5 - 1 (best)
A lot of great dramas came out in 2017 especially historical dramas here are my top historical dramas of 2017
5. Rebel: The Thief Who Stole The People
Aired: 30 Jan - 16 May Story is based on real life people and real events
Set during the reign of King Yeongsangun. Hong Gil-Dong is a son of a servant with incredible strength. He would steal from the rich and give to the poor. The people of Joseon join Gil-Dong's side against the King who treated his people poorly for years. Who do you think will win?
This drama is based on a true story which I was not aware of. Gil-Dong represented power and hope to the people of Joseon and would do whatever he could to ensure many people had a happy life. I believe that Gil-Dong would have been an amazing Emperor but he has a heart unlike other people. I loved the friendship and teamwork and how it was presented. Although there were dark and shady moments Gil-Dongs sense of humor brought light and happiness in everyones eyes. I must say the romance and the amazing chemistry had us all fooled. Yes there is going to be romance but is there more than one lover??. I loved the costumes and special effects everything felt so real. I was absolutely blown away by Yoon Kyun-san's performance he finally got the role her deserved.
OR: 8/10 R: Must Watch AP: 5/5 CG: 15+ Episodes: 30
4. The King in Love
Aired: 17 July - 19 Sep Story is based on a Novel
Set in Goryeo dynasty Won is the crown prince of Goryeo who was born to represent peace between Goryeo and Yuan (back then capital of Beijing,Mongolia) his best friend and cousin Wang Ring both becomes friends and fall in love with the daughter of the richest man in Goryeo Eun San. Due to an event that happened years ago Eun San has been hiding her identity as a slave and is rumored to have a scar on her face because of the incident but her identity is eventually discovered. The drama is based on a well known novel.
This drama is not what I expected as I have not read the novel. I was hesitant to watch this drama because of the title as I thought it was a harem drama but I was way off and I don't regret giving this drama a go. The drama started of really strong great characters / performance even the child actors did an amazing job. There were so many mysteries to be revealed and I couldn't wait for the next episode to be released. The chemistry between Wang Rin and Eun San was so good that I was hoping they would be together all the way. In the book it reveals that Eun San would end up with the Prince so I was waiting for disappointment and at least some romance between the Prince and Eun San. The ending I was really not expecting and it didn't really answer our questions. Although this is a great drama I would say it is the most disappointing kdrama of 2017.
OR: 7/10 R: Must Watch AP: 4/5 CG: 15+ Episodes: 40
3. My Sassy Girl (2017)
Aired: 29 May -18 July
Tells a love story between a city scholar named Gyun Woo who is known as "Joseon's national treasure" and the sassy Princess Hye Mung. Gyun Woo becomes the Princess's younger brothers Teacher.
Out of all the usual stereotypical historical kdramas this drama is a hilarious comedy. The Princess is such an hilarious and funny character who loves to pull pranks on people although she is not your stereotypical princess she can come across as silly and dumb but is clever and really caring to the people she deeply cares about. Although this drama may come across as light hearted like all historical dramas it has a dark and shady side. I usually don't like these kinds of character or comedies but I really enjoyed actress Oh Yeon Seo performance. Joo Won nailing every performance as usual. He is one of my favourite versatile actors.
OR: 8.5/10 R: Must Watch AP: 4/5 CG: 13+ Episodes: 40
2. Queen For Seven Days
Aired: 31 May - 3 Aug Story is based on real life people and real events
Queen for Seven Days is based on a true love story / Joeseon tragic legend between King Jung Jong and the dethroned Queen Dang Kung who was dethroned for political matters. The drama tells a story of how there relationship progressed from being friendly teens to adult sweethearts to tragic lovers till their death.
This drama was a really emotional roller coaster and I thought it was similar to Scarlet Heart :Ryeo but better (in my opinion) . The acting and chemistry was so outstanding that I was feeling so many emotions of happiness and sadness to despair. I even pitied the 'evil' characters as they were all going through tough times. Lee Yeok (King Jung Jong) would do anything he could help the kingdom even though he had no power and was awaiting his death when his older half-brother become the Emperor. Although everything he did was at a huge risk. Shin Chae-Kyung (Queen Dang Kung) was aware of it and was willing to take the risks even if it ment leading to her death. The ending had me heartbroken but I was glad that Shin Chae-Kyung was able to see her husband decades later one last time.
OR: 9/10 R: Definitely Must Watch AP: 5/5 CG: 15+ Episodes: 20
1. Ruler: Master of the Mask
Aired: 10 May - 13 July
Set in the 1700s Due to the prince's childish like actions Crown Prince Lee Sun has no choice but to fight against Pyunsoo Hwe, a very powerful organization gaining power over the kingdom. Over time he becomes hope for people who have suffered and starts to gain control and power in order to gain his position back as the Emperor, as the current Fake Emperor wears a mask as it is rumored that the Emperor has a terminal illness. Ga-Eun is a daughter of a former governor who was killed for a crime he didn't commit putting the family name to shame. Ga-Eun is the prince's lover and helps him as a spy inside the kingdom.
Out of all of the Historical dramas that came out in 2017 this is my favourite because it was the most well presented and had great character development. The prince went from being an ordinary spoiled teen to an adult with brains. I loved the female characters in this show. Ga-Eun wasn't just a pretty face she has a brain and great intelligence which is not something you usually see from female characters in an historical kdrama. The acting was amazing from all of the characters. The chemistry and performance between the leads was incredible. Yoo Seung Ho, an amazing performance as usual. I think that that he can convey a lot of emotions that you usually don't see from male actors which makes him stand out. Kim So Hyun did an amazing job she is definitely not a child actress anymore and has a great future ahead of her. I was sad when this drama ended but I was satisfied it was a great story, really well presented and put together.
OR: 10/10 R: Definitely Must Watch AP: 5/5 CG: 15+ Episodes: 40