5 Historical K-Dramas That Will Make You Cry Buckets Of Tears

By Wei Yin on 23 Dec 2019

Digital Editor

When talking about K-dramas, one cannot leave out Korean historical dramas!

They make up a huge portion of the Korean TV series industry and because Korea is a culturally rich country, it's always interesting and exciting to be able to get a glimpse of what this modern and advanced country used to be like.

Oh, did we mention how K-dramas always seem to have the special power to induce tears from its viewers? So, we have compiled a list of give historical K-dramas that are not only nice to watch but will also make you cry buckets of tears (we may be exaggerating a little but you can be the judge).

Read on and get your tissues ready before you start on any of these dramas!

#1 Love in the Moonlight (2016)

Photo from KBS

Set in the Joseon era, Love in the Moonlight is about Hong Ra On (Kim Yoo Jung) who disguises herself as a man and counsels men on dating. Due to some reasons, Ra On enters the palace as an eunuch and meets Crown Prince Lee Young (Park Bo Gum) who has no idea that Ra On is a woman. The Crown Prince begins to fall in love with Ra On and funny moments ensue.

The drama started off as lighthearted and cute which was an enjoyable watch but as the characters get embroiled in the schemes and politics of palace life, the heart-wrenching moments will literally tear at your heart!

Photo from KBS

Both Kim Yoo Jung and Park Bo Gum who are known for their stellar acting will definitely tug on your heartstrings. If you like cute romance with some heartaches thrown in here and there, you will love this drama.

Watch Love in the Moonlight on Netflix.

#2 Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)

Photo from MBC

Years after she's assumed dead by the palace, a young noblewoman Wol (Han Ga In), now trained as a shaman, returns to court to reclaim her rightful position as queen. Meanwhile, the king, Lee Hwon (Kim Soo Hyun), begins to investigate the death of his love after seeing the grown up Wol. He is fighting against time though, because the queen's powerful political clan wants him removed from power.

Not to alarm you, but you may lose count of the number of times you reach for the tissues while watching this drama.

Photo from MBC

Some scenes are truly heartbreaking and may take awhile for your heart to recover but if you are ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions, then, we say go ahead and binge watch the Moon Embracing The Sun!

Watch Moon Embracing The Sun on Netflix.

#3 Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

Photo from SBS

Does the title sound familiar? That's because Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is the Korean adaptation of the insanely popular Chinese drama, Scarlet Heart (步步惊心)!

Starring IU and Lee Joon Gi as the leads plus other well-known actors and celebrities such as Kang Ha Neul, Hong Jong Hyun, Nam Joo Hyuk, Ji Soo and Baekhyun from EXO, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is about a 21st century woman who gets transported back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty of Korea.

Photo from SBS

She befriends several of the princes who find her carefree attitude refreshing. Although she knows she should not get involved in palace intrigues over the succession to the throne, she becomes a pawn in the struggle as several of the princes fall in love with her.

Sounds exciting yet sad at the same time, right? The drama was so good that many viewers demanded for a second season so you know you won't be disappointed if you decide to give this a try!

#4 Jang Ok Jung (2013)

Photo from SBS

Jang Ok Jung tells the story of Jang Hee Bin, one of the most famous royal concubines in the Joseon Dynasty who was behind the deposition of King Sook Jong's (Yoo Ah In) wife, Queen In Hyun.

But unlike the other dramas and movies about this villain, this drama will tell the story of Jang Ok Jung (Kim Tae Hee) before she became concubine Jang Hee Bin. The focus is on her role as a fashion designer and cosmetic maker in that era.

Photo from SBS

This drama has an interesting take on Jang Hee Bin, who has often been portrayed as an evil woman in other dramas. Focus on the King and Jang Ok Jung's love while watching and you will surely be touched. Warning: you will need tissues for this drama.

Watch Jang Ok Jung on Viu.

#5 Queen for Seven Days (2017)

Photo from KBS

Based on a Joseon legend, Queen for Seven Days is about the love story between King Jung Jong (Yeon Woo Jin) and Queen Dan Kyung (Park Min Young), who was crowned and deposed within the span of a week due to rival political factions.

Sounds tragic already, right?

Photo from KBS

Watch this if you like to torture yourself for no reason. All jokes aside though, Queen for Seven Days is a truly touching story that will stay etched in your heart for time to come.

Watch Queen for Seven Days on Netflix.

If sad historical K-dramas are not your cup of tea, check out our top picks of fantasy and romance and romantic comedy K-dramas!