Best Historical K-Dramas (Sageuks) to Watch in 2025

The best historical K-dramas, or sageuks, are celebrated for their rich storytelling, stunning cinematography, and deep emotional impact. These dramas transport viewers to different eras of Korean history — from the royal palaces of Joseon to the turbulent years of modernization — while exploring timeless themes of love, power, and identity.

Whether you’re new to the genre or a long-time fan, here’s a curated list of the most highly rated historical K-dramas, including recent releases and all-time classics that continue to define the genre.

🏯 Recent and Highly-Rated Historical K-Dramas

1. My Dearest (2023)

Genre: Historical Melodrama, Romance
Setting: Joseon during the Qing invasion

Plot:
An epic love story unfolds between a mysterious man who appears in a village and a noble, strong-willed woman who guards her heart. Against the backdrop of war and sacrifice, their bond becomes a symbol of enduring love.

Why Watch:

Breathtaking cinematography and moving performances
Rich emotional storytelling reminiscent of a historical epic
A breakout role for both leads

Reception:
Critically acclaimed for its poignant writing and emotional realism, My Dearest became one of 2023’s most discussed dramas and a viewer favorite across Asia.

2. Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born (2024)

Genre: Musical, Historical, Drama
Setting: Post-war 1950s Korea

Plot:
Based on a hit webtoon, this inspiring period drama follows Jeongnyeon, a young woman with a passion for singing, who joins an all-female traditional theater troupe. Through hardship and resilience, she rises as a star in post-war Korea.

Why Watch:

A celebration of female empowerment and artistry
Vivid period setting that captures the struggles and hope of the 1950s
Strong ensemble cast and memorable music

Reception:
Critics praised its authentic portrayal of post-war society and its empowering message, making it a standout drama of 2024.

3. Captivating the King (2024)

Genre: Historical, Romance, Political Drama

Plot:
A king, haunted by power and betrayal, crosses paths with a woman seeking revenge. As their fates intertwine, love blossoms amid lies and manipulation.

Why Watch:

Complex portrayal of royal intrigue
Strong, layered performances from both leads
Elegant production and emotionally charged direction

Reception:
One of the most-watched dramas of early 2024, it was celebrated for its emotional tension and compelling romance.

4. Knight Flower (2024)

Genre: Historical Action, Comedy, Drama

Plot:
Behind her proper image as a widow, a woman secretly roams the streets at night as a masked vigilante, righting wrongs in her community.

Why Watch:

Refreshing mix of action, humor, and heart
A strong, independent female lead
Perfect for fans who enjoy lighthearted sageuks with modern themes

Reception:
Audiences adored its fast-paced storytelling and witty dialogue, making it one of the surprise hits of 2024.

5. The Red Sleeve (2021)

Genre: Historical Romance, Tragedy

Plot:
A poignant love story between King Yi San and a court lady, Sung Deok-im, who values her freedom over royal privilege.

Why Watch:

Visually breathtaking and emotionally rich
Captivating chemistry between the leads
One of the most beautifully crafted sageuks in recent years

Reception:
A multi-award-winning masterpiece, The Red Sleeve is often cited as a modern classic of historical romance.

6. Under the Queen’s Umbrella (2022)

Genre: Historical, Black Comedy, Family Drama

Plot:
A fiery and determined queen must reform her troublesome sons to prepare one of them for the throne, all while navigating palace politics.

Why Watch:

Clever mix of humor and heart
A strong matriarchal character rarely seen in sageuks
Sharp social commentary on royal expectations

Reception:
Lauded for its original approach to royal family dynamics, it quickly became a fan favorite and a critical success.

👑 All-Time Classic Sageuks

1. Mr. Sunshine (2018)

Genre: Historical Epic, Romance, War Drama

Plot:
Set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this visually stunning epic follows Eugene Choi, a Korean-born American soldier who returns to his homeland and falls in love with a noblewoman amid Korea’s fight for independence.

Why Watch:

Cinematic production with movie-like visuals
Deep historical context and political intrigue
Heart-wrenching love story

Reception:
A landmark in K-drama history, Mr. Sunshine is regarded as one of the greatest historical series ever produced.

2. Mr. Queen (2020)

Genre: Historical Comedy, Fantasy

Plot:
A modern-day chef’s soul becomes trapped in the body of a Joseon queen, resulting in hilarious chaos within the palace.

Why Watch:

Uniquely blends time travel, comedy, and political satire
Brilliant performance by Shin Hye-sun
A cult classic with massive international popularity

Reception:
Praised for its originality and humor, Mr. Queen remains one of the most beloved historical comedies in K-drama history.

3. Six Flying Dragons (2015)

Genre: Historical, Political, Epic

Plot:
An ambitious tale of six key figures during the founding of the Joseon dynasty, highlighting power struggles, ideals, and betrayals.

Why Watch:

Masterful script and character depth
Political intrigue that rivals the best period dramas
Historically grounded yet thrilling storytelling

Reception:
Widely acclaimed for its complex narrative and authentic detail, it’s considered essential viewing for sageuk fans.

4. Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010)

Genre: Historical, Romance, Comedy

Plot:
In a patriarchal society, a woman disguises herself as a man to enroll in Joseon’s top university, forging friendships and love along the way.

Why Watch:

Youthful, refreshing tone
Themes of gender equality and courage
A lighthearted entry point for new sageuk viewers

Reception:
A cultural sensation upon release, Sungkyunkwan Scandal helped popularize the “historical campus” subgenre.

5. Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)

Genre: Historical Fantasy, Romance

Plot:
A young king falls for a shaman who was believed to be dead, uncovering secrets that could destroy his reign.

Why Watch:

A perfect mix of romance, fate, and palace intrigue
Stunning visuals and memorable soundtrack
Catapulted its leads to stardom

Reception:
A mega-hit across Asia, Moon Embracing the Sun remains one of the most iconic historical K-dramas of all time.

🕰️ Why Sageuks Endure

Historical K-dramas continue to resonate because they combine grand storytelling with timeless human emotion. Whether exploring political intrigue, social injustice, or forbidden love, these dramas remind us that the past still mirrors the present.

From My Dearest’s war-torn love story to Mr. Sunshine’s epic patriotism, the genre offers both escapism and reflection — a cinematic bridge between history and humanity.

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