Comprehensive List of the Kings in Korean historical Dramas
MID JOSEON KINGS (1494-1649)
7 kings
(10) 연산군 YEONSANGUN, Yi Yung (r.1494-1506)
A tyrant king. He was not given a king’s title after his death so he remains ‘gun’ – prince. He has a modest tomb in Seoul.
In Jewel in the Palace, (a.k.a Dae Jang Geum MBC, 2004) Jang Geum’s father is killed in 1504 when the king orders the execution of people responsible for his mother’s death, (above) in the Literati Purges of 1504. The film The King and the Clown (2005) is about two court entertainers who win over the king with their bawdy performances much to the horror of the ministers! The King and I (SBS 2007) Jong Nok Su (KBS 1995) is about the king’s relationship with his concubine Jong Nok Su.
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(11) 중종 King JUNGJONG, Yi Yeok (r.1506-1544)
Became king after a coup and had a lot of corruption to deal with in the aftermath of the rule of Yeonsangun.
In Jewel in the Palace, (Dae Jang Geum) King Jungjong makes Jang-geum a 6th rank official and appoints her to be his first female personal physician. (see my brief Dae Jang Geum recaps here or my post on how King Jungjong is portrayed in Dae Jang Geum). Dae Jang Geum is Watching (MBC 2018) is a modern comedy drama about the imagined lives of the descendants of Dae Jang Geum!
The story of Hwang Jin Yi is about one of the most famous gisaengs in the Joseon period. The King and I (SBS 2007) Light’s Diary (SBS 2017) is about Shim Saimdang (1501-1551) possibly the most famous woman in Joseon history who was an artist and respected mother of a famous Confucian scholar.
(12) 인종 King INJONG, Yi Ho (r.1544-1545)
Possibly poisoned so that his half-brother could take the throne.
Mandate of Heaven: The Fugitive of Joseon (KBS2 2013) is about a medical practitioner who gets caught up in the plot to poison Crown Prince Yi Ho who eventually became King Injong. (see my review of Mandate of Heaven)
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(13) 명종 King MYEONGJONG, Yi Hwan (r.1545-1567)
Became king at age 12 so Queen Munjeong ruled in his name. He died young without an heir.
He is a young prince in Mandate of Heaven and is used by his ambitious power-hungry mother, Queen Munjeong. (I wrote about how Queen Munjeong is portrayed as a baddie in Mandate of Heaven)
Flower in Prison (MBC 2016) is about a poor woman born in prison who goes on to become a lawyer for the poor. The drama shows the king dominated by his controlling mother Queen Munjeong.
(14) 선조 King SEONJO, Yi Yeon (r.1567-1608)
(half-nephew of King Myeongjong) Ruled through political chaos and Seven-year War (1592-1598) with Japan and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The drama Heojun (MBC, 2000) is the story of the famous physician Heojun (1537-1615) ) and is set during the whole of King Seonjo’s reign. (This is still my all time favourite Sageuk drama) Read about how King Seonjo is portrayed in Heojun. Heojun recaps here. There’s also a daily drama remake Guam Heo Jun (MBC 2013) about the same doctor. The story of the scheming Concubine Kim appears in The King’s Woman (SBS 2003),The Jingbirok: A Memoir of Imjin War (KBS1 2015,) A political/action drama is about Ryu Seong Ryong, a Confucian scholar put in charge of military operations during the Imjin Wars.
(15) 광해 GWANGHAEGUN, Yi Hon (r.1608-1623)
Was an accomplished ruler but due to the political situation at the time he ended up being deposed in a coup and died on Jeju Island. So he remains a prince (gun) and does not have a posthumous title.
Masquerade (2012) is an award winning film starring Lee Byung Hun who plays two roles in the film – the king and the poor bloke who stands in for him when he is threatened with poisoning. A remake of the film was made in a 2019 drama called The Crowned Clown (tvN). The drama Jung Yi, Goddess of Fire (MBC 2013) is the love story of Gwanghaegun and Joseon’s first female potter.
The King’s Woman (SBS 2003) The King’s Face (KBS2 2014) is a thriller about Gwanghaegun’s difficult path to become king. Splendid Politics (MBC, 2015) is a drama about Gwanghae usurping the throne only to be deposed himself later. The historical zombie drama Kingdom (Netflix 2019) is fictional with a fictional crown prince. But it’s set during and after the Imjin wars when Gwanghaegun was on the throne.
(16) 인조 King INJO, Yi Jong (r.1623-1649)
Considered a weak ruler. He reigned through two Manchu invasions. So this was a difficult and unstable period in Joseon history.
Iljimae (SBS 2008) A kind of Robin Hood. Chuno The Slave Hunters (KBS 2010) shows life to be pretty chaotic in Joseon after the Manchu Wars. Many commoners have become slaves and the Chuno slave hunters are hired to bring them back to their owners. (there’s romance too, though!) Cruel Palace – War of Flowers (JTBC 2013) is about the beautiful but evil royal concubine Jo So Yong who tried to use her womanly charms on the king to gain power in Joseon.
The film War of the Arrows (2011) is a beautiful action film about the best archer in Joseon who has to fight the Manchu invaders to save his sister. (quite easy to follow without subtitles and it’s exciting- even if like me you don’t usually like action.) Strongest Chil Woo (KBS2 2008) is an action drama and includes the death / murder of the King’s son Crown Prince Sohyeon. The Three Musketeers (season 1) (TVN 2014) is also about Prince Sohyeon and the men who try to protect him.
That’s the end of the mid-Joseon period! Here are some related posts. Click page 3 below for the late Joseon kings!
Mid Joseon Kings in Sageuk Drama (1494–1649) YEONSANGUN to KING INJO
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you may wish to add “The Princess’ Man” to your excellent list. It is set in King Danjong’s reigh and tells of his uncle’s taking over the throne.
Thank you for this. I have added it to the chart.
I haven’t seen this drama yet but it sounds like a real tearjerker!
i hope that you’ve seen Princess’ man by now. the couple actually “spent a night together” without benefit of marriage vows and she gets pregnant. apparantly Josean era men were extremely potent
Perhaps the right words are ‘without the benefit of a marriage ceremony’ or a ‘ a ritual declaring a marriage vow in the presence of witnesses’. As for the vow itself the couple made apparent display of giving a promise that they would love each other unconditionally & to live together as husband & wife as long as they live. I just don’t remember exactly; but the male protagonist asked the princess to have her as his wife which the princess answered by giving herself entirely.
I wish you can add “love in the moonlight” to your excellent list, it is set in king sunjo’s reign and tells about his crown prince is very popular drama now, thanks from Indonesia
The Admiral: Roaring Torrents (2014) Min-sik Choi, Seung-ryong Ryu
(1592-1598), where the iconic Joseon admiral Yi Sun-sin fought against 133 Japanese warships with only 13 ships remaining in his command. The battle, took place in the Myeongryang Strait off the southwest coast of the Korean Peninsula
Jingbirok:The Imjin War (2014) Kim Sang-Joong, Kim Tae-woo
King Seongjo’s reign – Jingbirok, the name of a book written by real-life Joseon historian and scholar Ryu Seong Ryong (Kim Sang Joong), detailing the Imjin War (1592-1598) Historical events with the scholar as the central character
Hwajung (2015) Cha Seung-Won, Lee Yeon-Hee
The rise and fall of Princess Jeongmyeong born to King Seongjo of the Joseon Dynasty period and half sister of King Gwanghae
Hope this helps…and hope they are accurate..lol. 🙂
king seongjong and king yeonsangun are in the drama of King and I…
Brilliant, thanks. I’ve added this to the chart.
Looks like this drama is another romantic marathon of 50 episodes!
Thats how I found this site ..Im watching The King and I (again *blush*) and stopped it to do a little researching on the deposed Queen Lady Yun’s life and death. From past researches I do know alot of poisoning jumped off back then. Many obviously were covered up in the Joseon Annals
Thank you for posting this chart…
Great post.
There are also these drama to add in your list :
– Tears of the Dragon
– 500 Years of Joseon Dynasty (series of historical dramas)
– Eight Days
– Hwang Jin Yi
– Joseon X-Files (sci-fi and sageuk)
– Gye Baek
– Queen In Hyun’s Man (fusion sageuk)
Thanks for all your suggestions.
Queen In Hyun’s Man and Hwang Jin Yi are on my ‘dramas to watch’ list. Love Ha Ji Won.
BTW I’ve added some of the dramas to the chart. But I couldn’t add all of them as I have categorised the dramas under which king reigned at the time the dramas were set – ‘500 years of Joseon Dynasty’ spans over the whole Joseon period – so this includes most of the kings! And ‘Gye Baek’ is set before the Joseon period and my chart doesn’t go that far back yet. Also, I don’t think Joseon X-files is set during a specific king’s reign as it’s sci-fi. So I couldn’t find a place for that. But it’s another one I want to watch 🙂 So thanks again!
hi, have you already watched the 500 years of joseon history series, i cant find a site where i can watched them all 🙁
I have been looking hard for Empress Myeongseong.one of the only historical dramas i have yet to watch.
thank you v much
Can can also add in:
Taejo: The Great Seer 2012
Taejong: The Great King Sejong 2008
Sejong the Great: The Great King Sejong 2008
Munjong: The Great King Sejong 2008
Danjong: The Great King Sejong 2008
Sejo:The Great King Sejong 2008, The King and I 2007, Queen Insoo 2011
Yejong: The Great King Sejong 2008, The King and I 2007, Queen Insoo 2011
Seongjong: The Great King Sejong 2008, The King and I 2007, Queen Insoo 2011
Yeonsangun: The Great King Sejong 2008, The King and I 2007, Queen Insoo 2011
Jungjong: The Great King Sejong 2008, The King and I 2007, Queen Insoo 2011, Hwang Jin Yi 2007
Seonjo: Heojun 2000
Gwanghaegun: Heojun 2000
Injo: Iljimae 2008, Strongest Chil Woo 2008
Hyojong: Horse Doctor 2012
Hyeonjong: Horse Doctor 2012
Yeongjo: Warrior Baek Dong Soo 2011
Jeongjo: Warrior Baek Dong Soo 2011, Conspiracy in the Court 2007
Cheoljong: Time Slip Doctor Jin 2012
Gojong: Time Slip Doctor Jin 2012 (Early reign)
Thank you! I have added the dramas to the chart
Hello Dramasrok!
This list is so great and super helpful. I have come to like sageuk dramas and this list helps me find dramas I haven’t watched yet. Thanks a bunch!!
It would really be great if you could expand your list to the time before Joseon Period, maybe during the Three Kingdoms reign (Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla) or even before that. (haha I’m asking too much from you, sorry….)
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this is a great list!! thank you~!!!!!!
I was seriously thinking I might memorize all the names of joseon kings coz of my kdrama watching hobby….
I just watch the movie of Rooftop Prince. I m so interested what is in a real korean history. Looking for the link about Joseon history. Does anybody know the real name of that prince in history? Thanks 🙂
I think the prince in Rooftop Prince is supposed to be fictional. But there is evidence that his character is based on King Gyeongjong – the son of King Sukjong and Jang Hee Bin …Here’s a link:
http://dramahaven.com/actual-model-for-rooftop-princes-yuchun-is-joseon-gyeongjong-tragic-ending/
Thank you! I was really curious about that too!
you should add “Jang Ok Jung, Live in Love” (SBS, 2013) 🙂 it’s about King Sukjong – Jang Hee Bin – Queen Inhyun – Queen Inkyung – Choi Suk Bin romance life from jang hee bin’s perspective..
Absolutely! I will add that to the list. And it’s on my ‘dramas to watch’ list too. cheers 🙂
watching these dramas has made me curious about where they are filmed – they seem to have at least one large set with houses and villages of the era. do you know more about the filming locations, set design and so on?
There are several locations where sageuk dramas are filmed and often the name of the location will appear at the bottom of the TV screen during the drama. One location that I’ve seen a lot on sageuk dramas is the (Joseon) Korean Folk Village. It is just outside Seoul and open to the public. It has reconstructions of peasant houses and government offices complete with prison cells and torture equipment on display outside to ‘try’! They have Joseon style entertainment there too and sometimes we can catch a drama being filmed.
Actually I think this topic is a great idea for a post so I’ll try and get that done soon. Meanwhile here’s a link to the Korean folk village homepage
http://www.koreanfolk.co.kr/folk/english/main.html
thanks, I’ll look forward to that!
it’s interesting how much economic activity is being generated from 500 yr old history.
Chuno is also missing
Thanks! I just added Chuno to the list.
To king Seonjo you can also add Guam Heo Jun (2013), Goddess of Fire (2013) and West Palace (1995) to Gwanghaegun you can add Guam Heo Jun (2013), Goddess of Fire (2013) and The King’s Woman (2003), to Injo you can add Chuno (2010), there are a lot of dramas to be added to Sukjong. Just so this chart to be if not completed 100%, then at least 80% 🙂
I love sageuk & history in general. Was going to make my own list when i found this site! Thanks so much!!
Please add Goddess of Fire under Gwanghaegun.
Also, please make a goryeo era list and add Faith to it. It is my favourite sageuk haha..
You may want to add the drama “Jung Yi, Goddess of Fire” (2013).
It takes place during King Seonjo’s reign.
Thanks for all your suggestions. Chart is finally updated!
Doesn’t Gojong appear in Jejungwon?
Another excellent drama, “The Immortal Admiral Yi Soon Shin” during the reign of King Myeongjong, King Seonjo and Gwanghaegun.
You should add The Three Musketeers, a kdrama thats currently airing. The time period is during King Injo’s reign
This is SO fantastic! Thank you for all your work and to the reviewers who left comments – thank you, too! I have been watching Korean dramas for a little over a year – now more than 100 in my list and I LOVE the historical dramas. Now watching “Tree with Deep Roots” and am so blown away and affected emotionally and mentally that my interest is also turning to learning the alphabet and to read and write basic Korean. I’m already understanding quite a bit of spoken Korean just by repetition in all these dramas. What an amazing “new” world to discover at age 62. It has re-invigorated me and reawakened the passionate student I used to be. Again, many thanks!
Glad to hear you have found the exciting world of Korean (sageuk) historical drama!
I’ve just finished watching the glossy and popular drama Chuno The Slave Hunters set during the reign of King Injo and also starring Jang Hyuk (who stars in Tree with Deep Roots too)
Have fun!
You may wish to add jejoowon (I think mispelt ), the first hospital in Korean. Set during the last reign of king sunjong. Fantastic drama.
added to the list. Thanks!
Please check about Gunman of Joseon.
Thanks! I have added this drama to the list.
Do you know where I could watch or download “The King’s Woman (SBS 2003)”?
Preferably with English subtitles but raws would also be appreciated.
Thanks in advance 🙂
You may check the West Palace [KBS 1995] also** might be too old. Great job!!!!!!!
The Great Merchant -check that out too…
Your job is very great, perhaps if you can contact KBS, SBS, MBS ETC… to get a list of Sangeuk dramas they’ve created you’d be fine with all the dramas. And another suggestion, can’t you add free video links (with English subs*) also with the dramas(as an ex. u may search dramanice.com or goodrama.net).
hi, in the drama empress ki, what period of KOREAN HISTORY DID THIS TAKE PLACE AND WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE EMPEROR, what happened to empres ki when she moved up north after the emperor died. does she have existing down line relatives? she has been portrayed as a very strong woman both in mental and physical form, i wonder if the exisitng relatives (if any) are as well, i am so addicted to korean history. thank you and i hope to earn a reply. have a good day.
Hi. Empress Ki lived during the Goryeo period (935-1392) which was the period before Joseon (1392 – 1910) (now Korea). She married the 11th and final emperor of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), a Mongol Empire. (now China). You can compare the time frames on my chart of Korea and China ruling dynasties here -https://www.dramasrok.com/2012/02/china-korea-ruling-dynasties-relations-chart/
According to Naver there are a lot of stories about her but the truth is not really known and after 1368, when the Yuan dynasty came to an end and the Ming dynasty ruled, there is no more info about her. Wiki says she went missing – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empress_Gi
The drama looks good though – will have to add it to my list to watch.
wow. Nice chart and growing. thank you. Been watching korean historical dramas for a number of years now. My first was Jumong. it got me hooked.
I hope you or your readers can help me. I ‘lost’ a drama. In 2011 I was looking for a saguek to distract me from some serious studies and I started a drama to check it out…I think it was the first episode? not sure.there was big excitement, running,hiding. it was quite a dark intriguing scene…there was a father who had to dispose of a very important text and he tattoes the text onto his daughter’s body to hide it!!…i think this is how the drama starts. that’s where I had to leave off.
I am looking for that drama, I couldnt remember the title a long while later when I had time to start it again…..does anyone happen to know of this drama?
much appreciated
the only drama that i can think of right now is warrior baek dong soo. check it out to see if it is the right one.
thank you. I’m checking it now. and I do remember starting this drama…at episode 4 now and it seems possible. the scene Im remembering hasn’t happened yet. but I think it might….thanks for the suggestion. !
kimster . It is Warrior Baek dong! in episode 5. Yes! lost but found. appreciate your tip. thank you, thank you.
thanks much for the update and reply
i watched saguek about reelationtship between maid and king. the maid love played music i dont know what that name. if you know about drama please tell me
The title of the drama is Dong Yi
Have you added Maids yet? (King Taejong era) Wonderful drama – I’ve now watched it 3 times.
Just found this site, your chart is so fantastic. Love it. Do you usually add the films in it? If so, The Throne (2015) – King Jeongjo (1776-1800) can be added. Also, Masquerade (2012), Splendid Politics (2015) – King Gwanghaegun (1608-1623)
The Royal Tailor (2014) – King Yeongjo (1694-1776)
Thanks for your suggestions. The dramas and films have been added to the list! 🙂
I have only recently found this and it really helped to clear up some confusion and connect the dots. I know it is a lot of work, but I hope you can update it some time. Thank you!
Title: 그녀는 예뻤다 / She Was Pretty / Chinese Title: 她真漂亮 / Also known as: She Was Beautiful
Genre: Romance, comedy – Episodes: 16 (To Be Confirmed)
link: http://www.kengsub.net/she-was-pretty-beautiful.html
Please make a page for sageuk subtle insults, the witty conotations
Thank you so much for the chart! This is really helpful.
My husband has great a interest in history and I’ve been interested in sageuk dramas but we’d just started watching Hwajeong/Splendid Politics three days ago.
I’m an addict of The Return Of Superman so I had seen lots of footages of Song Il-Guk in Jumong. It’s been in my drama watch list for quite a long time. Hopefully will get to it before this year ends.
–Warm regards from Jakarta, Indonesia.
This is a very good reference for sageuks. Please include Eight Days, which is mainly set during the time of King Jeongjo with flashbacks to the time of King Yeongjo. It is mainly concerned with the truth behind the death of King Jeongjo’s father and King Yeongjo’s son, Prince Sado. The drama Conspiracy in the Court is also set during King Jeongjo’s reign and is mainly about the different political forces acting for or against the king. Both dramas are short, Eight Days with 10 episodes and Conspiracy in the Court with 8 episodes.
Secret Door is also set during King Yeongjo’s reign.
Not only do I refer to your wonderful chart but I’m having fun learning to read the Korean alphabet using your hangul. Thank you!
There is also the series King and Queen which covers 7 kings from King Sejong to Yeonsangun. And it has 186 episodes!!! I don’t think they have subtitled copies though.
There is also The King’s Face about King Seonjo and Prince Gwanghae.
Hwajung is also set during King Seonjos’s reign.
I think The Princess’ man should also be listed under King Sejo, because he’s a much more important figure in the drama that his predecessor. You did list it under Danjong, but since you’ve listed other dramas under multiple kings (like The King and I), I think it should go under both.
Watching Kingdom of the Winds and wondering if you have a chart for pre Joseon.
I just watched that a few weeks ago and I found it on this timeline: https://thetalkingcupboard.com/resources/sageuk-timeline/comment-page-1/#comment-32044
I am not fond of historical dramas or sajeuk but because Goddess of Fire has Moon Geun Young as the character where the story revolves, I watched it full and complete and never regretted doing so. Your chart here made me appreciate more Korean (Joseon) history and the many interesting stories of the rulers, royal family, and the events of a particular period or era. However, the first drama I watched was Jumong, I shall save this website/ page for better understanding of future historical dramas or movies. My next movie is “The Throne” because MGY is also a lead actress there. She is a great and lovely character in any kind of drama. More power to DRAMASROK for this kind of information/ chart which I know will be updated from time to time. Thanks a lot!
Six Flying Dragons primarily covers the establishment of the Joseon Dynasty and covers more of King Taejo’s reign than Taejong’s. Taejong’s was just covered in the last part of the last episode.
A vry recent sageuk Jan Yeong Sil is set during King Taejong and King Sejong’s time. It is about the famous slave who later became Joseon’s most important scientist.
thanks for your suggestions for the Chart of the Joseon Kings. They have been added to the chart!
I believe Jang Nok Soo, a series from 1995 is set during Yeongsangun’s time
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You can perhaps add “Queen for 7 Days” where it shows mostly Yeongsangun’s tyrannical reign and his brother’s rise to reign in a very melodramatic, almost tragic way.
The Red Sleeve Cuff, which is completed airing as of today (1st Jan, 2022) depicts a bit of both Yeongjo’s reign and Jeongjo’s reign. It also touches briefly on the tragic incident of Sado and you get to see Jeongjo’s struggles as a child and an adult, against his grandfather’s harsh scrutiny.
I believe also, “Mr Queen” can be added as it portrays the reign of Cheoljong and his struggles with the Andong Kim clan and the Pyunyang Jo clan with a comedic twist.