South Korea has one of the most vibrant and interesting histories and cultures, and that is why we get so many must-watch sageuk (historical) K-Dramas.
There is really something special about dramas set in the past or stories that focus on monarchies. It is always so cool watching palace political intrigue and the people behind it.
Over the years, we have been introduced to K-Drama princes who truly captured our hearts! And right now, with IU and Byeon Woo Seok’s new K-Drama centered around monarchy, it feels like the perfect time to look back at the princes and kings who made us fall in love.
“Moonshine” (Episodes: 16)
Starting the list with our current favorite actor, Byeon Woo Seok! We love him in modern roles, but we also loved him as the crown prince in “Moonshine!” Here, he plays Lee Pyo, a crown prince living during the strict prohibition era of Joseon. What makes him so charming is that we are used to seeing cold and intimidating princes, but Crown Prince Lee Pyo is different. He stands out because of his playful personality despite having a lonely past.
Through his character, we witness the heavy burden that people in a monarchy have to carry. Even with all that responsibility, he still longs for freedom and genuine connection beyond the palace walls. That is what made him such a lovable and warm prince. Because of this, we cannot deny that he is one of the most memorable K-Drama princes!
“The Forbidden Marriage” (Episodes: 12)
Next, let us talk about our yearner and chaotic king, Lee Heon, played by Kim Young Dae. In “The Forbidden Marriage,” he is a monarch who bans marriage across the nation after losing his beloved crown princess. The drama centers on a marriage ban that lasts for seven long years because the king is still living in deep grief and cannot move on from his first love. His life slowly starts to have color again when he meets a clever con artist who claims she can communicate with the late crown princess.
This is not your usual sageuk because it leans more toward romantic comedy rather than heavy political drama. King Lee Heon is authoritative and knows how to lead his people, but he also has that tsundere charm that we love. He may appear cold and strict on the outside, but he is actually deeply devoted and soft-hearted. Watching him slowly open his heart again is what made us love him even more.
“The Emperor: Owner of the Mask” (Episodes: 40)
Now, let us move on to our resilient and hardworking crown prince, Yi Sun, portrayed by Yoo Seung Ho in “The Emperor: Owner of the Mask.” In this drama, he is forced to hide his face behind a mask to protect himself from a powerful organization that controls the kingdom’s water supply. After a series of events, he switches places with a commoner and begins planning his return to the throne.
This drama has a more serious sageuk tone as Yi Sun grows up carrying the heavy responsibility of saving his people while fighting corruption inside the palace. What I love most about him is his bravery and strong sense of justice. He does not give up. Instead, he chooses to stand up for the common people rather than protect his own comfort. It’s so satisfying to see him fight his way back to his rightful place on the throne.
“Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth” (Episodes: 20)
When talking about amazing character development, we cannot forget Sam Maek Jong, played by Park Hyun Sik in “Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth.” He is a hidden king living under a false identity while secretly observing the kingdom he is meant to rule. His life begins to change when he becomes surrounded by the elite group of young warriors known as the Hwarang.
What makes Sam Maek Jong such an unforgettable king is his journey of growth, friendship, and self-discovery. We see him learn what it truly means to lead. He is a very human king who is not afraid to show his vulnerable side. Watching him grow from a hidden and uncertain king into someone ready to claim his throne is the reason why he became one of our favorite kings.
“Princess Hours” (Episodes: 24)
Saving the best for last, because when we talk about an iconic crown prince, who would not think of Crown Prince Lee Shin from “Princess Hours”? In this beloved royal romance, Ju Ji Hoon plays Crown Prince Lee Shin, a cold and distant heir to the throne in a fictional modern-day constitutional monarchy.
This is one of those romantic comedies that we truly enjoyed, as it shows how a cold and emotionally closed-off prince slowly changes after entering an arranged marriage with an ordinary high school girl. Watching him fall in love, become softer, and slowly learn how to express his feelings made him one of the most unforgettable princes in K-Drama history.
I know you also can’t wait to meet these kings and princes, so don’t worry about where to find their shows because it is all available for streaming on KOCOWA+ with multiple subtitle options!
