Looking for captivating historical Korean dramas to watch in 2025? We've got a selection of top picks that showcase the unique appeal of this genre, from the political intrigue of "Queen Woo" set in ancient Goguryeo, to the strategic drama of "Captivating the King" during the Joseon Dynasty. These series offer not just intriguing plots, but also strong characters and performances that will keep you engaged. Here are our top history Korean dramas worth watching this year.

1. Queen Woo

First on our list of top history Korean dramas is "Queen Woo: A Tale of Power and Survival in Ancient Goguryeo," chosen for its gripping portrayal of political intrigue and a strong female lead. Set in the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo, the drama follows Queen Woo (Jeon Jong-seo) as she navigates the treacherous political landscape after the king's sudden death.

She must marry one of the power-hungry princes to survive, amidst a fierce battle among five tribes for the throne. The cast includes Kim Mu-yeol as the enigmatic prime minister Eul Pa-so, and Kim Do-yoon as the king's advisor Song Woo, adding depth to the political drama.

If you're into historical dramas with complex plots and strong female characters, you'll appreciate "Queen Woo." The series offers a thrilling look at power struggles in ancient times, with standout performances that keep viewers engaged.

Watch the trailer here

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2. Captivating the King

Coming in at number two on our list of top history Korean dramas, "Captivating the King" stands out for its rich portrayal of the Joseon Dynasty's political intrigue and a compelling love story. Set during a time of turmoil, the drama follows King Yi In (Jo Jung-suk) as he battles for the throne, while Kang Hee-soo (Shin Se-Kyung), a secret agent, seeks revenge but ends up falling for him. The show uses the game of Baduk to mirror the court's strategic battles, adding depth to the narrative.

If you enjoy historical settings with complex characters and political schemes, you'll appreciate "Captivating the King." Jo Jung-suk and Shin Se-Kyung deliver strong performances, making the drama a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Watch the trailer here

3. My Dearest

"My Dearest" is set during the Qing invasion of Joseon and follows the love story between noblewoman Yoo Gil-chae (Ahn Eun-jin) and mysterious man Lee Jeong-hyeon (Min Nam-koong). The drama explores their emotional connection against the backdrop of war. Other notable characters include Kkeut-soi (Lee Ho-Cheol), Jong Jong-i (Park Jeong-yeon), a slave (Joonsoo Kim), and civil subject Choi Myeong-gil (Kim Tae-hoon).

You might enjoy "My Dearest" if you appreciate historical settings combined with deep romantic narratives. The strong performances, especially by Ahn Eun-jin and Min Nam-koong, add to the drama's appeal, making it a compelling watch for fans of history and romance.

Watch the trailer here

4. Song of the Bandits

"Song of the Bandits" is set during Japan's rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945, focusing on Koreans in Gando, Manchuria. The plot follows Lee Yoon, a former slave turned leader, played by Kim Nam-gil, as he leads a group to fight the Japanese and local bandits. Seohyun plays Nam Hee-shin, involved in the independence movement, while Yoo Jae-myung and Sean Burgos portray Choi Choong-soo, a resistance figure. Lee Hyun-wook plays Lee Kwang-il, Lee Yoon's former master now serving the Japanese, and Lee Ho-jung's Eon-nyeoni stands out for her action scenes.

If you like history and action, you'll enjoy this drama. It blends Western and Korean styles, with strong performances and thrilling fight scenes, though some feel it's too short and the music doesn't fit.

Watch the trailer here Did I miss any of your favorite history kdramas in this list? Let me know in the comments!