Korean dramas based on true events often blend gripping storytelling with real-life historical, cultural, or social elements. Here are ten recommendations that have either been directly inspired by true events or draw heavily from real historical or contemporary contexts:
1. “Nokdu Flower” (2019)
- Based on: The Donghak Peasant Revolution in 1894
- Plot: Depicts the story of two brothers on opposite sides during the Donghak Peasant Revolution, exploring family loyalty and socio-political conflict.
- Themes: Historical, Drama, Socio-political Strife
- Main Cast: Jo Jung-suk, Yoon Shi-yoon, Han Ye-ri
![](https://kdramarecommendation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/nokdu_flower.jpg?w=251)
2. “Hymn of Death” (2018)
- Based on: The life of Yun Sim-deok, Korea’s first professional soprano
- Plot: A tragic love story in the 1920s of Yun Sim-deok and Kim Woo-jin, set against Japanese colonial rule.
- Themes: Romance, Tragedy, Historical, Music
- Main Cast: Lee Jong-suk, Shin Hye-sun
![](https://kdramarecommendation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/the_hymn_of_death.jpg?w=251)
3. “Signal” (2016)
![](https://kdramarecommendation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/signal_korean_drama.jpg?w=262)
4. “Bridal Mask” (2012)
- Based on: The Japanese occupation of Korea
- Plot: A man becomes a masked hero fighting against Japanese colonialism, intertwining resistance movements and personal struggle.
- Themes: Action, Historical, Drama, Resistance
- Main Cast: Joo Won, Jin Se-yeon, Park Ki-woong
![](https://kdramarecommendation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/bridal_mask-poster.jpg?w=245)
5. “Chicago Typewriter” (2017)
- Based on: Historical events interwoven with fiction
- Plot: Revolves around three resistance fighters from the 1930s reincarnated in the present day, blending romance, history, and fantasy.
- Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Historical, Mystery
- Main Cast: Yoo Ah-in, Im Soo-jung, Go Kyung-pyo
![](https://kdramarecommendation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/chicago_typewriter_poster.jpg?w=263)
6. “The Crowned Clown” (2019)
- Based on: Inspired by King Gwanghae of the Joseon Dynasty
- Plot: A king places a clown who resembles him on the throne to escape assassination, drawing from elements of King Gwanghae’s reign.
- Themes: Historical, Drama, Political
- Main Cast: Yeo Jin-goo, Lee Se-young, Kim Sang-kyung
![](https://kdramarecommendation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/the_crowned_clown.jpg?w=263)
7. “Sandglass” (1995)
- Based on: The tumultuous history of Korea from the 1970s to the 1990s
- Plot: One of Korea’s most famous dramas, it delves into the lives of three friends set against the backdrop of real historical events like the Gwangju Uprising
- Themes: Historical, Drama, Romance, Politics
- Main Cast: Choi Min-soo, Go Hyun-jung, Park Sang-won
![](https://kdramarecommendation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/sandglass_1995_tv_series_dvd_cover.jpg?w=296)
8. “Mr. Sunshine” (2018)
- Based on: The late Joseon Dynasty and emergence of Korean independence movements
- Plot: The series follows a Korean man who returns to his homeland as an American soldier after running away during the 1871 U.S. expedition to Korea.
- Themes: Historical, Romance, War, Drama
- Main Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok
![](https://kdramarecommendation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mr._sunshine_2018_tv_series.jpg?w=260)
9. “Reply 1988” (2015)
- Based on: Life in South Korea in the late 1980s
- Plot: While the story is fictional, the setting and cultural background are authentic, capturing the family dynamics, friendships, and societal changes in 1980s Korea.
- Themes: Family, Friendship, Coming-of-age, Nostalgia
- Main Cast: Lee Hye-ri, Park Bo-gum, Go Kyung-pyo
![](https://kdramarecommendation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/tvns_reply_1988_ec9d91eb8bb5ed9598eb9dbc_1988_poster.jpg?w=265)
10. “Misaeng: Incomplete Life” (2014)
- Based on: Real-life corporate culture in South Korea
- Plot: An insightful look into the life of office workers in Korea, highlighting the challenges in a corporate environment.
- Themes: Drama, Workplace, Realism, Coming-of-age
- Main Cast: Im Si-wan, Lee Sung-min, Kang So-ra
![](https://kdramarecommendation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/misaeng-poster.jpg?w=259)