Ten Historical Korean Dramas for Valentine's Day (Pt 1 of 2)

cmoneyspinner

What does the Fox say?
Staff member
Traditionally in the USA, Valentine’s Day – the day for celebrating romance and lovers – is celebrated on February 14th. After diligently searching to find a list of recommended historical Korean dramas to watch for this romantic holiday, I gave up! No list agreed with my picks. So! Below is Part 1 of MY 2-Part list of ten (10) of the best historical Korean dramas to watch on Valentine’s Day, in chronological order. This year, 2025, the holiday falls on a Friday, so why not make it a Valentine’s Day weekend? ❤️ (1) Dong Yi (2010) A true story: a real-life love story between Dong Yi and King Sukjong. A concubine with a heart of gold, who suggested to the king that there be a law preventing a concubine from becoming queen (according to the TV series). She saw and experienced the cruelty of the “palace flowers” toward each other and the lengths they went to trying to eliminate their “competition”. In the actual history of Joseon, the strict Confucian social hierarchy and the established court protocols did make it difficult for concubines to rise to the status of queen consort. Dong Yi, who was the king’s favorite concubine, was elevated to […]
Read original article here:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I completely agree with Dong Yi being on the list. It's a classic for a reason. The romance is sweet, and the political intrigue is enticing. I think what makes historical dramas so appealing for Valentine's Day is the combination of beautiful costumes, sweeping romances, and the backdrop of a different era. It's escapism at its finest. I'm especially intrigued by Shine or Go Crazy. The premise sounds unique, and I'm always a sucker for a good prophecy storyline.
 
Great list! I'm a big fan of historical K-dramas, and these are some of my favorites. I especially enjoyed 100 Days My Prince. It's such a fun and heartwarming story, and the leads have amazing chemistry. The amnesia trope is a bit overused, but they executed it well in this drama. I also appreciate the mix of romance and humor. It's not all serious palace politics, which can get a bit heavy sometimes. I think what sets Korean historical dramas apart is their attention to detail. The costumes, the sets, the music – everything contributes to creating a truly immersive experience.
 
I love that this list focuses on historical dramas! There’s something so compelling about love stories set in rigid social structures where romance isn’t just about emotions—it’s about power, duty, and survival. "Dong Yi" was a fantastic pick; the way it portrayed her intelligence and kindness made her stand out among historical drama heroines. And "Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung" is a personal favorite. It’s refreshing to see a female lead whose ambitions extend beyond romance, though the love story was still engaging. This list makes me want to rewatch some classics and maybe check out "Shine or Go Crazy"
 
I get why people love these dramas, but I don’t think they’re the best picks for Valentine’s Day. Most of them have romance, sure, but they’re also filled with betrayal, palace intrigue, and life-or-death stakes. Watching a prince get exiled or a concubine navigate court politics doesn’t exactly scream "romantic evening" to me. If I were making a list, I’d pick lighter historical romances with more comedy and less backstabbing. That said, I respect the author’s personal choices. "100 Days My Prince" does sound like a fun watch, though. Maybe I'll give that one a shot.
 
Dong Yi" was historically significant, but let’s not forget she was still a concubine in a system where women had very little agency. I’m not saying people shouldn’t enjoy these dramas—just that it’s important to separate fantasy from reality. That said, "Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung" had a refreshing take on gender roles, so I’ll give it credit for that.
 
I completely agree with Dong Yi being on the list. It's a classic for a reason. The romance is sweet, and the political intrigue is enticing. I think what makes historical dramas so appealing for Valentine's Day is the combination of beautiful costumes, sweeping romances, and the backdrop of a different era. It's escapism at its finest. I'm especially intrigued by Shine or Go Crazy. The premise sounds unique, and I'm always a sucker for a good prophecy storyline.
Dong Yi kept me captivated from start to finish. Shine or Go Crazy? It was sad because it wasn't just the main couple - there was more than one loving relationship in the story and their lives were all so painful. I put it on my list because I thought the plot showed the true value of love and how sad your life can be without it.
 

how to help support popgeeks, popgeeks, pop geeks

Latest News & Videos

Latest News

Back
Top