Unbelievable K-Dramas Inspired by True Stories You Need to Watch Now!

K-dramas are renowned for their intriguing narratives and multi-layered characters, some of which are based on real-life events. Over the last two decades, Korean television series have been gaining global recognition, largely due to the success of original Netflix series like “Squid Game” and “Sweet Home”. However, the Hallyu phenomenon predates Netflix’s exploitation of this popularity. Amidst a sea of TV shows, K-dramas are increasingly making a mark.

In many cases, you’ll find captivating K-dramas with intricate plots that span multiple genres. From heartwarming romantic Korean series based on inspiring love stories to nail-biting thrillers filled with intense scenes, it might surprise you to know that some of these dramas are actually inspired by real-life events or at least have a basis in reality. K-dramas have mastered the art of storytelling, making it no wonder why so many popular Korean series draw from true events.

15. Reply 1988 (2015)

In simpler terms, the popular historical Korean drama “Reply 1988” is part three of the “Reply” series. It focuses on a group of five friends living in the same neighborhood, each with unique characteristics. Although “Reply 1988” isn’t based on real events, one character, Choi Taek, a skilled Go player, was inspired by the actual Go Player Lee Chang-ho. The Korean show has a warm, everyday life feel because certain elements are drawn from the writer’s personal experiences.

14. Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016)

In the historical drama “Hwarang,” starring renowned South Korean actor Park Seo-joon, we find a tale that while not entirely factual, is rooted in history. The story revolves around an elite group of warriors entrusted with safeguarding the royal family. These warriors, portrayed in “Hwarang,” were inspired by young men from affluent Korean families during the Kingdom of Silla’s reign.

Although the romantic elements and specific events depicted are fictional, the way these warriors are presented is historically accurate. In poems describing the protectors of the royal family from the Kingdom of Silla, they were often portrayed as young and handsome, much like their depiction in the Korean series.

13. Youth Of May (2021)

Much like numerous period pieces, the acclaimed Korean series “Youth of May,” written by Lee Kang, uses actual historical events to weave its narrative. Set in 1980, this captivating drama unfolds the love story between Hee-Tae and Myung-Hee. Although the characters and storyline are fictional, the incidents that transpired during this era are authentic. The series “Youth of May” is set amidst the intensity of the Gwangju Uprising, a tumultuous period in Korean history marked by widespread protests against the military regime. Many citizens were injured during these events.

12. Taxi Driver (2021)

In contrast to how it might appear, the gritty revenge thriller, “Taxi Driver”, is actually rooted in real-life incidents. While the narrative about a taxi driver seeking vengeance on behalf of his passengers is fictional, the criminal acts portrayed in the K-drama were inspired by genuine events. This technique of using real crimes to construct a fictional story isn’t novel, but it effectively lends an air of authenticity and realism to the show.

11. Signal (2016)

The crime-focused Korean drama, “Signal,” carries an air of authenticity due to its roots in real events. While not a literal retelling of true events, the series weaves elements from actual crimes into its narrative. For instance, the Southern Gyeonggi murders portrayed in the show are based on a series of unsolved killings that occurred in Korea. The producer, Kim Won-seok, opted to incorporate these cold cases into the drama as opposed to resolved mysteries, aiming to create a more gripping and intriguing viewing experience.

10. The Red Sleeve (2021)

The 2021 historical romance series titled “The Red Sleeve” is a captivating love story inspired by real individuals. In the Joseon dynasty, Crown Prince Yi San develops feelings for Deok-im, a court lady. However, due to their social differences, they are unable to marry. Instead, he proposes that she becomes his concubine, an offer she initially declines but eventually agrees to. While “The Red Sleeve” is a dramatized version of Yi-san and Deok-min’s relationship, some events depicted in the K-drama, such as Deok-min turning down Yi-si and the sad conclusion, actually occurred in history.

9. D.P. (2021)

In the gripping TV series titled “D.P.”, we follow the harrowing experiences of Private Ahn Jun-ho and Corporal Han Ho-yeol as they track down deserters within the Korean armed forces. As they delve deeper into their investigation, they unearth shocking accounts of brutal bullying and hazing that many soldiers were subjected to. It is important to note that “D.P.” is a dramatized portrayal of actual events, with the corrupt military system depicted in the show being inspired by the real-life experiences of Korean soldiers who shared their struggles during their mandatory military service.

8. Move To Heaven (2021)

Move to Heaven, a gripping and heartfelt series written by Yoon Ji-ryeon of Boys Over Flowers fame, follows the journey of Sang-ju and Geu-ru as they manage their family’s trauma cleanup service. The show was inspired by real-life events from Kim Sae-byul, South Korea’s pioneering trauma cleaner, whose essay collection, The Things Left Behind, sheds light on his experiences in the profession.

Yoon Ji-ryeon closely followed Kim Sae-byul’s footsteps to authentically portray his narrative. Although the incidents depicted in “Move to Heaven” are fictitious, the trauma, authenticity, and emotions are based on genuine experiences.

7. The Hymn Of Death (2018)

The Korean mini series titled “The Hymn of Death” is a dramatized portrayal of a true incident. This K-drama explores the heartrending love affair between Yun Sim-deok, Korea’s initial soprano, and playwright Kim Woo-jin. The series unfolds during Japan’s occupation of Korea, narrating the chilling tale of what transpired between Yun Shim-deok and Kim Woo-jin. Unfortunately, their romance culminated in tragedy when they both chose to take their lives, as shown in the K-drama. To this day, Sim-deok’s Death Song remains well-known in Korea.

6. Juvenile Justice (2022)

The TV series “Juvenile Justice” focuses on the shocking crimes committed by South Korea’s underage population. This thought-provoking K-drama follows Judge Shim Eun-seok, who initially seems to have a prejudice against young people, as he takes on the challenge of presiding over a juvenile court. The series employs a great deal of narrative flexibility in crafting its storyline. However, the crimes depicted in this crime drama, such as the murder of a young girl, are eerily reminiscent of actual events that have occurred.

2025-05-21 06:21