hopeless fight against institutionalized unbeatable injustice, a lovely love story, dysfunctional families, and some amazing laughs and more than one moment where I bawled. Gil Dong starts the drama as a reluctant hero - uninspired, uninterested, uncaring - to see him grow into a hard-as-nails idealist is really something to watch. All that in 24 eps.
Why you might not: Slapstick and deliberate anachronisms - there is English, sunglasses and modern music. It was fine with me but might not be so with you.
5. ILJIMAE
Why you might like it: It must be Robin Hood season. Iljimae is a son of an executed noble, losing his memory and brought up as a peasant. A put-upon weakling, he discovers his heritage and his spine and begins his fight for justice and revenge. It's a gorgeously shot drama and reminds me a lot of those adventure serials or maybe old 1930s movies. It's not deep but it's fun. There is a love story thrown in, of course. 24 eps.
Why you might not: The ending is somewhat open and, if you are like me, you might be more interested in what happens to Shi Ho (Iljimae's half-brother, with whom they were switched). But if that is the case - you should watch Return of Iljimae which, in many ways, makes a Shi-Ho type the hero.
6. RETURN OF ILJIMAE
Why you might like it: No relation to Iljimae above, this is a separate drama. I like it better, actually. Young Iljimae, born of the rape of his mother by his awful father and then thrown on the street to die, eventually gets adopted by a loving family in China. But on finding truth about his heritage, he embarks on a journey to Korea to find his family - it is going to be a brutal eye-opening experience, forcing him to grow up and to start a fight for justice. This is one of the most gorgeous dramas I've ever seen and the coming-of-age story is wonderful. 24 eps.
Why you might not: The love story, while satisfactory, is strictly secondary to the narrative goals.
7. LEGEND (FIRST KING'S FOUR GODS)
Why you might like it: My favorite drama of all time, Legend tells of the struggles of Damduk, a neglected prince of a despised kingdom, to claim his heritage and to eventually save the world. I can't really describe the story but it has an amazing hero (success through merchantilism!) some incredibly kick-ass women, a tragic anti-hero, an epic fight between good and evil and it is just all-around awesome. Featuring my favorite hero and heroine. 24 eps.
Why you might not: If you don't like fantasy, this is not for you.
8. THE KINGDOM OF THE WINDS
Why you might like it: The story of Muhyul, a prince cursed at birth to destroy those he loves, and his subsequent adventures as a slave, painter, enemy ninja, and eventually Crown Prince, is one of my favorite dramas. Muhyul's road to the throne is fascinating, the love story is wonderful and tragic (it's one of my favorite OTPs), the hurt/comfort is out of the world, the fights gorgeous, and the characters irresistable, but what I really love most is the feel of it - like one of those grand 19th-century adventure novels, Korea does Dumas or similar. And then there is Muhyul himself, one of my favorite drama protagonists - good at heart but haunted and revenge-driven. I love him ridiculously much. 36 eps.
Why you might not: At 36 eps, we are getting into "on a longer side" territory.
But here is a little bonus to convince you:
9. PRINCESS JA MYUNG GO
Why you might like it: Are you eager for woman power? Then this story is for you. This story is about and driven by women. Ja Myung herself, a hidden princess, a protector of her kingdom, is the protagonist. Everyone is tarsnished in this story of decline and fall, except for her. There are no true innocents - there is Ja Myung's stepmother, perhaps the most fascinating character of them all, an ambitious, tragic, Shakespearean monster. There is Prince Hodong, who wins the kingdom by seducing its princess and promising her love in return for treason, all the while loving that princess' sister. There is La Hee, Jamyung's sister the tragic, spoiled princess who gives it all up for false love to see her world destroyed. There is Muhyul (yup, we see him again, quite different from the above drama), a hard man who's denied himself any human feelings and who treats his son Hodong as an expendable instrument. There is Muhyul's wife, trapped in a loveless, empty marriage, desperate to win the throne for her son and remove Hodong. If you love intrigue, strong women, dysfunctional love, and tragedy, this is for you. 39 eps.
Why you might not: 39 eps. Also, if you are looking for upbeat and happy, stay away.
10. EMPEROR OF THE SEA
Why you might like it: A story of a man who rises to the rank of general from slavery, this was a smash hit, featuring pirates, gladiators, true love, love triangles of awesomeness, pitched battles, tough women, intrigue, and everything you may want. 51 eps (I am halfway through).
Why you might not: Aha - I have slowly prepared you for this - 51 episodes. Still - gladiators. Pirates.
DRAMAS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2010: Jaejoongwon - a medical drama about a noble who gave up his rank to be a doctor and a woman who aspires to be a doctor, this doesn't sound like your usual period drama. Chuno - set in the world of runaway slaves and slave hunters, this is my most anticipated drama of the year, promising intrigue, doomed love, and some amazing fights.
If you've graduated through this course, you may be ready for an 80+ ep JUMONG or 70+ ep YI SAN. Let me know how that goes...
