Three (3) Historical Period Korean Movies for Your Watchlist

K-drama series are fun and binge-worthy but when you don’t have time, Korean drama movies are also entertaining.

(1) The Magician (2015); Korean movie 2 hours and 2 minutes

Magic, romance, and twists of fate. A magician, Hwan-Hee (played by Yoo Seung-Ho), rescues a princess, Cheong-Myung (played by Go Ara), doomed to a loveless marriage and she brings the true meaning of love into his life. It’s kind of like an enchanting fairy tale. It has magic!

If Only Magic Could Make You Happy

The story film is set during the Joseon Era. Hwan-Hee has a friend from childhood, Bo-Eum (played by Jo Yoon-Hee). When they were young, they escaped from a wicked magician. They found work and mutually protected each other for years. Although Bo-Eum is blind, she is ruthless and controlling. She won’t allow anyone to break the bond that is between her and Hwan-Hee and claims that whatever she does (even if it’s murder) is for their protection and happiness.

If Only Being a Princess Could Make You Happy

In an attempt to maintain good relations between Joseon and the Qing Dynasty, a young princess is being forced into an arranged marriage. Cheong-Myung’s family is very controlling. To them, she is nothing more than a pawn to be used in their power plays. Her happiness does not matter.

Happiness? Both Cheong-Myung and Hwan-Hee are miserably unhappy until they meet each other.

While traveling to meet her husband-to-be the group stops to rest. The princess leaves the group for a walk and is contemplating if death would be better than marriage. Hwan-hee sees her in the forest and tries to save her. Their first encounter results in a misunderstanding. However, despite the major difference in their social statuses, they fall deeply in love.

• Can magic help them change their fate?
• Can their love conquer all?

(2) Monstrum (2018); Korean movies 105 minutes

This historical K-drama is a horror film set in the 16th century, during the reign of King Jungjong (played by Park Hee-Soon).

Real News or Fake News

Even during the Joseon Era, it was hard to distinguish real news from fake news. A deadly plague is killing the people. But there is “news” being spread that a terrifying monstrous creature called “Monstrum” is also roaming around the country and killing people. Monstrum is the direct cause of the deadly plague.

The king does not trust his court officials. He thinks they made up the story. In other words, it’s “fake news” the court officials circulated so that they could control people with fear. They would accuse him of not being a righteous king and that’s the reason for this horrific tragedy. Then when the officials rebelled to replace the king, they would not deemed traitors and accused of treason.

The king does not trust anyone in the palace, so he calls on Yoon Gyeom (played by Kim Myung Min), a trusted general who had retired. The general is assigned to investigate the matter. He must determine once and for all if Monstrum is “real news” or just a figment of someone’s imagination.

(3) The Royal Tailor (2014): Korean movie 127 minutes

In this historical drama, we get a glimpse of the world of royal fashion during the Joseon Dynasty. The film showcased exquisite hanboks, other traditional Korean attire, and some sexy clothes too.

The Fashion World of Joseon is Dangerous

There were certain men were designated to design and make clothing for the members of the royal family, especially the king and queen. Two tailors compete for the honor of being considered the best of the best. Although the story has a tragic ending, it begins on a comical note.

Kong-Jin (played by Ko Soo) is not your ordinary fashion designer and tailor. He’s a bit naughty and designs and sews sexually provocative clothing that women would wear in public. It was scandalous! He was corrupting the morals of the citizens!

On the other hand, he also made tailored clothing for the noblemen and court officials. Before becoming their tailor, the men were wearing clothes that were made as sort of a “one size fits all”. However, if the clothes did not fit, they were not only unflattering but uncomfortable.

Kong-Jin’s work was so good he was recommended to work with Dol-Seok (played by Han Suk-Kyu), the tailor in charge of royal attire. It wasn’t long before the monster of jealousy and envy reared its ugly head. Being the royal tailor is a prestigious position and when they competed, the rivalry between the two master tailors was dangerously intense. It got personal!

The straw that broke the camel’s back was when Kong-Jin designed a dress for the queen to wear to an important diplomatic event. She outshined everyone there and the foreigners who were visiting were impressed. It pleased the king greatly. He was proud that he was able to present his wife, the queen who was a “vision of exquisite loveliness”, to all of those important people. After all, if she looked good, it made him look even better.

Dol-Seok was indignant! Mainly, he was mad at himself for not being the one who designed that gorgeous dress the queen was wearing. Dol-Seok was so outraged that he had been upstaged by someone he considered an upstart, that he set about to destroy him. He would get rid of him even if it meant he had to kill him.

Who knew the Joseon world of fashion was such a dangerous place to work?

“The Royal Tailor” has an interesting storyline with compelling characters and stunning visuals.

Thanks for reading.