Sageuk aka historical drama is a popular genre in K-dramaland. But the focus of these stories (much like the majority of documentary retellings of real historical events) often goes to male characters and their journey to power.
The theme of female empowerment is a comparatively new trend in historical K-dramas, which makes such stories quite rare. If you want a sageuk in which a female character fights her way to recognition and power, here are seven great suggestions.
Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency (2019)
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Disney+, Viki
Let's start with a lesser known and lighter sageuk. Its female lead is a poor runaway slave who does what she has to do to make ends meet and find her missing brother. And there is a secondary female character who is the daughter of a scheming nobleman who aspires to become a queen and gain power for herself.
The King's Affection (2021)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Where to stream: Netflix
Two royal twins are separated at birth, and while the boy becomes the Crown Prince, the girl is thrown out of the palace and raised in poverty. When they grow up, they are reunited and the sister is forced to assume the title and responsibilities of her brother.
Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung (2019)
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Where to stream: Netflix
Set in the early 19th century of the Joseon Dynasty, the drama follows a free-spirited girl, Goo Hae-ryung, who refuses to play by the rules set by society and era, and instead of getting married, focuses on studying, gaining knowledge, and building a career.
Empress Ki (2013-2014)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki, kocowa+
Ki Seung-nyang is a unique girl. Life keeps throwing lemons her way, but she never gives up. Born in one country, she is sent to another as a servant, but manages to escape and grow up to be a strong warrior, pretending to be a boy. As an adult, she is taken from her betrothed and becomes the wife of an emperor, a position she uses to influence politics.
Under the Queen's Umbrella (2022)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Where to stream: Netflix
The drama follows the fictional Joseon Queen Im Hwa-ryeong and her attempts to raise proper crown princesses out of her troublemaking sons while navigating the tumultuous waters of palace life.
Jewel in the Palace (2003-2004)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki, Apple TV, kocowa+
Although older, this period drama is perfect for any female empowerment fan. It focuses on a real person in Korean history, Jang-geum, who lived in the 16th century and managed to go from orphaned kitchen cook to the king's first female physician.
Queen Seondeok (2009)
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Apple TV, Viki, kocowa+
This sageuk is based on the life and struggle for power of the first female ruler in Korean history, Queen Seondeok, from her childhood to the end of her reign. She ruled for 15 years, from 632 to 647, and became one of the most charismatic and memorable figures in Korean history.