Asian dramas like
The Great King Sejong

Queen Insu (1437-1504), spouse of King Deok Jong and daughter of Hanh Wak, who served as the second state councilor, was designated as Queen Insu beginning in the second year of Sung Jong's reign. She is regarded as one of the most remarkable stateswomen in the history of Joseon. The television series illustrates the tragic fates and relationships of three women. During the reign of King Dan Jong, the sixth monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, Prince Soo Yang's son, Do Won, was wed to Han Jung. Distinct from other women of her time, Han Jung openly pursued her political ambitions. Ultimately, she opposed her mother-in-law, Queen Jung Hee, and maneuvered to place her son on the throne. The arrival of Deposed Queen Lady Yun escalated the tensions among the three women to a dramatic peak. (JTBC)

The television drama depicts the story of Jang Yeong Shil, a scientist, inventor, and technician from the Joseon era. Born into the lower-class nobi, Jang Yeong Shil catches the attention of King Se Jong, who invites him to the royal palace. The king offers him an opportunity to showcase his talents. Throughout the series, he creates various inventions, including astronomical devices, an iron printing press, and a water clock.

The plot revolves around Emperor Wang Gun, who established the Goryo Dynasty.

The tale of King Geun Cho Go, the warrior monarch of Baekje, unfolded during a time when the kingdom flourished. His leadership saw military victories that enabled him to dominate a substantial portion of the Korean peninsula, leading to a significant increase in political influence, which marked the pinnacle of Baekje's historical power.

This tale delves into the ethical principles of a merchant and the significance of wealth. Renowned author Choi In Ho narrates the legend of Im Sang Ok, a celebrated Korean trader during the Joseon Dynasty (1779-1855).

The plot revolves around Kwangjong, who served as the monarch during the reign of the Koryo Dynasty from 918 to 1392.

To ensure Koryo's independence, Gong Min Wang wed a woman he had no affection for. With Mongolian forces in control of Koryo, he took the Mongolian princess as his wife, believing this alliance might eventually lead to Koryo's liberation. Shin Don, a Buddhist monk, was a key advisor to both Queen Nokuk and King Gong Min in their governance of Koryo.

The narrative revolves around the life of Dae Jo Yeong, who is recognized as the founder of the Balhae kingdom.

This story revolves around Lady Kim, a cunning concubine, and the turbulent events that occurred during the reign of King Seon Jo to Prince Gwang Hae, marked by immoral acts and violence all in the name of safeguarding the throne. Prince Gwang Hae's immoral actions were not unique to the Joseon dynasty. In the pursuit of protecting the throne, a parent murdered their offspring, a brother killed another brother, and a wife assassinated her husband. However, their deeds were not simply immoral acts. It is conceivable that other kings would have behaved similarly to Prince Gwang Hae if faced with the same imminent threat to their rule.

This show revolves around the story of Qin Shi Huang, the inaugural ruler who brought together China under the Qin dynasty in 221 BC.

A theatrical production that portrays the life of King Gwang Gae To the Great, who reclaimed the splendor of Goguryeo by regaining control from Baekje, which had invaded Goguryeo before Gwang Gae To's arrival and ruled over East Asia during the reign of King Geun Cho Go.

Si Young, the eldest son of Park Hee Chan, is aware of the reason behind his father's insistence on him succeeding the family business. He is known for his ruthless business tactics and gradually evolves into a formidable leader while managing the guild. On the other hand, Jae Young, his younger brother, forges his own path and refrains from adopting his brother's cutthroat business approach.

This drama explores the journey of Kim Soo Ro, the famed founder of Geumgwan Gaya, the leading city-state within the Gaya confederacy that excelled in maritime trade and iron production during the Three Kingdoms Period. Kim Soo Ro relies on his passionate nature, charm, and intellect as he navigates the protracted political conflicts he faces, including rivalry for the throne from his half-brother and longtime adversary, Ijinashi, his former ally Suk Tal Hae, and the menacing ambitions of Shin Kwi Gan.

The drama will portray significant historical occurrences with a scholar at its core. Ryu Seong Ryong was a government official who served during the late 16th century under King Seon Jo. A distinguished Confucian scholar, he was appointed to oversee military efforts during the Imjin War and had a considerable impact on Admiral Lee Soon Shin. The narrative begins prior to the onset of the Imjin War and will track the characters through to the Battle of Noryang and the demise of Lee Soon Shin.

During Qianlong's eight-year rule, a thorough examination of the golden chamber bird resulted in a devastating earthquake that brought about calamities. This event revealed the pressing issue of diminishing grain fields in Daqing.

This drama takes inspiration from one of Korea's ancient folk songs. Suh Dong, the unrecognized son of the king of Baekje, ultimately ascended the throne with the assistance of Princess Sun Hwa, the offspring of the Silla king, defying all challenges along the way.

This drama narrates the tale of Jang Hee Bin, a renowned royal concubine during the Joseon Dynasty, who played a significant part in the ousting of King Sook Jong’s spouse, Queen In Hyun. However, in contrast to the numerous dramas and films that depict this infamous antagonist, this series will explore the life of Jang Ok Jung prior to her rise as concubine Jang Hee Bin, highlighting her contributions as a fashion designer and cosmetic creator in the Joseon period.

Rewritten text: The story revolves around the experiences of a Tzu Chi volunteer named Faisal Hu Guangzhong, who follows the Islamic faith.

In a fictional historical drama, Lee Tae becomes the ruler of Joseon after his father, King Sunjong, removes the previous king from power with the assistance of Park Gye Won. Lee Tae aims to govern as a supreme monarch, but faces opposition from the powerful Park Gye Won. Amidst this power struggle within the royal court, Yoo Jung, a noblewoman believed to be Lee Tae's wife, gets caught in the middle.

In the late 14th century, King Taejong ended the Goryeo Dynasty to create the Kingdom of Joseon. There were rumors of a pact he made with a malevolent being that possessed people to spread chaos. The king's sons, Princes Chung Nyung and Yang Nyeong, opposed him for different reasons. The show was terminated after airing only two episodes.

The tale of the tragic love affair between Zhu Yi Huan, the final princess of the Ming Dynasty, and Kangxi, the youthful emperor of the Qing Dynasty. (TheTVDB.com)

The story focuses on the lineage of three Emperors and their respective groups of concubines.

The story is centered around Wang Yang Ming, a prominent figure in politics, philosophy, and philosophical teachings during the Ming Dynasty.

During Emperor Songzong's rule, the government of Kaifeng faces a crisis. Public servant Baau Cing, guardian Gung Syun Caak, and Chin Chiu unite to fight corruption. Wan Chin Yu, a merchant's daughter, learns law from Gung Syun Caak and becomes a skilled advocate. Maid Gei Nim Nim excels in performing autopsies. Together, the two women assist the seven men of Kaifeng in solving numerous cases. However, dangers abound in Kaifeng. As Baau Cing and Nim Nim grow closer, their budding romance is threatened when he uncovers her true identity, which hides a significant conspiracy. Chin Yu's father harbors treacherous ambitions and accuses the Emperor of being an impostor. Baau Cing faces his toughest challenge yet. Will he sacrifice his principles for the greater good or expose the truth? (TVBAnywhere; Casual TVB)

The Secret Investigation Record draws inspiration from cases outlined in the Annals of Joseon History, featuring an unusual twist; these events include enigmatic, supernatural aspects that defy scientific explanation. Kim Hyung Do serves as a state inspector, whose unwavering dedication to uncovering administrative wrongdoings leads him to confront these peculiar mysteries directly. Heo Yoon Yi, a civil servant, supports him and seeks to comprehend these scientific anomalies with an open perspective, contrasting with his skepticism.

This play depicts the experiences and conflicts of the legendary fighter Genghis Khan.

Pottery from the Joseon dynasty was distinguished by its superior quality and innovative firing techniques during the late 16th century. Baek Pa Seon, known as the "woman of fire," was the first female potter in Joseon and recognized as the master of Shintaro porcelain. Crown Prince Gwang Hae held a deep affection for her but ultimately had to part ways. This television series focuses on her formative years in Joseon rather than Japan, where a shrine honors her legacy. (MBC)

During a visit to a temple with his royal officials and Queen, Emperor Qianlong and his entourage are ambushed by rebels from the "Sun-moon cult," led by Zhong Liang and Zi Xia. Thankfully, no one is harmed, but the Queen, who is pregnant, becomes distressed and tragically dies after taking herbal medicine prescribed by a royal doctor. Outraged by this incident, Qianlong orders an investigation. Meanwhile, unrest in China and suspicions of conspiracy among his concubines and officials prompt Qianlong to travel to Jiang Nan with his bodyguard E Rong An, scholar Ji Xiao Lan, and Lian Er, the former maid of the deceased Queen.

In a twist of events, Princess An Ding Si, the eldest daughter of Wu Ze Tian, was not killed as history suggests, but instead managed to escape the country. As she grew older, she returned under a new identity to seek revenge on her mother for using her to achieve her goal of becoming the first female ruler of China. By posing as her younger sister, she became known as Princess Tai Ping, the most adored child of Empress Wu Ze Tian. Exploiting her mother's fondness for Tai Ping, the princess manipulated the court to further her own ambitions of seizing power and ruling China.

This series follows the life of a young Prince named Hong Li, who later becomes Emperor Qian Long. Despite being the obvious choice to succeed his father Yong Zheng, Hong Li faces challenges and hardships on his journey to maturity. With a sincere and direct approach, he tries to use his education to improve the state's affairs. Surprisingly, this approach displeases Yong Zheng, leading the 3rd and 5th Princes, guided by their teacher Mr. Tian, to win over Yong Zheng and influence his decision to pass the throne to someone else.

During the late Warring States period, the Qin State emerged as a dominant force with the help of leaders such as Ying Zheng, Lu Bu Wei, Li Si, and Wang Jian. Together, they worked to bring the six states under one rule, leading to the establishment of the Qin Empire as the first dynasty of Imperial China. King Zhao Xiang's aggressive tactics helped the Qin State gain strategic advantage over the other states. Following the deaths of King Zhao Xiang and King Xiao Wen, disputes over legitimacy arose within the royal court. Lu Bu Wei, a influential merchant, sought to seize power by supporting the exiled prince, Ying Yi Ren. The eldest prince eventually resolved the political unrest by leaving the capital. Despite facing difficulties in battles against Zhao, Qin continued its ambition to conquer all lands. Ying Zheng, with guidance from Lu Bu Wei, began to demonstrate leadership qualities as he returned home with his mother, Zhao Ji. To secure the throne for her son, Zhao Ji and Lu Bu Wei allied against Huayang Furen. Ying Zheng embarked on a ruthless journey towards becoming an emperor, utilizing those around him to consolidate power.

Following the confrontation at Xuan Wu Gate with his siblings Li Jian Cheng and Li Yuan Ji, Li Shi Min ascended to the throne as the second emperor of the Tang dynasty, adopting the era title Zhen Guan. Despite facing obstacles and internal disputes, his rule ushered in a period of stability and prosperity for the nation and its citizens.

Lee Lin Yin and On Tak Hoi, who both came from humble backgrounds, were sold into servitude as palace eunuchs when they were young. Under the guidance of senior eunuch Lau Dor San, they formed a strong brotherly bond and rose to prominent positions serving Empress Dowager Ci Xi. However, Tak Hoi's greed strained his relationship with the cautious Lin Yin. As the head eunuch, Chan Fuk felt threatened by their rising influence and began scheming against them. Fortunately, Lin Yin received support from palace maid Sin Yung and eunuch pharmacist Yiu Seung Hei. Meanwhile, tensions rose as Emperor Tong Zi prepared to select his empress, causing concern for Empress Dowager Ci An that Ci Xi would gain more power. To counter this, she allied with the Grand Prince to weaken Ci Xi's position.

Xu He Zi, a talented singer and dancer hailing from Yongxin, Jiangxi, finds herself enamored with her childhood companion, the scholar Yin Meng He. Despite her affections, she is forcefully taken from her home by local authorities and transported to the palace in Chang'an. Upon entering the imperial harem, she becomes entangled in a power struggle between Consort Mei and Imperial Consort Yang. Despite her desire to depart the palace, fate intervenes and she catches the attention of Emperor Xuan Zong with her melodic voice, leading him to bestow upon her the title of "Singing Consort".

This drama offers a unique take on the famous classic tale of The Legend of Chun Hyang. The central question posed in this narrative is: what if Lee Mong Ryong's true affection is directed toward Hyang Dan instead of Chun Hyang? Viewers can expect a fresh comedic approach from this production. (DramaWiki)

This drama portrays the story of Kim Man Deok, a woman from Jeju Island who rose above her humble beginnings as a gisaeng and the limitations imposed by her isolated birthplace, which was viewed as a distant exile at that time. She emerged as a prosperous female trader during the Joseon Era. Eventually, she gained recognition as a paragon of virtue and nobility by donating her entire fortune to assist the people of Jeju during a famine, thereby saving numerous lives.

Liu Bao Shan, also known as Liu Gan San, was a famous Peking opera performer during the Qing dynasty in Beijing. He specialized in playing comedic roles and was particularly known for portraying unattractive female characters. Using his quick wit, he often made spontaneous remarks during his performances to mock those in power. Originally from Tianjin, he once entertained Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu at the Forbidden City by teasing the empress dowager about the emperor not having a seat. On another occasion, he made fun of Prince Dun, Prince Gong, and Prince Chun, which resulted in him being physically punished. (Wikipedia) Based on the life of Liu Gan San.

A TV show from China that depicts the historical events of the Battle of Changping, which took place between the Qin and Zhao states in the Warring States era. (Wikipedia)

The series carries on with the ambitious portrayal of a pivotal historical period, focusing on Ying Ji, the ruler of Qin, and his endeavors to subdue the six rival states, ultimately playing a crucial role in uniting the empire.