Actor Hong JongHyun To Enlist In The Military On December
Actor Hong JongHyun agency C-Jes confirmed that he will be enlisting for his mandatory military service on December 2.
Laure, Kpopmap Editor < 1 min to read ·
Published : Nov 5, 2019
Actor Hong JongHyun agency C-Jes confirmed that he will be enlisting for his mandatory military service on December 2.
He will join the military as an active-duty soldier and will be back after 2 years of service.
Hong JongHyun was born in 1990. He debuted as a model in 2007 and started acting in 2008. He is famous for his roles in dramas such as "Dating Agency: Cyrano", "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo", "The King in Love", and "My Absolute Boyfriend".
In an interview with Ilkan Sports, he said about his enlistment "Because I am sure that I will work as an actor for a long time, I am not worried too much about coming back from the military. I'm curious about how my acting in my 30s and 40s will look like so I have to go to the army and come back quickly".
5 K-Dramas To Watch If You Liked Thrilling And Heartfelt Series "Captivating The King"
Are you missing "Captivating The King" already? Here's a few K-Dramas you can binge watch in its absence.
Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap Editor 4 min to read ·
Published : Mar 4, 2024
tvN
After a game of intense wits, forlorn longing, and a seemingly unending battle for the throne, historical K-Drama "Captivating The King" has come to its climactic end. With Cho JungSeok and Shin SaeKyeong at its helm, as the drama's name suggests, audiences were captivated by the tvN series from the start.
Now that it's over, however, there will surely be a noticeable absence from the weekend drama roster. And while there are many amazing series currently on air, there was something special about "Captivating The King" that appears once every few months. Many might be looking for a drama with a similar plot or underlying themes. So if this sounds like you, you've definitely come to the right place.
Here are a few K-Dramas that you can watch if you enjoyed the thrilling, yet heartfelt "Captivating The King".
1. "My Dearest"
MBC
Cast: NamKoong Min, Ahn EunJin, and more
Summary: "My Dearest" dives into the love story between noblewoman Yu GilChae and the mysterious Lee JangHyun. They must navigate their relationship while also tackling the effects of war.
Reasons To Watch: "My Dearest" experienced resounding success, immersing audiences into a war-torn world with a pinch of incredible yearning. Both NamKoong Min and Ahn EunJin provided stunning performances, causing audiences to feel a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Similar to "Captivating The King", "My Dearest" will keep you at the edge of your seats, ready to binge well into the night.
2. "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo"
SBS
Cast: Lee JoonGi, IU, Kang HaNeul, Nam JooHyuk, Ji Soo, Hong JongHyun, EXO's BaekHyun, and more
Summary: During a solar eclipse, Go HaJin is transported from modern day to Goryeo times. She first falls in love with the kind 8th Prince but later changes to the 4th Prince. This prince is known for being fearless and hides his face with a mak. She is trapped in the princes' rivalry over the throne.
Reasons To Watch: "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" is a timeless masterpiece, praised for its stellar cast and immersive plot. The brothers' battle for the throne is intense, causing temperatures to rise and jaws to drop straight to the floor out of shock. Coming into the drama, just know that you'll be in for a ride of the lifetime, exploring a story filled with intense emotions and complex relationships. At the end, you'll naturally want to watch "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" over and over again.
3. "Under The Queen's Umbrella"
tvN
Cast: Kim HyeSoo, Kim HaeSook, Choi WonYoung, Moon SangMin, SF9's Chani, Yoon SangHyeon, Yoo SeonHo, Kim MinGi, and more
Summary: Tells the story of the dignified and graceful Queen HwaRyeong, who dismisses the royal protocol of education to raise her troublesome sons into proper princes.
Reasons To Watch: Kim HyeSoo pilots her character of Queen Im HwaRyeong to sheer perfection. She completely embodies a queen of elegance, strength, and smarts. She stands as a firm pillar of the royal family, even in the midst of hardship and constant attacks from her enemies. Im HwaRyeong's strength directly opposes the fragile and obedient image of many female characters in the realm of historical K-Dramas. She packs a punch in more ways than just physical, showcasing the exact reason why she is the queen of the nation.
4. "Bloody Heart"
KBS
Cast: Lee Joon, Kang HanNa, Jang Hyuk, and more
Summary: Lee Tae, the king who has to throw away his beloved woman to survive, and YooJung, who has to be a heavy fighter to survive, point swords at each other's necks.
Reasons To Watch: "Bloody Heart" and "Captivating The King" are similar in many regards. Both series' main characters go through a significant change, taking on the burdens of their time. They are faced with overwhelming power struggles, sincere character development, and a heartachingly beautiful romance. You won't be able to take your eyes off of the screen the moment "Bloody Heart" begins.
5. "The King's Affection"
KBS
Cast: Park EunBin, SF9's RoWoon, Nam YoonSou, VICTON's ByungChan, Bae YoonKyung, Jung ChaeYeon, and more
Summary: Revolves around the secret court romance between Lee Hwi and Jung JiUn. Lee Hwi is a woman who was abandoned because she was born as a girl. When her twin brother died, she took his place as the crown prince while trying to keep her identity and affection for her first love.
Reasons To Watch: Lee Hwi (Park EunBin) harbors a secret that she's kept hidden all these years. It is in upholding this secret that she continuously chooses to push forward and put on the mask of a ruler, which was meant to be bestowed upon her brother. However, she shows immense grit and undeniable charm that Jung JiUn (RoWoon) isn't the only person who falls for her. Both Park EunBin and RoWoon give mind-blowing performances that showcase their acting prowess. "The King's Affection" will grab hold of your heart and won't easily let it go.
Which K-Drama are you watching now that "Captivating The King" is over?
Top 5 K-Dramas Where The Cast Looks Like An Idol Group
Have you ever watched a K-Drama and thought that the cast might as well be a K-Pop idol group? Here are some K-Dramas just like that.
Ishani Sarkar, Kpopmap Editor 3 min to read ·
Published : Feb 14, 2024
KBS / JTBC
Have you ever seen a K-Drama where the visuals of the cast have lined up so perfectly that they look like they belong on stage as a K-Pop idol group?
Besides K-Dramas whose plots actually revolve around idol groups, such as "The Heavenly Idol", "Let Me Be Your Knight", or "Imitation", there are many such K-Dramas where the cast of actors look like they could very well be an idol group, especially when they're together on screen.
So, if you're looking for K-Dramas with the most handsome actors and actresses, iconic visuals exploding left and right, keep reading!
Check out our list of the top 5 K-Dramas where the cast looks like an idol group!
Note: This list is not a ranking.
1. "Hwarang"
KBS
Park SeoJun, Park HyungSik, SHINee's MinHo, BTS' V, Do JiHan, Jo YoonWoo, and more: this cast is the ultimate definition of heavenly visuals.
With world-class idols, fresh rising stars, and Hallyu heartthrobs in the lineup, "Hwarang" still leaves us hoping this cast was an actual idol group.
This one hasn't hit our screens yet, but we are already hyped about the visual greatness of this cast.
Park JiHoon, RyeoUn, Bae NaRa, Lee JunYoung, Choi MinYeong, Lee MinJae, and if we're lucky, Choi HyunWook - this cast is a rising star galore, and we cannot wait for it to air.
3. "Hello, My Twenties!" (a.k.a "Age Of Youth")
JTBC
Not only is this K-Drama one of the most beautiful and profound K-Dramas about female friendship and connection, but the cast is as gorgeous as an idol group.
We have Park EunBin, Park HyeSu, Han YeRi, Han SeungYeon, and Ryu HwaYoung serving angelic, fierce, playful, alluring, and so much more, just like the different charms of a girl group.
Finally, this list would never be complete without the OG - "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo".
This one will definitely go down in the K-Drama history books for the unbelievable visuals of the actors - Lee JoonGi, Kang HaNeul, Hong JongHyun, Nam JooHyuk, EXO's BaekHyun, Ji Soo, and Yoon SunWoo had us throwing heart-eyes at them throughout the show.
18 Best Romance Historical K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)
If you are looking for historical romance K-Dramas to watch, here are 10 you should add to your watchlist and why.
Laure, Kpopmap Editor 11 min to read ·
Published : Nov 8, 2023
· Updated : Dec 21, 2023
SBS
For new K-Dramas fans and non addicts to K-Dramas, it is often hard to make a great watchlist. You most probably ask your friend’s opinions or read the reviews online to make your selection, but sometimes it is not enough. We hope this list will help you find the dramas you are looking for!
After listing up, the best romantic comedy and best action thriller romance dramas, here are the best romance historical dramas. If you are a beginner to K-Dramas, historical dramas might look unattractive to you. It is a question of taste but Korean historical dramas are very diverse. Some have few historical elements and are easy to watch. It is simply like another drama but with a pretty historical background. While some are approachable and easy-to-understand, some have complex and political plots. Your only task is to choose wisely according to your taste!
For K-Drama addicts, you probably have watched all of the drama listed below, if not, it is time to add to your watchlist.
Note: This list was first published in 2019 and updated several times with new releases. Latest update: November 2023. This is not a ranking.
Summary: When they were young, Crown Prince Lee Hwon falls in love with Yeon Woo who is chosen to be the Crown Princess. However, because of political schemes, a shaman put a curse on her. People think she is dead but she resurrected with memory loss. Eight years later, she becomes a shaman and the Crown Prince still cannot forget his -dead- true love. They ended up meeting in the palace. The young King starts to investigate her death and she starts to remember her past.
For: Viewers looking for an unforgettable romantic drama.
Why watch?: This drama's plot and acting are just perfect. Viewers are hook from the beginning to the end. The drama mixes genre with romance, fantasy, and comedy. You will be on a roller coaster of emotions and dearly attached to the characters.
Summary: It tells the story of one of the most famous -villain- royal concubines in the Joseon Dynasty. The story takes place before and after she becomes queen.
For: Viewers looking for a romantic drama with deadly political fights.
Why watch?: The first part focuses on the romance of the two main characters and the latter part of the drama is more political with the various political schemes and relation with the King, the Queen, and the concubines. The story is addictive and viewers want to know to which extent the characters' greediness can go.
Summary: This drama has themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and honor in the middle of political schemes in Joseon by the Crown Prince, assassin guilds, and others.
For: Viewers looking for an epic historical drama with bromance, swords fight, and beautiful cinematography.
Why watch?: More than romance, it is a drama that focuses on brotherhood. For those of you who like sword fights, assassins, and friendship, this is for you! Both actors acting are perfect and the surrounding actors too. Viewers are held onto their universe from the beginning to the end and it deeply touches viewers' hearts.
Summary: The regent of the Kingdom of Silla is hiding her son. She also creates a new elite name Hwarang - a group of young people. Inside the trained Hwarang, her son (the future king) and a commoner have a secret.
For: Viewers looking for a cute and light historical drama with handsome and funny male leads.
Why watch?: It is easy to watch for all the public. The plot is cute and fresh. Moreover, it might be a nice first step into Korean historical dramas for those unfamiliar with Korean history.
Summary: During a solar eclipse, Go HaJin is transported from modern to Goryeo times. She wakes up in the middle of the numerous royal princes. Her story then begins. She first falls in love with the kind 8th Prince but later changes to the 4th Prince. This prince is known for being fearless and hides his face with a mak. She is trapped in the princes' rivalry over the throne.
For: Viewers looking for drama bringing viewers on a roller-coaster of emotions.
Why watch?: Lee JoonGi is one of the actors whose acting in historical dramas is not to miss. The other actors in supporting roles are also popular. The drama while being eye-candy and is quite complex in its addictive plot and numerous characters. It is well balanced between cute and dark.
Summary: It tells the love story and political ambition of Empress Ki, a lady from Goryeo taken against her will as a palace woman that ended up as Yuan Empress.
For: Viewers looking for an intense love story and breathtaking political fights.
Why watch?: The drama is long of 51 episodes. Some might think at first sight that it is too long but it is not. The memorable love story and political schemes have enough time to develop. The viewers can only root for the strong lead female character. The superb acting of the main actors is a plus.
Summary: It covers the transition from Goryeo to Joseon. It tells the story around the foundation of the new dynasty and especially young prince Lee BangWon.
For: Viewers looking for an epic and political drama about one of the most captivating periods of Korean history.
Why watch?: First of all, the drama has romance but it is minor, and second, the drama has over 50 episodes. Despite a solid cast and strong plot, the drama might not be for everyone. However, if you like great historical and political plot, this is for you and highly recommended.
Summary: It is the Korean version of a superhero during Imperial Japanese rule. It tells the love story of a hero without a name that has to throw away love because of his fate and the woman who tries to protect him.
For: Viewers looking for a cliffhanger drama when Korea was under Japanese rule with romance.
Why watch?: If you want to learn about this period of Korean history, the drama might be a good reason to watch. The plot is catchy. Viewers hold their breath throughout the show. The love story and brotherhood make it even more intense.
Summary: It tells the story of the Crown Prince fighting the Pyeonsuhwe society that controls the water supply thanks to their power. In this battle for the people, the Crown Prince and the girl who is popular among the people develop their love story.
For: Viewers looking for a love story with an appealing plot and action scenes.
Why watch?: Acting is good and the characters made it worth watching. The love story is touching and the development of the story is interesting.
Summary: A half-man and half-gumiho loves one ordinary woman and he will try his best to live like a human.
For: Viewers looking for a mysterious and fantastical love story.
Why watch?: The fantasy genre is intriguing and there are plenty of action scenes to enjoy. The love story is pure and will make you smile and cry. It is also easy to watch for viewers not used to historical dramas.
Summary: The story is set in the 19th century where men and women are not seen as equal. A woman will try to become a historian and try to 'change' society. And it tells the romance between her and the prince.
For: Viewers looking for a cute and fun romance historical drama about women's social issues with a handsome lead.
Why watch?: This historical drama is quite new in the sense that it gives light to women's social issues in Joseon (and still relatable to some extent in the modern time). The lead female character is strong, smart, and dependent while the lead male character is cute and has many things to learn. They have a lot of cute and lovely romantic scenes.
Summary: It tells the romance between a man who is disguising as a woman to infiltrate a community for widows and a girl that hates the idea of becoming a gisaeng.
For: Viewers looking for an exciting historical drama with perfect chemistry.
Why watch?: "The Tale of Nokdu" is a must-watch historical romance drama. It has the whole package to be a captivating drama: romance, comedy, action, mystery, and politics. The male character is cross-dressing which is the opposite of the usual frame. The plot will hook you from the beginning to the end and you will end up rooting for the lead couple.
Summary: Due to a sudden accident, the soul of a wild man from modern Korea entered Queen Kim SoYong's body in Joseon. It tells the scandalous story of a soul that ran away from its body and the King CheolJong who has two faces.
For: Viewers looking for a hilarious historical drama with perfect acting.
Why watch?: This drama has received a lot of love due to its hilarious characters and story. Shin HyeSun, one of the most talented actresses, took on the role of a man from modern time who arrived in the body of the Queen in Joseon. She portrayed the character flawlessly making viewers connect with the arrogant man pretending to be a woman. Aside from it, you can expect political fights and a not-so-easy to understand king.
Summary: It is the comic investigation story of late Joseon secret royal inspectors who are the secret ears of the palace. They actively and cheerfully eradicate corruption and help victims of injustice.
For: Viewers looking for an easy-to-watch and funny historical drama with a bit of romance.
Why watch?: The most fun and lovely trio (funniest bromance ever) are going for adventures across the country. This drama will put you in a good mood and make you laugh hard. But at the same time, their investigations are also nerve-breaking and captivating. It is the perfect ratio of comedy and action.
Summary: A man who kidnaps widows for remarriage life is turned upside down when he kidnaps a princess by mistake.
For: Viewers looking for an emotional romance touching on the women's condition in Joseon with politics.
Why watch?: The background of this drama about widow and women in Joseon make it memorable. The overall atmosphere is quite serious and emotional as the lead characters' situations are far from being happy once. Complex love relationships, dangerous situations, and politics are keywords.
Summary: It is the secret court romance drama of a woman who was abandoned because she was born as a girl. When her twin brother died, she began to pretend to be him: the crown prince while trying to keep her identity and affection for her first love.
For: Viewers looking for a good plotline and a sweet love story.
Why watch?: The plot of the drama is woman-centered and mainly focuses on Park EunBin acting as the king. On one side, you have beautiful flowery sets and her affection for RoWoon, and on the other side, her being scared of being caught and all the political schemes. This combination makes this drama a good one to watch.
Summary: A record of a mournful court romance between a court lady who wanted to protect the life she had chosen and a king who put the country ahead of love.
For: Viewers looking for a touching drama that makes them cry.
Why watch?: It is a sad love story (better to know before starting) that moved the heart of countless viewers. This is not only the acting and chemistry of quality but also the thoughts on what is love compared to your personal life's aspirations that make this drama stand out. It is by far a high-quality historical K-Drama you don't want to miss.
Summary: “The Forbidden Marriage” is a delightful and exhilarating palace fraud drama about a marriage scammer who claims to be possessed by the spirit of the king’s late wife.
For: Viewers looking for a hilarious romantic comedy
Why watch?: The king (Kim YoungDae) can't forget his late wife but the scammer (Park JuHyun) pretends to be possessed by her spirit and this is all how they got closer. The drama is full of comic moments and gives watchers comfort and a happy time. Really entertaining! The drama directing and set were also very romantic and pretty giving us beautiful scenes. Note that this drama added a modern twist to its old story making it even more relatable.
*Note: "Alchemy of Souls" is not a historical drama. It is complete fiction and is not set in any time in Korean history. However, this drama might interest fans of historical drama so we are adding it as a bonus.
Summary: “Alchemy of Souls” is set in a great country that does not exist in history or on maps; a fantasy romance drama in which the protagonist's fates have been twisted due to magic.
For: Viewers looking for an unforgettable drama full of twists and addictive elements
Why watch?: This drama has a lot of addicted and passionate fans for a reason. This drama has no miss and has become a new classic drama! Action, fantasy, romance, bromance, mysteries, shocking twists, beautiful costumes and sets, high-quality CGIs, etc all make this drama truly unmissable! Between tears, laugh, and smiles, this drama has all to steal your heart.
You can also recommend to readers through the poll (opened on June 23, 2021) and the comments. (Note that "The King's Affection", "The Red Sleeve", "The Forbidden Marriage", and "Alchemy of Souls" were added later than the other dramas in the poll)
What is the best romance historical K-Drama according to you?
※You can vote multiple times without sign in.
The Forbidden Marriage
Alchemy of Souls
The Moon Embracing The Sun
Jang OkJung, Living by Love
Warrior Baek DongSoo
Hwarang
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Empress Ki
Six Flying Dragons
Bridal Mask
The Emperor: Owner of the Mask
Gu Family Book
Rookie Historian Goo HaeRyung
The Tale of Nokdu
Mr. Queen
Royal Secret Agent
Bossam: Steal the Fate
The King's Affection
The Red Sleeve
Please do not refresh any more. Press the "VOTE" button below.
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