Korean History

A historical Timeline, according to Kdramas and movies

As of July 20, 2021: All Kings of Joseon portrayals accounted for (Some will be in the "Historical Fiction" List instead, depending on historical accuracy and relevance)

Emperor (2012) is a 2012 American-Japanese historical drama film set in post-WWII
https://mydramalist.com/list/b4qNoK61

https://mydramalist.com/discussions/korean-dramas-movies-variety-shows/4906-korean-k-dramasmovies-on-historical-time-table?page=1

urstruly Jul 6, 2020
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  • Northern Limit Line

    1. Northern Limit Line

    Korean Movie - 2015

    2002

  • Default

    2. Default

    Korean Movie - 2018

    Late 1990s IMF Crisis

  • The Spy Gone North

    3. The Spy Gone North

    Korean Movie - 2018

    1993

  • As One

    4. As One

    Korean Movie - 2012

    1991, World Olympics

  • Snowdrop

    5. Snowdrop

    Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes

    Snowdrop takes place in 1987, a pivotal year in South Korean history that included the June 1987 Democracy Movement, a mass protest movement with the purpose of forcing the dictatorship in South Korea to hold fair elections, and the resulting December 1987 democratic elections, which led to the end of the authoritarian Fifth Republic of Korea and the establishment of the democratic Sixth Republic of Korea.

    Snowdrop is set in November and December 1987. 

  • 1987: When the Day Comes

    6. 1987: When the Day Comes

    Korean Movie - 2017

  • The Drug King

    7. The Drug King

    Korean Movie - 2018

    1970s

  • In Love and the War

    8. In Love and the War

    Korean Movie - 2011

    1950

  • A Little Pond

    9. A Little Pond

    Korean Movie - 2010

    1950

  • Road Number One

    10. Road Number One

    Korean Drama - 2010, 20 episodes

    1940-1950s?

  • Comrades

    11. Comrades

    Korean Drama - 2010, 20 episodes

    1950-1953

  • The Front Line

    12. The Front Line

    Korean Movie - 2011

    1951

  • Operation Chromite

    13. Operation Chromite

    Korean Movie - 2016

    1950

  • The Battle of Jangsari

    14. The Battle of Jangsari

    Korean Movie - 2019

    1950

  • Ayla: The Daughter of War

    15. Ayla: The Daughter of War

    Korean Movie - 2017

    1950

  • 71: Into the Fire

    16. 71: Into the Fire

    Korean Movie - 2010

    August 11, 1950; True Story

  • Seoul 1945

    17. Seoul 1945

    Korean Drama - 2006, 71 episodes

    Ep1 1950 april
    Ep2 1933

  • Eyes of Dawn

    18. Eyes of Dawn

    Korean Drama - 1991, 36 episodes

  • The Battleship Island

    19. The Battleship Island

    Korean Movie - 2017

    1945 Timestamp, OSS Training Area
    Atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (6 and 9 August 1945)

  • My Way

    20. My Way

    Korean Movie - 2011

    10

    1928-1948
    Primarily 1938-1944 D-Day
    1948 Olympics

  • Malmoe: The Secret Mission

    21. Malmoe: The Secret Mission

    Korean Movie - 2019

    8.0

    1940s
    Features Japanese polices for the Korean language during Japanese occupation

    The Japanese administrative policy shifted more aggressively towards cultural assimilation in 1938 (Naisen ittai) with a new government report advising reform to strengthen the war effort. This left less room for Korean language studies and by 1943 all Korean language courses had been phased out. Teaching and speaking of Korean was prohibited.[164] Although the government report advised further, more radical reform, the 10-year plan would never fully go into effect.[165]

  • Love, Lies

    22. Love, Lies

    Korean Movie - 2016

    9.0

    1943
    Historical figure: Singer Lee Nan-young

  • The Last Princess

    23. The Last Princess

    Korean Movie - 2016

    1925-1962

  • Dong Ju: The Portrait of a Poet

    24. Dong Ju: The Portrait of a Poet

    Korean Movie - 2016

    Yun Dong Ju (Lived 1917-1945)

  • Assassination

    25. Assassination

    Korean Movie - 2015

    1911-1949 (Primarily in the 1930s, 1933 onwards)
    Real History portrayed
    1911 Attempted assassination Terauchi Masatake (1910–1916)
    1933 Japanese Concession of Shanghai
    Kim Gu
    Kim Wonbong
    Special Investigation Committee of Anti-National Activities (1948-1949)

    Historica Link

  • Different Dreams

    26. Different Dreams

    Korean Drama - 2019, 40 episodes

    1931-1933
    Kim Won-bong (August 13, 1898 – c.1958) was a Korean anarchist, independence activist, communist, and statesman from North Korea.
    Features the Korean Provisional Government in Shanghai
    Events: 

    • Bombing of Joseon General Governor's Offic
    • Attempted assassination, and actual assassination of Chichi.... one of the Japanese military members
    • Assassination of General Murai
    • Assassination of Yoo Tae Joon
    • Japanese invasion of Manchuria and Shanghai 1932
  • The Age of Shadows

    27. The Age of Shadows

    Korean Movie - 2016

    1920s-1930s
    Mentions Heroic Corps, but it seems that all names were substituted. So there are no directly identifiable historical characters.
    Quotes Terauchi Masatake within the movie, but it's hard to tell whether Terauchi is still in power or not. 

  • Anarchist from Colony

    28. Anarchist from Colony

    Korean Movie - 2017

    1923

  • The Hymn of Death

    29. The Hymn of Death

    Korean Drama - 2018, 6 episodes

    ~1920-1926; Based on true Historical Main Characters

  • The Battle: Roar to Victory

    30. The Battle: Roar to Victory

    Korean Movie - 2019

    1920

  • 1919 Yoo Kwan Soon

    31. 1919 Yoo Kwan Soon

    Korean Movie - 2019

    Documentary

  • A Resistance

    32. A Resistance

    Korean Movie - 2019

    1919-1920

  • That Day: Korean Independence

    33. That Day: Korean Independence

    Korean TV Show - 2016, 10 episodes

    1910-1945?

  • Freedom Fighter, Lee Hoe Young

    34. Freedom Fighter, Lee Hoe Young

    Korean Drama - 2010, 5 episodes

    1910

    Lee Hoe-young (1867–1932)

  • Mr. Sunshine

    35. Mr. Sunshine

    Korean Drama - 2018, 24 episodes

    9.5

    1900-1910, Hanseong; Righteous Army

    King Gojong of Joseon
    includes some fictional main characters

    Includes portrayal of Heungseng Daewongun (Lived 1820 – 22 February 1898, Regency 21 January 1864 – 31 October 1873)

  • Gabi

    36. Gabi

    Korean Movie - 2012

    1896

  • Man of Will

    37. Man of Will

    Korean Movie - 2017

    1890s
    Kim Gu (August 29, 1876 – June 26, 1949)

  • The Nokdu Flower

    38. The Nokdu Flower

    Korean Drama - 2019, 48 episodes

    1894-1895; Donghak Peasant Revolution

  • Jejoongwon

    39. Jejoongwon

    Korean Drama - 2010, 36 episodes

    1885

  • Gunman in Joseon

    40. Gunman in Joseon

    Korean Drama - 2014, 22 episodes

    1876

  • King Maker: The Change of Destiny

    41. King Maker: The Change of Destiny

    Korean Drama - 2020, 21 episodes

    1858 – 1872
    Princess Lee Bong-ryun, King Cheoljong's daughter
    Lee Ha-eung, Prince Heungsun, Gojong's father and an ambitious royal family
    Dowager Queen Jo
    King Cheoljong, the 25th King of Joseon and Lee Bong-ryun's father
    Lee Jae-hwang, Emperor Gojong, Lee Ha-eung's 2nd son and the first emperor of Joseon.
    Min Ja-young, Empress Myeongseong

  • Empress Myeongseong

    42. Empress Myeongseong

    Korean Drama - 2001, 124 episodes

    Lived 1851-1895

    Includes portrayal of Heungseng Daewongun (Lived 1820 – 22 February 1898, Regency 21 January 1864 – 31 October 1873)

  • The Sound of a Flower

    43. The Sound of a Flower

    Korean Movie - 2015

    1867

    Includes portrayal of Empress Myeongseong
    Includes portrayal of Heungseng Daewongun (Lived 1820 – 22 February 1898, Regency 21 January 1864 – 31 October 1873)

  • The Sword with No Name

    44. The Sword with No Name

    Korean Movie - 2009

    1866-1895

    Includes portrayal of Heungseng Daewongun (Lived 1820 – 22 February 1898, Regency 21 January 1864 – 31 October 1873)

  • The Map Against the World

    45. The Map Against the World

    Korean Movie - 2016

    Joseon (1804–1866)
    Heungseng Daewongun (Lived 1820 – 22 February 1898, Regency 21 January 1864 – 31 October 1873)

  • Daewongun

    46. Daewongun

    Korean Drama - 1990, 32 episodes

    Heungseng Daewongun (Lived 1820 – 22 February 1898)

    • Regency: 21 January 1864 – 31 October 1873
    • Ruled through regency for King Gojong, last king of Joseon, first Emperor of Korea
    • Father in-law of Empress Myeongseong of "The Last Empress" Musical
  • Love in the Moonlight

    47. Love in the Moonlight

    Korean Drama - 2016, 18 episodes

    1800-1834

    Based on a novel, Moonlight Drawn by Clouds
    King Sunjo of Joseon (Reign 1800-1834)

  • Heung Boo: The Revolutionist

    48. Heung Boo: The Revolutionist

    Korean Movie - 2018

    Heonjong of Joseon (8 September 1827 – 25 July 1849) was the 24th king of the Joseon Dynasty of Korea.
    Reign 18 December 1834 – 25 July 1849

  • The Book of Fish

    49. The Book of Fish

    Korean Movie - 2021

    1801 about the Joseon era scholar Jeong Yak-jeon (1758–1816)
    Exiled to Heuksando Island during the Catholic Persecution of 1801 in King Sunjo of Joseon’s reign. There he wrote a pishine encyclopaedia titled Jasaneobo.

  • The Great Merchant

    50. The Great Merchant

    Korean Drama - 2010, 30 episodes

    Kim Man-deok (1739-1812)

  • The Fatal Encounter

    51. The Fatal Encounter

    Korean Movie - 2014

    (1777)
    Jeongjo of Joseon (28 October 1752 – 18 August 1800, reign 27 April 1776 – 18 August 1800)

  • Conspiracy in the Court

    52. Conspiracy in the Court

    Korean Drama - 2007, 8 episodes

    Includes portrayal of Jeongjo of Joseon (28 October 1752 – 18 August 1800, reign 27 April 1776 – 18 August 1800)

  • Eight Days Mystery of Jeong Jo Assassination

    53. Eight Days Mystery of Jeong Jo Assassination

    Korean Drama - 2007, 10 episodes

    Focusses on the eight days leading up to the coronation
    Includes portrayal of Jeongjo of Joseon (28 October 1752 – 18 August 1800, reign 27 April 1776 – 18 August 1800)
    Includes portrayal of King Yeongjo of Joseon (Reign 1724–1776)

  • Yi San

    54. Yi San

    Korean Drama - 2007, 77 episodes

    Jeongjo of Joseon (28 October 1752 – 18 August 1800, reign 27 April 1776 – 18 August 1800)
    King Yeongjo of Joseon (Reign 1724–1776)

  • Warrior Baek Dong Soo

    55. Warrior Baek Dong Soo

    Korean Drama - 2011, 29 episodes

    Based on a true historical character of Baek Dong Soo
    King Yeongjo of Joseon (Reign 1724–1776) - Supporting Role
    Includes portrayal of Jeongjo of Joseon (28 October 1752 – 18 August 1800, reign 27 April 1776 – 18 August 1800)

  • The Red Sleeve

    56. The Red Sleeve

    Korean Drama - 2021, 17 episodes

    Jeongjo of Joseon (Yi San): Storyline encompassing 1759-1800

    • Lived 28 October 1752 – 18 August 1800
    • Crown Prince 10 March 1759 – 27 April 1776
    • Reign 27 April 1776 – 18 August 1800

    Features Yeongjo of Joseon (End of Life)

  • Secret Door

    57. Secret Door

    Korean Drama - 2014, 24 episodes

    King Yeongjo of Joseon (Reign 1724–1776) - Main Cast
    Includes portrayal of Jeongjo of Joseon (28 October 1752 – 18 August 1800, reign 27 April 1776 – 18 August 1800)

  • The Throne

    58. The Throne

    Korean Movie - 2015

    King Yeongjo of Joseon (Reign 1724–1776) - Main Cast
    Includes portrayal of Jeongjo of Joseon (28 October 1752 – 18 August 1800, reign 27 April 1776 – 18 August 1800)

  • The Royal Gambler

    59. The Royal Gambler

    Korean Drama - 2016, 24 episodes

    King Sukjong of Joseon (Reign 1674–1720) - Main Cast
    King Gyeongjong of Joseon (Born 1688; Reign 1720–1724) - Main Cast

  • Haechi

    60. Haechi

    Korean Drama - 2019, 48 episodes

    1720-1725 approx

    King Sukjong of Joseon (Reign 1674–1720)
    King Yeongjo of Joseon (Reign 1724–1776) - Main Cast
    Gyeongjong of Joseon (Reigned 1720–1724)

  • Damo

    61. Damo

    Korean Drama - 2003, 14 episodes

    King Sukjong of Joseon (1661-1720)

  • Dong Yi

    62. Dong Yi

    Korean Drama - 2010, 60 episodes

    King Sukjong of Joseon (Reign 1674–1720)
    Royal Noble Consort Choi Suk Bin (Tenure 1699-1718)
    Includes portrayal of  Yeongjo of Joseon (Reign 1724–1776)
    Includes portrayal of Gyeongjong of Joseon (Reigned 1720–1724)

  • Jang Ok Jung

    63. Jang Ok Jung

    Korean Drama - 2013, 24 episodes

    1670-1701

    King Sukjong of Joseon (Reign 1674–1720)
    Royal Noble Consort Jang Hui-bin (Lived 1659-1701)
    Includes portrayal of Hyeonjong of Joseon (Reigned 1659–1674)

  • Seondal: The Man Who Sells the River

    64. Seondal: The Man Who Sells the River

    Korean Movie - 2016

    1620s-50s

    Fiction (Based on ancient novel)
    King Hyojong (Died 1659; Reign 1649–1659) - Guest Appearance

  • Horse Doctor

    65. Horse Doctor

    Korean Drama - 2012, 50 episodes

    1645-1674

    King Injo (Died 1649; Reign 1623–1649)
    King Hyojong (Died 1659; Reign 1649–1659)
    King Hyeonjong (Lived 1641-1674; Reigned 1659–1674) - Main cast
    Young King Sukjong (Lived )

  • Cruel Palace - War of Flowers

    66. Cruel Palace - War of Flowers

    Korean Drama - 2013, 50 episodes

    1630-1650

    King Injo of Joseon (Reign 1623–1649) - Main Cast?
    Royal Consort Jo Gwi-in (Lived 1617-1652)
    King Hyojong (Died 1659; Reign 1649–1659)

  • The Slave Hunters

    67. The Slave Hunters

    Korean Drama - 2010, 24 episodes

    1640-1650

    Includes portrayal of Hyojong of Joseon (Lived 1619-1659; Reign 1649–1659)
    Crown Prince Sohyeon (Lived 1612-1645)
    King Injo of Joseon (Reign 1623–1649)

  • Tamra, the Island

    68. Tamra, the Island

    Korean Drama - 2009, 16 episodes

    1640

    King Gwanghaegun of Joseon (Reign 1608–1623)
    King Injo of Joseon (Reign 1623–1649)

  • The Fortress

    69. The Fortress

    Korean Movie - 2017

    1636

    Second Manchu invasion of Korea
    King Injo of Joseon (Reign 1623–1649)
    (Based on a novel)

  • Iljimae

    70. Iljimae

    Korean Drama - 2008, 20 episodes

    9.0

    1633 -1650 approx, Joseon

    King Injo of Joseon (Reign 1623–1649)
    (loosely based on the comic strip Iljimae, published between 1975 and 1977, written by Ko Woo-young based on Chinese folklore from the Ming dynasty about a masked Robin Hood-esque character during the Joseon era.)

  • Strongest Chil Woo

    71. Strongest Chil Woo

    Korean Drama - 2008, 20 episodes

    1623–1649

    King Injo of Joseon (Reign 1623–1649)

  • The Reputable Family

    72. The Reputable Family

    Korean Drama - 2010, 16 episodes

    1636-1680s

  • Splendid Politics

    73. Splendid Politics

    Korean Drama - 2015, 50 episodes

    1600-1620

    King Seonjo of Joseon (Reign 1567–1608)
    King Gwanghaegun of Joseon (Reign 1608–1623)
    King Injo of Joseon (Reign 1623–1649)
    King Hyojong of Joseon (Died 1659; Reign 1649–1659)

  • The Tale of Nokdu

    74. The Tale of Nokdu

    Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes

    6.5

    1615-1620

    Includes portrayal of King Seonjo of Joseon (Reign 1567–1608)
    King Gwanghaegun of Joseon (Reign 1608–1623)
    King Injo of Joseon (Reign 1623–1649)

  • Hong Gil Dong

    75. Hong Gil Dong

    Korean Drama - 2008, 24 episodes

    1610-1623 approx

    King Gwanghaegun of Joseon (Reign 1608–1623)

  • The Crowned Clown

    76. The Crowned Clown

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes

    10

    King Gwanghaegun of Joseon (Reign 1608–1623) - Main Cast
    Includes portrayal of King Seonjo of Joseon (Reign 1567–1608)

  • Masquerade

    77. Masquerade

    Korean Movie - 2012

    King Gwanghaegun of Joseon (Reign 1608–1623) - Main Cast

  • The King's Face

    78. The King's Face

    Korean Drama - 2014, 23 episodes

    King Seonjo of Joseon (Reign 1567–1608)
    King Gwanghaegun of Joseon (Reign 1608–1623) - Main Cast

  • The Admiral: Roaring Currents

    79. The Admiral: Roaring Currents

    Korean Movie - 2014

    1597
    Includes portrayal of King Gwanghaegun (reigned 1608–1623)
    Includes portrayal of King Seonjo of Joseon (Reign 1567–1608)

  • Goddess of Fire

    80. Goddess of Fire

    Korean Drama - 2013, 32 episodes

    King Seonjo of Joseon (Reign 1567–1608)
    King Gwanghaegun of Joseon (Reign 1608–1623) - Main Cast

  • The Swordsman

    81. The Swordsman

    Korean Movie - 2020

    8.0

    Includes portrayal of King Gwanghaegun (reigned 1608–1623)

  • Bossam: Steal the Fate

    82. Bossam: Steal the Fate

    Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes

    King Gwanghae = Gwanghaegun (reigned 1608–1623)

  • The King's Woman

    83. The King's Woman

    Korean Drama - 2003, 42 episodes

    Includes portrayal of King Gwanghaegun (reigned 1608–1623)
    Includes portrayal of King Seonjo of Joseon (Reign 1567–1608)

  • Blades of Blood

    84. Blades of Blood

    Korean Movie - 2010

    1592

    King Seonjo of Joseon (Reign 1567–1608)

  • Warriors of the Dawn

    85. Warriors of the Dawn

    Korean Movie - 2017

    1592 

    King Seonjo (Reign 1567–1608)
    Prince Gwanghaegun of Joseon (Reign 1608–1623)
    Imjin War

  • The Jingbirok: A Memoir of Imjin War

    86. The Jingbirok: A Memoir of Imjin War

    Korean Drama - 2015, 50 episodes

    1592

    King Seonjo (Reign 1567–1608)
    Prince Gwanghaegun of Joseon (Reign 1608–1623)
    Imjin War

  • Three Kingdom Wars - Imjin War 1592

    87. Three Kingdom Wars - Imjin War 1592

    Korean Drama - 2016, 5 episodes

    1592
    Includes portrayal of King Gwanghaegun (reigned 1608–1623)

  • Mirror of the Witch

    88. Mirror of the Witch

    Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes

    1575-1615

    Heo Jun (허준, Lived 1546 – 9 October 1615)
    King Myeongjong (Reign 1545–1567)
    King Seonjo of Joseon (Reign 1567–1608)

  • Hur Jun, the Original Story

    89. Hur Jun, the Original Story

    Korean Drama - 2013, 135 episodes

    1575-1615

    Heo Jun (허준, Lived 1546 – 9 October 1615)
    Includes depictions of King Gwanghaegun (reigned 1608–1623)
    Seonjo (Reign 1567–1608)
    King Myeongjong (Reign 1545–1567)

  • Heaven's Soldiers

    90. Heaven's Soldiers

    Korean Movie - 2005

    1572

    Yi Sun Sin
    Fantasy, Time Travel

  • The Legendary Courtesan Hwang Jin Yi

    91. The Legendary Courtesan Hwang Jin Yi

    Korean Movie - 2007

    Hwang JinYi (Lived 1506-1560)
    King Jungjong of Joseon (Reign 1506–1544)

  • Hwang Jin Yi

    92. Hwang Jin Yi

    Korean Drama - 2006, 24 episodes

    Hwang JinYi (Lived 1506-1560)
    King Jungjong of Joseon (Reign 1506–1544)

  • The Flower in Prison

    93. The Flower in Prison

    Korean Drama - 2016, 51 episodes

    1544-1567

    King Jungjong (Reign 1506–1544)
    King Myeongjong (Reign 1545–1567)
    Young King Seonjo (Lived 1552-1608)

  • Heaven's Order

    94. Heaven's Order

    Korean Drama - 2013, 20 episodes

    1544-1545

    During Reign of King Injong (Reign 1544–1545)
    King Jungjong of Joseon (Reign 1506–1544)
    Inlcudes portrayal of Myeongjeong (r. 1545–1567)
    (aka. Fugitive of Joseon)

  • Saimdang, Light’s Diary

    95. Saimdang, Light’s Diary

    Korean Drama - 2017, 28 episodes

    1510-1551

    Poet Saimdang (Lived 1504-1551)
    Jungjong of Joseon (Reign 1506–1544)
    Injong of Joseon ( r. 1544–1545)

  • Ladies of the Palace

    96. Ladies of the Palace

    Korean Drama - 2001, 151 episodes

    Yeonsangun of Joseon (r. 1494–1506)
    King Jungjong (Reign 1506–1544)
    Injong of Joseon ( r. 1544–1545)

  • Monstrum

    97. Monstrum

    Korean Movie - 2018

    1527-1528; 22th year of rule

    Jungjong of Joseon (Reign 1506–1544)

  • Queen for Seven Days

    98. Queen for Seven Days

    Korean Drama - 2017, 20 episodes

    1506
    Jungjong of Joseon (Reign 1506–1544)
    Yeonsangun of Joseon (r. 1494–1506)
    Seongjong of Joseon (reign 1469–1494)

  • The Treacherous

    99. The Treacherous

    Korean Movie - 2015

    1504-1506

    Yeonsangun of Joseon (r. 1494–1506)
    Includes portrayal of Jungjong of Joseon (Reign 1506–1544)

  • The King and the Clown

    100. The King and the Clown

    Korean Movie - 2005

    Yeonsangun of Joseon (r. 1494–1506)

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