Simon McEnteggart from the Korean movie review site Hanguk Yeonghwa gives Korvia.com his list of 5 unmissable Korean period dramas.
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Korean period dramas have consistently proved popular amongst audiences, though in recent years there has been a surge in historical films exploring the country’s fascinating past. Typically these films tend to arrive in cinemas around the national holidays of Seolnal (lunar new year) and Chuseok (Korean thanksgiving day).
Interestingly, several of the more recent Korean period have begun to include more erotic scenes depicting scandals of the area…as well as generating plenty of titillation amongst modern audiences.
Here are 5 gorgeous – and quite erotic – unmissable Korean period dramas.
The Servant (2010)
The Servant is a reimagining of the classic tale of Chun-hyang, told from the perspective of servant Bang-ja who falls in love with the beautiful woman far removed from his lowly social status. Although Chun-hyang is to marry a powerful – yet cunning and horrible – nobleman, Bang-ja visits her each night and they begin a lustful and passionate affair.
The Servant launched actress Jo Yo-jeong’s career following her amazing performance as the woman caught between love and honour. (Click here to read the review)
“a wonderfully scandalous melodrama of social inequality and secret sexual liaisons”
The King and the Clown
The King and the Clown is perhaps the most famous and commercially successful Korean period dramas of all time. As the ruthless king begins to go mad, two street performers are forcefully invited to the palace in order to make the ruler laugh. Although they are successful in their task, the king takes a romantic liking to androgynous and delicately feminine actor Gong-gil, sparking gossip that they are in a homosexual relationship.
A wonderful film that helped the reinvigorate gay rights movement in Korea. (Click here to read the review)
“a breathtaking romantic period-drama and one of the highest grossing films in Korean history”
A Frozen Flower
A Frozen Flower is easily the most erotic film in this list. The film tells the story of the king and a member of his elite palace guard, who are involved in a gay relationship. Unfortunately for the king, he is forced to marry a rather beautiful princess, and pressure builds for them to produce an heir. Unable to bed his bride, the king commands his gay lover to take his place instead. Initially outraged, the guard and the queen become lustfully infatuated with each other…as the king’s jealousy grows. (Click here to read the review)
“a wonderfully passionate tale of forbidden love and sexual scandal in the palace”
Untold Scandal
Untold Scandal is based on the classic French novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons), relocated to 18th century Korea. Rich nobleman Sir Jo-won, renowned for his playboy ways and ability to seduce any woman, makes a wager with his devious cousin Lady Jo – he must find and bed the most virtuous widow in the land, Lady Jung. If Sir Jo-won fails, he must spend his remaining days as a monk, though should he succeed, he may also bed Lady Jo. (Click here to read the review)
“a delightfully scandalous and elegant film about seduction and betrayal in 18th century Korea”
Masquerade
Masquerade’s unbelievable success is often credited with kick-starting the increase of period dramas in Korean cinema. The film stars Lee Byung-hun in dual roles as both the king and a pauper. When the king is taken ill following an assassination attempt, his loyal servants command the pauper to act as the royal monarch until his return.
Masquerade is beautifully vibrant and wonderfully shot, and also features Han Hyo-joo as the queen. (Click here to read the review)
“a spectacularly vibrant film with Lee Byung-hun infusing real heart in his dual performances”
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