Hope you enjoyed Part 1 of this incredible listing of Korean dramas about Korean princesses. Here is Part 2. Like the previous list, these titles are set in historical periods that include the kingdoms of Baekje and Joseon. Princesses are both fictional and characters inspired by real historical figures.
Princess: Princess Jeongmyeong
Historical basis: A real historical figure.
Princess Jeongmyeong was the daughter of King Seonjo of Joseon. After her younger brother, Prince Yeongchang, is killed and her family loses its political power, Jeongmyeong is forced to live outside the palace and eventually disguises herself as a man while seeking justice and a way back into the political world. The series follows her efforts to survive Joseon’s dangerous court politics during the reigns of King Gwanghaegun and King Injo, combining historical events with fictionalized characters and storylines.
Princess: Princess Soo-kyung
Historical basis: Fictionalized historical character, a widowed Joseon princess.
A royal princess is at the center of an unusual Joseon-era romance. Princess Soo-kyung is a widowed daughter of Prince Gwanghae whose life changes when Ba-woo, a man who makes his living through the Joseon practice of bossam, accidentally abducts her. Forced to remain together, the unlikely pair gradually develops a relationship while becoming caught up in dangerous political conflicts involving the royal family. Set during the reign of Gwanghaegun, the drama uses the historical practice of bossam as the starting point for a fictional romance and political adventure.
{NOTE: Bossam is a Joseon-era practice involving widows and remarriage. The practice of not allowing widows to remarry likely developed because of the strict Neo-Confucian social expectations. Since widows were not allowed to remarry, the bossam “business” developed. Men were hired to kidnap widows and take them to a man who wished to marry them.}
Princess: Princess Hwa-ri
Historical basis: Fictional, presents a lighter and more contemporary approach to the historical-romance genre.
Princess Hwa-ri, a spirited Joseon princess who refuses to allow the royal court to choose her future husband. After discovering that she has been featured in a series of provocative romantic paintings, Hwa-ri decides to take control of her own romantic destiny and begins searching for a husband herself. Her unconventional quest brings her into contact with several men, including the wealthy and mysterious Choi Hwan, while creating plenty of scandal within the palace.
Princess: Princess Yeon-joo
Historical Basis: Fictional – combines Joseon court drama with a historical legal-story format and romance.
Kang Han-soo, a lawyer in Joseon who uses lawsuits to pursue his own agenda before gradually becoming a champion for ordinary people seeking justice. One of the key figures in his life is Princess Yeon-joo, who secretly lives among the people and takes an active interest in the welfare of her subjects. As Han-soo and Yeon-joo work together, their relationship develops against a backdrop of political intrigue, personal revenge, and legal battles.
Princess: Princess Hye-myung
Historical basis: Fictional – on the outside, the princess appears rebellious, but internally her heart aches as she searches for the truth about her dethroned mother.
This K-drama is a Joseon-era romantic comedy centered on the spirited Princess Hye-myung and Gyeon Woo, a refined scholar who becomes entangled in her unpredictable adventures. After Gyeon Woo rescues the princess when he encounters her while she is drunk, she accuses him of taking something precious from her, setting the pair on a chaotic path from reluctant acquaintances to romantic partners. As their relationship develops, they become caught up in palace secrets, political conspiracies, and the princess’s search for answers about her mother, the dethroned queen.
Princess: Ok-nyeo
Historical basis: Fictional – set in Joseon, during the reign of King Myeongjong
Born and raised inside Jeonokseo, the infamous Joseon prison, Ok-nyeo grows into an exceptionally intelligent young woman who becomes skilled in law, investigation, and navigating the complicated world surrounding the prison. She dreams of becoming a damo (female police officer) while searching for the truth about her mother and her own mysterious origins. Her investigation eventually reveals that she is the daughter of King Jungjong and therefore a royal princess (ongju), drawing her into the dangerous political struggles surrounding Queen Munjeong, Yun Won-hyeong, and the royal court.
This K-drama offers a different variation on the princess story: the heroine begins life believing she is a commoner and only later discovers her royal identity. It also gives her a substantial life story outside of the palace involving law, social justice, espionage, romance, and political intrigue. Then her life story expands when she discovers her origins and finds out her royal status. She should have been raised in a palace instead of a prison. Which life will she choose?
Princess: Soo Baek-hyang / Seol-nan and Seol-Hee
Historical basis: Fictionalized
Another tale of two princesses. Set during the Baekje Kingdom, the drama centers on Seol-nan, the daughter of King Muryeong. She is also known as Soo Baek-hyang. Her story is that she is separated from her royal identity because of family deception and political intrigue. Her half-sister Seol-hee assumes her identity and takes the position that should have belonged to Seol-nan. The true royal daughter is forced to live far from the palace. Seol-nan eventually becomes involved in the political and military affairs of Baekje while struggling with questions of identity, family, loyalty, and love.
♦
My pick from this list? “A Flower in Prison”. The coolest princess ever! She was even a secret agent with some serious martial arts skills. What an exciting life!
MBCdrama. “[Flowers of the Prison] 옥중화– Jin Se-Yeon Appears a Graceful Figure 20161106.” YouTube, 6 Nov. 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPws3RKMPl8.
♦
Ancient Korean Kingdoms in K-Dramas: Historical Series Watch List
Would You Rather Be Crown Prince or Grand Prince? Grand Prince! (Are You Sure?)
Which Would You Rather Be Crown Prince or Grand Prince? Crown Prince! (Are You Sure?)
The Brides of Korean Dramas: Marriage, Mystery, Makjang, Mayhem, and More!
8 K-Dramas Set During Japanese Colonial Rule in Korea
K-Dramas and Movies on Joseon Era Buddhism & Persecution
♦♦
Copy and paste this URL into your WordPress site to embed
Copy and paste this code into your site to embed
