Poster for “Moon River” / Courtesy of MBC
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, notably 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 similar to the lady he misplaced. As the 2 slowly fall in love, an sudden physique swap forces them to reside 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 interesting watch. The sequence is offered on Wavve and Tving in Korea and Viki and Viu abroad.
The Korea Occasions highlights a number of different dramas constructed round these narrative units.
A scene from the drama “The Haunted Palace” / Courtesy of SBS
‘The Haunted Palace’
One other widespread historic fantasy drama from this 12 months, “The Haunted Palace,” follows Yeo-ri (Bona), a robust 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 throughout the royal palace, their souls and our bodies change into entangled. Launched earlier this 12 months, the sequence is offered on Netflix and Viki.
A scene from drama “Alchemy of Souls” / Courtesy of tvN
‘Alchemy of Souls’
The 2022-23 fantasy drama “Alchemy of Souls” follows the story of Nak-su (Jung So-min), a robust murderer whose soul-shifting magic permits her to maneuver between our bodies. Hunted for working towards magic within the kingdom of Daeho, she transfers her soul into the physique of Mu-deok, a blind younger lady she encounters on the road. After the shift, Mu-deok unexpectedly regains her sight and bodily energy, carrying Nak-su’s skills inside her. Jang Wook (Lee Jae-wook), a nobleman from one in all Daeho’s strongest households, tries to assist Mu-deok uncover her true identification, whereas Mu-deok secretly trains him in fight expertise to strengthen his personal powers. “Alchemy of Souls” is offered on Netflix and Tving.
Poster for “The Queen” / Courtesy of tvN
‘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 technique to return to the current, he should additionally navigate palace politics and his difficult relationship with King Cheoljong (Kim Jung-hyun). “Mr. Queen” is offered on Netflix and Tving.
Poster for “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Coronary heart Ryeo” / Courtesy of SBS
‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Coronary heart Ryeo’
A serious hit in 2016, “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Coronary heart Ryeo” gained widespread consideration due to its star, singer-songwriter Lee Ji-eun, also referred to as IU. Lee performs Hae Soo, a contemporary lady who awakens within the physique of a 16-year-old woman in the course of 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 along with her. The 21-episode sequence follows Hae Soo as she navigates royal intrigue and tumultuous relationships within the palace. The drama is offered on Netflix and Viki.
