Poster for “Moon River” / Courtesy of Tving
Physique-swapping and time slip storylines — the place a modern-day character finds themselves transported to a different time by unknown means — are a recurring motif in Korean dramas, significantly in sageuk, or historic sequence.
Ongoing historic Korean drama “Moon River” options two fundamental characters whose souls are unintentionally swapped. Crown Prince Lee Kang (Kang Tae-oh), nonetheless grieving the loss of life of his lover, encounters Park Dal-i (Kim Se-jeong), a service provider who seems to be equivalent to the lady he misplaced. As the 2 slowly fall in love, an surprising physique swap forces them to stay one another’s lives — the crown prince as a service provider and Dal-i as royalty.
Their makes an attempt to navigate these unfamiliar worlds produce comedic moments and emotional pressure, making “Moon River” an attractive watch. The sequence is accessible on Tving, Viki and Viu.
The Korea Instances highlights a number of different dramas constructed round these narrative units.
Poster for “The Haunted Palace” / Courtesy of SBS
‘The Haunted Palace’
One other fashionable historic fantasy drama from this yr, “The Haunted Palace,” follows Yeo-ri (Bona), a strong shaman who refuses her destiny as a spirit medium, and Gang Cheol-i (Yook Sung-jae), a legendary serpent trapped within the physique of Yeo-ri’s old flame, Yoon Hole. Because the pair confront supernatural forces inside the royal palace, their souls and our bodies turn into entangled. Launched earlier this yr, the sequence is accessible on Netflix and Viki.
A scene from drama “Alchemy of Souls” / Courtesy of CJ ENM
‘Alchemy of Souls’
The 2022-23 fantasy drama “Alchemy of Souls” follows the story of Nak-su (Jung So-min), a strong murderer whose soul-shifting magic permits her to maneuver between our bodies. Hunted for practising magic within the kingdom of Daeho, she transfers her soul into the physique of Mu-deok, a blind younger girl she encounters on the road. After the shift, Mu-deok unexpectedly regains her sight and bodily energy, carrying Nak-su’s talents inside her. Jang Wook (Lee Jae-wook), a nobleman from one among Daeho’s strongest households, tries to assist Mu-deok uncover her true id, whereas Mu-deok secretly trains him in fight abilities to strengthen his personal powers. “Alchemy of Souls” is accessible on Netflix and Tving.
Poster for “The Queen” / Courtesy of Tving
‘Mr. Queen’
Launched in 2020, the hit drama “Mr. Queen” facilities on chef Jang Bong-hwan (Choi Jin-hyuk), who cooks for Korea’s president. After an odd accident, he travels again in time and wakes up within the physique of Kim So-yong (Shin Hye-sun), queen of the Joseon Dynasty. Whereas looking for a method to return to the current, he should additionally navigate palace politics and his sophisticated relationship with King Cheoljong (Kim Jung-hyun). “Mr. Queen” is accessible on Netflix and Tving.
Poster for “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Coronary heart Ryeo” / Captured from themoviedb.org
‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Coronary heart Ryeo’
A serious hit in 2016, “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Coronary heart Ryeo” gained widespread consideration because of its star, singer-songwriter IU. IU performs Hae Soo, a contemporary girl who awakens within the physique of a 16-year-old lady through the Goryeo Dynasty. She turns into romantically concerned with Prince Wang Wook (Kang Ha-neul), whereas one other prince, Wang So (Lee Joon-gi), falls deeply in love together with her. The 21-episode sequence follows Hae Soo as she navigates royal intrigue and tumultuous relationships within the palace. The drama is accessible on Netflix and Watcha.
