Did you know that many countries have folk tales in which a young woman dresses in men's clothes to gain an advantage? The most popular example is probably Mulan. But this idea is not exactly exclusive to the original Chinese ballad (or its Disney adaptation).
Today, most women don't have to pass as the opposite sex to get ahead in life, but the premise still gives writers a lot of exciting possibilities, both action and romance-wise.
Whether you prefer a historical setting or a modern one, South Korean television has done stories with female leads pretending to be male in both. Here are seven of the most acclaimed suggestions.
To the Beautiful You (2012)
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki, Roku, Kocowa
Goo Jae-hee lives in America and has a crush on a young Korean athlete. When the opportunity presents itself, the girl moves to Korea and enrolls in her idol's school. But there's a catch: the school is all-male, so Jae-hee has to pretend to be a boy.
You're Beautiful (2009)
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa
Star Ko Mi-nyeo grew up in an orphanage with her twin brother. Now she is preparing to become a nun. But when her brother becomes a member of an idol boy band and has to secretly leave the country for a month, Mi-nyeo agrees to temporarily step into his shoes.
Splash Splash LOVE (2015)
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki, Roku, Kocowa
Jang Dan-bi is a modern student who doesn't want to take exams. One day, she travels back in time and, after being mistaken for a eunuch, begins serving in the palace. There she discovers two things. First, education is amazing. And second, the king is cute.
Love in the Moonlight (2016)
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki, Roku, Kocowa
Born in the 19th century Joseon Dynasty, Hong Ra-on disguises herself as a male relationship counselor and romance novelist to earn money. One day she runs afoul of some bad guys and is sent to a palace to live as a eunuch. There she meets a crown prince and an unlikely romance begins.
Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010)
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki
This historical romcom is set in a time when common women could not get an education or a job. Kim Yoon-hee's family is struggling, and her brother is too sick to work. So the girl decides to pose as him and take care of the family. To make things even more complicated, Yoon-hee's high intellect is soon noticed and she is sent to study at the university.
The King's Affection (2021)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Roku
Another period drama set in the Joseon era, when having twins was an ominous sign. When a queen gives birth to a boy and a girl, the decision is made to keep the boy as crown prince and hide the girl. As a result, she is adopted by a common family and raised in poverty. But years later, the siblings are reunited and the sister must take her brother's place in the palace.
Coffee Prince (2007)
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki
Go Eun-chan is a tomboy who is often mistaken for a man. She's in desperate need of money, so when an heir to a wealthy family first offers her to pose as his fake boyfriend (he wants the family to think he's gay) and then hires her to work in his all-male coffee shop, she decides not to reveal her true gender and go with the flow.